Leizu is believed to have been born in Xiling, a region whose exact location is debated but generally placed somewhere in modern-day Sichuan province. While details surrounding her birth are scarce due to the era's reliance on oral tradition and later written accounts, her origins in Xiling are consistently maintained, linking her to a specific geographical area and perhaps, to pre-existing knowledge or traditions related to the local flora and fauna.

Leizu's life took a significant turn when she became the wife of the Yellow Emperor, Huangdi, one of the Five Emperors and a pivotal figure in Chinese mythology. This union was not merely a personal connection; it symbolized the merging of different tribal or clan groups, contributing to the formation of a unified Chinese civilization. Her marriage to the Yellow Emperor elevated her status significantly and placed her at the center of political and cultural developments.