With ancestral home from Penglai, Shandong, Yu Fei-An was born in Beijing and was also known as "Lao Fei" or "Xian Ren". His gongbi flower-and-bird paintings and calligraphy were deeply influenced by Chen Hongshou and Emperor Huizong of the Song dynasty. Considered as a representative of the modern Jing gongbi flower-and-bird paintings, he revived the gongbi techniques of the Southern and Northern Song Schools. Using traditional techniques as the basis of creation, he incorporated observations from live drawings and the combinations of colours in non-academic paintings. His calligraphy echoes with the shoujin style of Emperor Huizong of the Song dynasty. Strokes were applied with the tip of the brush, putting emphasis on the meticulous application of strokes. Such skills highlight an elegant style with distinct individuality, while paying homage to traditional techniques. His exceptional talent made him rank equal with Chen Zhi-Fo, with a saying "Southern Chen Northern Yu".