Yonfan is a photographer, director and writer in Hong Kong, China. He has not only created many excellent films that are renowned at home and abroad, but also acts as a photographer, writer and collector. He was once devoted to music and dance. No matter onstage or offstage, his life has been embracing golden years.

In 1968, Yonfan went to the United States to study film. After returning to China in 1973, he started his career for professional photography and film creation. He successively founded Far-sun Film Company Ltd. and Yonfan Studio, becoming a famous photographer. In 1984, he transformed to directing with the release of his debut feature film, A Certain Romance, both written and directed by him. In 1985, his film Story of Rose, adapted from Yi Shu's bestselling novel in the same name, received huge response.

In 1995, he shifted his camera to more challenging themes, and directed the film Bugis Street, which was nominated in the Panorama section at the 62nd Berlin International Film Festival. In 1998, Bishonen, both written and directed by Yonfan, was nominated for the 35th Golden Horse Award for the Best Art Direction category. In 2001, his feature film Peony Pavilion was selected as one of “The 10 Best Movies of 2001” by Time magazine, and won the 21st Hong Kong Film Awards for Best Costume & Make Up Design. In 2003, his documentary Breaking the Willow attended the special screening of the 60th Venice International Film Festival. In 2009, his feature film Prince of Tears was nominated in Competition of the 66th Venice International Film Festival.

Besides, he has been dedicated to writing. His publications include the Intermission, Intoxication, Incantation, Fu Hwa, Liu Jin, Romantica, etc. His essays, collection of short stories and memoirs of world films have also been published around the world in various languages such as Chinese, English and Japanese.