Li Qiang was born in Rui'an, Zhejiang in July 1959. He had a humble beginning as a worker in the Irrigation Pump Station and the Third Tool Factory in Rui'an County before pursuing higher education.

In 2000, Li Qiang became the director and party secretary of the Zhejiang Provincial Government's Bureau of Administration for Industry and Commerce, showcasing his early leadership roles.

After the 18th CCP National Congress, Li became the acting governor of Zhejiang on December 21, 2012, succeeding Xia Baolong. He was officially elected as governor on January 30, 2013.

In 2014, Li proposed that the host city in Zhejiang turn into a pilot zone for unblocking China's strict internet controls for Western firms, an idea that was ultimately not approved by the central leadership.

On June 30, 2016, Li was named party secretary of Jiangsu province, becoming the shortest serving Jiangsu party secretary in the history of the People's Republic.

On October 29, 2017, Li was appointed as the party secretary of Shanghai. He was also appointed as a member of the CCP Politburo in the same year.

In October 2022, Li Qiang was elevated to the second-ranking member on the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) Central Committee Politburo Standing Committee.

On 19 June 2023, Li started a trip to Germany, his first trip overseas as premier, where he held meetings with top German officials and CEOs of large German companies.

On 21 June 2023, Li travelled to France and met with French president Emmanuel Macron, prime minister Élisabeth Borne, and European Council president Charles Michel.

Between 5 and 8 September, Li visited Jakarta, Indonesia, where he met with various ASEAN leaders and pledged new Chinese investment in Indonesia.

Between 9 and 10 September, Li attended the G20 New Delhi summit, representing China and meeting various world leaders.