Shang was born on 18 March 1996. She grew up in a very poor family, and she was malnourished as a child. Both of Shang's parents are construction workers in Changsha. She has a brother who has a visual impairment, and her biggest hope is to earn enough money to cure her brother's eyesight. She bought a house for her brother in Changsha after winning 163,425 USD from the 2013 Chinese National Games. Her brother, Shang Lei, said, “My sister said it’s for me when I get married. She paid down most of the payment, and I’m working hard as well." When told of his sister's winnings, Shang Lei said, “It doesn't matter how much the prize money is, I just want my sister to smile more.”