Born in Da'an, Jilin Province, Wang joined the PLA in February 1968. He then served as chief of staff of the 40th army corps. In December 2001, he was elevated to commander of the 40th army corps. He became the chief of staff of the Lanzhou Military Region in December 2003, and was promoted to commander of the Region in June 2007. He attained the rank of Lieutenant General in July 2005, and was a member of the 17th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China.