Born in China, Ying first played hockey in Beijing, moving to the United States at age 9 to further his career.

After two years at Exeter, Ying signed with the Toronto Patriots of the Ontario Junior Hockey League (OJHL), where he played for the remainder of the 2015–16 season.

[3] On August 16, 2016, Ying signed a two-year contract with Kunlun Red Star of the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL).

Despite China's loss in the finals, Ying gave a dominant individual performance, leading the tournament with 19 points (9 goals and 10 assists) in 5 games.

[9] His great-great-grandfather Ying Lianzhi (英敛之; 1867–1926) was the founder of Takungpao and Fu Jen Catholic University.

[11] His great-great-maternal grandfather Cai Rukai (蔡儒楷; 1867–1923) was president of National Beiyang University.