Raised in Shanghai, Li Yitai began his artistic training in 1956 at Zhejiang Fine Art Academy. Following graduation, he stayed with the school as a professor. He works in a specific woodblock technique known as water printing. These prints have a watercolor-like effect, achieved by wetting the paper before the color is applied. In addition, Li Yitai acts as the vice president of the Zhejiang Printmakers Association and belongs to the Chinese Art Association. His works have been exhibited internationally and belong to the permanent collection of the British Museum.