Wei Yan was born in Beijing, China.

After having completed his bachelor of arts degree at Beijing Capital Normal University (which focuses on the Fine Arts department), he studied at Seneca College in Toronto, Canada. His works have been collected from North America, Europe, and China, and he also has won many professional art awards.

He is currently the vice chairman of the Chinese Overseas Artists Association, a member of the Portrait Society of America, and a member of Portrait Society of Canada. His art works are represented by different art galleries across Toronto, Ontario.