Born in Xinzhi, Taiwan. Li Zefan was graduated from Taipei Normal School where he was instructed by Ishikawa Kinichiro. In 1929, he work "Sunset" was honored by Taiwan Watercolor Painting Association and first gained public attention. In 1930, Li set forth to Japan for advanced studies, and after he went back to Taiwan, he began traveling and concentrated on paintings. Li also devoted himself to education in Xinzhu Normal School, and he was regularly invited to judge for several art exhibitions in Taiwan. Li passed away at the age of 82 in 1989.