The Chinese team side reached the Final Six at the 2015 World Grand Prix in the United States and finished in fourth place. They won the Asian Volleyball Championship in May for the third consecutive time thanks to a win against Korea. Last year they won the silver medal at the World Championship after losing 3-1 to USA in the final. China have a successful history at the World Cup, winning medals in seven of nine appearances. It is 12 years since they produced a perfect campaign to win all 11 games and take the 2003 title, their third victory at the competition after triumphs in 1981 and 1985. They failed to qualify for the 2007 World Cup then won bronze at the 2011 edition, when defeats to eventual winners Italy and runners-up USA proved decisive. Their record of three gold, one silver and two bronze means they have won more World Cup medals than any other country.

Under the leadership of Olympic hero Lang Ping, China are aiming to replicate the success of the 1980s when Lang was part of a China team that triumphed at the 1984 Olympic Games. The signs of resurgence have been promising and in 2013 they won a silver medal in the World Grand Prix. Their most recent triumph at an international event was in 2004 when they won gold at the Olympic Games.