Born in Chengdu on 18 April 1958, he started learning qin from his maternal grandfather, Yu Shaoze, from 1972 at the recommendation of his mother.

Zeng's lineage can be traced directly to the founder of the modern Shu School, Zhang Kongshan (張孔山) of the 19th century, through the Ye Jiefu (葉介福) branch.

He has also taught many students, some from outside China, in particular through the London Youlan Qin Society in the United Kingdom for five years at their annual summer school program.

His patronage is Prof. Li Xiangting, who praised his qin making skills, comparing them to the Tang dynasty maker, Lei Wei.

He is quoted in Zeng's CD (translated by Yip Mingmei): "[His qins] are of top quality, with antique form based on a high standard."

In the sleeve notes, Yip Mingmei describes his playing as "smooth but not decorated, energetic but not forced, his touch is firm and the tone color emitted is full and bright.