Early Life and Education of Xi Jinping: A Complete Timeline
Discover the defining moments in the early life of Xi Jinping. From birth to education, explore key events.
Xi Jinping is the current paramount leader of China, holding the positions of General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and Chairman of the Central Military Commission (CMC) since 2012, and President of China since 2013. He is a member of the fifth generation of Chinese leadership and the first CCP General Secretary born after the establishment of the People's Republic of China.
1949: Father held posts after PRC founding
In 1949, after the founding of the PRC, Xi Jinping's father, Xi Zhongxun, held a series of prominent posts.
1952: Birth of Sister Qi An'an
In 1952, Xi Jinping's sister, Qi An'an, was born.
June 1953: Xi Jinping was born
In June 1953, Xi Jinping was born in Beijing, the third child of Xi Zhongxun and Qi Xin.
1963: Father Purged from CCP
In 1963, when Xi Jinping was 10 years old, his father was purged from the CCP and sent to work in a factory.
May 1966: Cultural Revolution Halts Education
In May 1966, the Cultural Revolution cut short Xi Jinping's secondary education.
1968: Father Imprisoned
In 1968, Xi Jinping's father was imprisoned, and Xi submitted an application to leave Beijing for the countryside.
January 13, 1969: Arrived in Liangjiahe Village
On January 13, 1969, Xi Jinping arrived in Liangjiahe Village, Yan'an, Shaanxi, as part of Mao Zedong's Down to the Countryside Movement.
1973: Assigned to Zhaojiahe Village
In 1973, Yanchuan County assigned Xi Jinping to Zhaojiahe Village to lead social education efforts, later returning to Liangjiahe Village in July.
1974: Approved to Join Chinese Communist Party
In early 1974, Xi Jinping's application to the Chinese Communist Party was approved.
1975: Recommended to Tsinghua University
In 1975, Xi Jinping was recommended for admission to Tsinghua University and began studying chemical engineering.
1979: Graduated from Tsinghua University
In 1979, Xi Jinping graduated from Tsinghua University with a degree in chemical engineering.
1987: Marriage to Peng Liyuan
In 1987, Xi Jinping married Peng Liyuan, a prominent Chinese folk singer.
1992: Washington Post Interview
In 1992, The Washington Post journalist Lena H. Sun interviewed Xi Jinping, then CCP secretary of Fuzhou, describing him as at ease, confident, and talking without notes.
2011: Outlining Vision for Chinese Soccer
In 2011, Xi Jinping outlined a vision to transform China into a soccer superpower, including qualifying for, hosting, and winning a World Cup.
2011: Washington Post Article Description
In a 2011 The Washington Post article, those who knew Xi Jinping described him as "pragmatic, serious, cautious, hard-working, down to earth and low-key."
2012: Showcasing Soccer Technique in Ireland
During a visit to Ireland in 2012 as China's vice-president, Xi Jinping showcased his soccer technique at Croke Park.
March 2014: Peng Liyuan Hosts Michelle Obama
In March 2014, Peng Liyuan hosted U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama during her visit to China, marking a more visible role as China's "first lady."
2015: Approval of 50-Point Soccer Plan
In 2015, Xi Jinping approved China's 50-point plan for soccer, integrating it into the national school curriculum and establishing soccer schools.
2015: Daughter's Graduation from Harvard
In 2015, Xi Jinping's daughter, Xi Mingze, graduated from Harvard University, where she studied under a pseudonym.
2023: Doubts About National Soccer Team
In 2023, Xi Jinping expressed uncertainty about the abilities of the national soccer team.
2025: Planned soccer school completion
By 2025, the plan to set up 50,000 soccer schools in the country was planned to be completed.
