 It is known that his father was Wang Wujun, who was, around or sometime after his birth, an officer serving under the general Li Baochen, the military governor ("Jiedushi") of Chengde Circuit, and that he was Wang Wujun's oldest son.Wang Shizhen had at least three younger brothers, Wang Shiqing (), Wang Shiping (), and Wang Shize ().It was said that Wang Shizhen became a fierce soldier in his youth and was capable in strategies.