Born in Minhou, Fujian Province, Qiu grew up in Shānyīn Village, Shaoxing Subprefecture, Zhejiang Province. In 1905, Qiu joined Guangfuhui led by Cai Yuanpei, and the Tokyo-based Tongmenghui led by Sun Yat-sen. After the Xu Gao-led uprising failed, Qiu was tortured by Qing officials in order to make her reveal secrets. However she did not succumb, and she was publicly executed at 32 years old in her home village, Shānyīn . She was an eloquent orator who spoke out for women's rights, such as the freedom to marry and against bound feet.

Qiu is now buried beside West Lake in Hangzhou, the People's Republic of China established a museum for her in Shaoxing City.