Who Is Li Wenliang? Age, Biography and Wiki
Li Wenliang was born on October 12, 1985, in Wuhan, China. He attended the Wuhan University where he completed his medical degree, specializing in ophthalmology. Unfortunately, he passed away on February 7, 2020, at the young age of 34 due to complications related to COVID-19. Despite his brief life, Li became a symbol of medical ethics and free speech after sounding the alarm about the virus that would lead to a global pandemic. His legacy endures, inspiring many healthcare professionals and activists worldwide.
| Occupation | Physicians |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | October 12, 1985 |
| Age | 34 Years |
| Birth Place | Beizhen, Jinzhou, Liaoning, China |
| Horoscope | Libra |
| Country | China |
| Date of death | 7 February, 2020 |
| Died Place | Wuhan, Hubei, China |
Popularity
Li Wenliang's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
- Height: Estimated around 5 feet 8 inches (173 cm)
- Weight: Approximately 154 lbs (70 kg)
- Body Stats: While specific body measurements are not publicly documented, his experience as a medical professional reflected a life of dedication and diligence.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Li Wenliang was married and is survived by his wife, who was his partner throughout his medical journey. They had a son together who was born in 2018. Given the circumstances surrounding his unexpected passing, discussions regarding his relationships have mostly revolved around his commitment to family and his professional responsibilities.
His parents were former state enterprise workers and both lost their jobs in the 'wave of laid-offs' in the 1990s. He attended Beizhen High School and graduated in 2004 with an excellent academic record. He attended Wuhan University School of Medicine as a clinical medicine student in a seven-year combined bachelor's and master's degree program.
He joined the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) in his second year. His mentor praised him as a diligent and honest student. His college classmates said he was a basketball fan.
Net Worth and Salary
Li Wenliang’s net worth, before his passing, was primarily attributed to his medical career. As a government-employed physician and a specialist, his estimated annual salary ranged around $50,000 - $70,000. Posthumously, his legacy and the influence of his actions have garnered international recognition, although specific net worth figures have not been publicly disclosed following his death.
Career, Business and Investments
Li Wenliang's career was dedicated to ophthalmology, primarily within Wuhan Central Hospital. His significant contributions in the field of eye care made him a respected figure amongst peers. He also faced challenges regarding health care transparency and government censorship, particularly when he attempted to warn his colleagues about the early signs of COVID-19, which ultimately led to his ideological conflicts with local authorities.
In terms of business or investment, Li did not appear to engage in any entrepreneurial ventures, focusing instead on his medical profession and community health care.
Social Network
Li Wenliang's story has resonated on multiple social media platforms, gaining both followers and advocates for transparency in public health. As of 2025, his legacy is celebrated through numerous online tributes and commemorations. Current movements addressing whistleblower protections and health care accountability often invoke his name as a rallying point for reform.
Li was dubbed a whistleblower when that shared report later circulated publicly, despite his messaging to his alumni WeChat group to not spread the message outside of the group with the exception to only "remind their family members and loved ones to be on the alert". Li did not appear to have intentions of warning the wider public.
Rumors of a deadly SARS outbreak subsequently spread on Chinese social media platforms; Wuhan police summoned and admonished him and seven other doctors on 3 January for "making false comments on the Internet about unconfirmed SARS outbreak."
Education
Li completed his undergraduate degree at Wuhan University, later specializing in ophthalmology. His educational background equipped him with the skills necessary to provide critical medical care. Additionally, he continued to pursue further medical education and training throughout his career, striving for excellence in his field.
As we reflect on Li Wenliang's life in 2025, his legacy remains a prominent reminder of the critical importance of free speech in science and medicine, prompting ongoing conversations about ethical practices in public health.
On 30 December 2019, Wuhan Centres for Disease Prevention and Control (Wuhan CDC) issued emergency warnings to local hospitals about a number of mysterious "pneumonia" cases discovered in the city in the previous week.
On the same day, Li, who worked at the Central Hospital of Wuhan, received an internal diagnostic report of a suspected severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) patient from other doctors, which he in turn shared with his Wuhan University alumni through a WeChat group.
