中国人民解放军国防大学
Chen was born into a military family in Jinan, Shandong, the daughter of Chen Kemin (), a professor at PLA National Defence University. Her elder brother Chen Zhun () is a fashion photographer. Chen graduated from Shandong University of Arts in 1987, majoring in drama. After graduation, she was assigned to the People's Liberation Army Air Force Drama Group as an actress.