Li Yan was born in the countryside of Xindian District, Weiyuan County. After graduating from high school, Li Yan went to work in the locomotive depot of Zizhong. He studied while working and was admitted to Sichuan Jiaotong University. After graduating from college, he was assigned to work in Rong County, Sichuan Province. After working in Rongxian for many years, Li Yan started a company called Zigong Huatong Road and Bridge Company, whose main business is road and bridge construction. After the establishment of Sichuan Huatong Investment Holding Co., Ltd., Tengzhong Heavy Industry, the holding company, surfaced due to the acquisition of Hummer.