Joined the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) at 18; was a Lieutenant Colonel during his mission; he was promoted to Colonel after he landed; the PLA claimed his promotion was approved but wasn't announced before the mission, to not disturb his concentration; Air Force pilot; in 2008 promoted to Major General; graduated from the No 8 Aviation College of the PLA Air Force in 1987 with a bachelor's degree and went on to log 1350 hours of flight experience as a fighter pilot; honorary doctorate from the Chinese University of Hong Kong; selected to the first Chinese cosmonaut (yuhangyuan) detachment; hobbies: swimming, skating and playing at outdoor; currently vice-director of China Astronaut Research and Training Center.