Li started to skate when he was five years old, inspired by Lu Chen (who was to become a 1995 World Champion and two time Olympic Bronze medalist). Li watched Chen skate at the local ice rink. His parents were both skaters and are now working as coaches. Li is the first Chinese man to win an ISU Championship (Four Continents 2001). He has landed quadruple toeloops and quadruple Salchows in competition.