1977  
Born in Jilin province
2002  
Graduated from the Oil Painting Department of  LuXun Academy of Fine Arts (BA)
2005  
Graduated from the Oil Painting Department of  LuXun Academy of Fine Arts (MA)
Currently lives and works in Beijing

Solo Exhibitions
2008
Quotidian Truths: Paintings by Li Yan   Morono Kiang Gallery，Los Angeles, America
2007
Accident –Li Yan solo show, Platform China, Beijing, China

Selected Group Exhibitions
2008
Self-Experience: Young Artists Group Show, Platform China, Beijing, China
2007 
First Venice Cyber Biennale, Beijing, China
2005 
The Second Chengdu Biennale, Chengdu Contemporary Art Museum, Chengdu, China
2004 
The 10th National Fine Arts Exhibition - Oil Painting Exhibition, Guangdong Art Museum, Guangzhou, China
Zhenxing Northern East Industry District Fine Arts Exhibition, Liaoning Art Museum, Shenyang, China
2002  
Graduation Exhibition of Eight Fine Arts Academies, He Xiang Ning Art Museum, Guangdong, China