Born in Shanghai into a family of musicians. As a child, he learnt the violin, piano and trombone. At the age of 11, he was enrolled at the Specialised High School for Music in Shanghai. This was followed by studies in composition, conducting and music theory at the Berlin University of the Arts, all of which he completed. In addition to his artistic activities, he published numerous essays and gave lectures. After teaching in various cities, he has been working at the Basel University of Music since 2009.
