In 1967, he graduated from the Central Academy of Fine Arts Preparatory School.
In 1987, Ai spent a year in the United States, visiting academics at Oklahoma City University.
[3] While there he was able to meet with several famous artists, and hosted his own personal exhibition.
[1] Ai is currently based in Beijing and is a member of the China Artists Association.
Ai Xuan (also known as GuiGui by his closer family members) currently resides in Beijing with his wife Jin Tao and daughter Ai Jiayi.