Born into a well-off family with generations of scholars in the Pearl River Delta region in Guangdong province of Qing dynasty China, Li received a solid education in classical Chinese literature at a very early age.

He took every opportunity while he was studying in Beijing to meet up with famous painters and collectors so as to increase his exposure to the precious legacy of the world of Chinese paintings.

The 34 years old Headmaster brought with him new blood and new ideas into the College, his contribution was especially prominent in the expanding and ameliorating of the department of Chinese painting.

However, Li did not give up on his painting career while taking refuge in various cities including Hong Kong and Macau, where fortunately he was patronised by a few of his wealthy admirers.

This was the last painting he had made in his hometown, soon he left for Guangzhou and re-established himself in the next three years as a top ranking guohua painters through participating in various art promotion activities and joint exhibitions.

Li Yanshan originally planned for a short trip to Hong Kong in the summer of 1948, which turned out to be his final settlement.

Due to the fact that he only spared little time to give painting lessons and set demanding prerequisite for admission, not very many could become his students.