She started her visual art practice with the painting medium in her teens. From 1982-1986, she participated in a 4-year program of professional study in painting at the primary art school affiliated to Xi'an Academy of Fine Arts. From 1989-1992, she continued painting and completed her BFA at Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing.

In 1998, she went to New York with a grant and fellowship from the Asian Cultural Council. From 1998-2001, she completed her MFA at the School of Visual Arts in New York with a chairman grant from SVA.