Yinzhi was born in the Aisin Gioro clan as the fifth son of the Kangxi Emperor.
His mother was Consort Hui (惠妃) from the Yehe Nara (葉赫那拉) clan as well as a relative of the eminent official, Mingju.
Yinzhi participated in the Qing Empire's campaign against Galdan Boshugtu Khan of the Zunghar Khanate.
In 1708, the Kangxi Emperor removed Yinreng from his position as Crown Prince.
The Kangxi Emperor believed the rumours and was so furious with Yinzhi (First Prince) that he called his son a "treacherous subject" and stripped him off his princely title and placed him under house arrest.