Born in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China, he was a music educator and composer. In 1930, he enrolled in the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, studying composition under Huang Zi and piano under Boris Zakharoff. During his studies, he composed numerous songs and piano works. His creative output also spanned a wide range of genres, including film and theatrical music.

He founded the "Shan'ge Society" and dedicated many years to researching and collecting Chinese folk music. His musical compositions prominently feature characteristics of folk music.

He served as a professor and vice-president at the Central Conservatory of Music.

Awards

In 1934, he was awarded second prize in the "Chinese Style Piano Works Competition" organized by Alexander Tcherepnin.