Wang Qiang was born on January 16, 1975, in Budayuan Town, located in Liaoning Province, China. He grew up in a small village called Kaiyuan. Wang's early life was troubled. His father struggled with addiction to alcohol and gambling. He was abusive towards Wang's family, both physically and emotionally. Because of this, Wang often faced a harsh home life. Due to his father's actions, he was denied the chance to go to school and get an education.

As a result of the abuse at home, Wang eventually chose to leave. He found himself living on the streets. This was a difficult time for him. In 1990, while he was in Shenyang Railway Station Square, a group of fellow beggars attacked him. They surrounded him and beat him badly, leaving him close to death. After this incident, Wang was placed in a police station.

After a few days there, an older man took Wang in. This man provided him with food and shelter. He also told Wang that begging would not help him survive. Instead, he suggested that stealing would help him get ahead in life. Wang listened to this advice and began to pickpocket. Most of the money he stole went to the man who was helping him.

In June 1991, Wang stole a wallet. As a consequence of his actions, he was sent to a labor camp for two years. This marked a significant turn in Wang's young life, as his struggles continued to deepen after his release.

Wang Qiang committed his first confirmed murder on January 22, 1995. He was responsible for a total of 45 murders, alongside 10 rapes and 34 robberies. Most of his crimes took place in public parks. His attacks were often sudden. He would target men unexpectedly and rob and rape his female victims. Some of the young girls were raped after their deaths.

On July 6, 2000, in Xutai Village, Wang saw a family of three sleeping. He attacked them and used a pickaxe to smash their heads. He then raped the young girl after she was dead. Wang claimed to have started killing in 1992, but this was not confirmed.

Wang was arrested on July 14, 2003. His arrest came after his accomplices implicated him. The police interrogated him for a year and a half. During this time, Wang gradually confessed to his crimes. He cooperated with investigators and helped them find the locations of his attacks.

Wang was sentenced to death on March 23, 2005, for his murders. He was executed by firing squad on November 17, 2005.