Yu Kuizhi was born in Shenyang City, Liaoning Province, into a typical working-class family, his mother being a music instructor and his father being a level eight fitter.

He was inspired by his mother since he was little, and was the lead singer in his primary school choir.

He laid a solid foundation in all aspects of Peking Opera, and at the age of 13 he had been given a main role as a child in the modern Peking opera, “Da Lu Ge”, which he performed hundreds of times and received positive responses from.

He graduated in 1982 with excellency in all his subjects, and was chosen to be part of the China National Peking Opera Company's No.

[citation needed] During his career, he has cooperated with many other senior Peking Opera artists, and has performed across Asia, Europe and America.