Baoding Military Academy
After graduating the Baoding Military Academy, Wu Zanzhou went to study in Japan. After returning to China, he belonged to the Zhili clique of General Sun Chuanfang. When Sun intercepted the National Revolutionary Army which engaged in Northern Expedition, Wu was appointed as the commander of the 6th Mixed Brigade of the 2nd Army, Anguojun (). In 1926, when Sun was defeated by the National Revolutionary Army, Wu escaped to Tianjin. Later he came back to his hometown.