Yan Yaya is a Chinese artist born to the ethnic man group in 1964 in Shaanxi, China. In the year 1985, she graduated from Gansu Northwest National Institute and was appointed as a designer for Gansu Museum. Later she worked as an assistant lecturer and instructed students in various mediums. Currently she is working as an art lecturer in the Capital University of Educator.

In 1985 she got ‘best young artist’ award. Since then she has received a lot of awards for her artistic works. Her paintings mostly depicts and showcases Chinese culture and social life. Her works can be seen in many art galleries and museums around the world.