She learned martial arts from her father, Fang Zhengdong, a lay Shaolin disciple.

[2] Martial arts scholars and academics have noted a similarity between Fang Qiniang's story and that of Yim Wing-chun, the female figure credited as creator of Wing Chun, as espoused by the Ip Man lineage.

It is agreed that Fang and Fujian White Crane Kung Fu came to existence before Wing Chun and its legend.

[1] According to the legend, Fang Qiniang was born in Lishui, Zhejiang, China, during the Ming dynasty.

During that time, the Qianlong Emperor ordered the destruction of Southern Shaolin Temple and the death of all Ming revolutionaries.