SHAN Jianning was born in Nanjing in 1954 and is originally from Shouguang, Shandong Province. He started painting in 1996, first learning from the Jiezi Garden, then learned from Lu Yanshao, Huang Binhong, Fu Baoshi, Yaming and Song Wenzhi.

He specialises in Lujia shanshui. He has published numerous works in various media over the decades and has participated in many large exhibitions and won awards. He is dedicated to the study of traditional culture and art. Now living in New Zealand, he is dedicated to the expansion and innovation of traditional painting. He is currently a member of the Nanjing Branch of the Chinese Artists Association, a director of the Overseas Chinese Painting and Calligraphy Institute of Jiangsu Province, and vice president of the Wang Xizhi Painting and Calligraphy Institute.