Cao Ruixiang was born in Shanghai. In 1962, he graduated from Shanghai Light Industry School of Fine Arts. Since young, he is fond of painting. During schooling days, he was inspired by his art teachers, Li Yongsen, and Huang Youwu. He enjoys creating artworks paintings flowers and birds in his forty years of journey in art.  He is currently the vice chairman of the Chinese and Western Art Association. Cao is also the senior artist and consultant of Shanghai Jiao Tong University Oriental Arts Exchange Centre. He prefers a fusion of East and West in his paintings, working with bold styles and vibrant colours. His works have been widely published in newspapers.