1962
Born in Wendeng City, Shandong Province, China
1962
Studied the art of calligraphy
1962
Studied watercolour painting with Wu Bingnian
1962
Specialised in painting at Laiyang Normal School, Shandong Province
1990
Enrolled in the Central Academy of Fine Arts Calligraphy Research Centre
Present Currently living in Beijing, China
 
Solo Exhibitions
2007
“Starting from Chinese Characters – Exhibition of Shao Yan’s Chinese
2007
Character Art,” Beijing 3 Art Gallery
2003
“Shao Yan’s Art,” Shenzhen, China
2002
“Shao Yan’s Calligraphy Art,” Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
1992
“Shao Yan’s Modern Calligraphy,” Art Museum of China Central Academy of Fine Arts
 
Exhibitions
2008
”I Am in It: Contemporary Chinese Art Expressions”, Florida Gulf Coast University (Florida Jan-Feb), and Alisan Fine Arts (Hong Kong Dec. 08 – Jan. 09)
2006
“China ‘Art Calligraphy’ Power 100 Art Exhibition,” China National Museum of Fine Arts
2005
The First International Calligraphy Biennial, Seoul, Korea Chinese Character Scheme, Hangzhou
2002
First Nominated Fashion Calligraphy Exhibition, Beijing, China
2001
“International Calligraphy Literature Exhibition,” Taiwan, China
1999
Mustering the Troops in Sichuan - Chinese Modern Calligraphy Retrospective, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
1998
The First Chinese Calligraphy Exhibition in Paris, France
1998
Brushed Voices: Calligraphy in Contemporary China, Columbia University Wallach Art Gallery
1997
Seventh China National Art Exhibition of Young and Emerging Artists (First Prize), China National Museum of Fine Arts
1995
Sixth China National Art Exhibition of Middle-Aged and Young Artists (First Prize), China National Museum of Fine Arts
1989
First International Youth Calligraphy Exhibition, China National Museum of Fine Arts
1986
Second National Art Exhibition of Middle-Aged and Young Artists (Outstanding Prize), China National Museum of Fine Arts
 
Bibliography
Three Swordsmen Modern Calligraphy Collection
Best Works of Modern China's Ten Best Young Calligraphers, Shao Yan
Selected Works of Calligraphers Nominated by Today Art Museum - Shao Yan
 
Collections
H. Christopher Luce Collection, US
Northern East Bank Group, Italy
Art Commune, Hong Kong
Sidney University, Australia
Jizhenzhuang Art Gallery, Malaysia
Shanghai International Exhibition Center, China
Today Art Museum, China
Art Museum of China Central Academy of Fine Arts, China