Born in Yixing, Jiangsu, Xu Beihong studied at the National Central University in Nanjing before traveling to Europe in 1919. He spent several years in France, where he studied at the École Nationale Supérieure des Beaux-Arts in Paris, gaining a deep understanding of Western oil painting and classical composition.

Upon returning to China, Xu became a central figure in the modernization of Chinese art education. He advocated for the integration of Western perspective and anatomical precision into the traditional Chinese painting curriculum. His work often featured subjects such as horses, birds, and figures, rendered with a blend of bold, calligraphic brushwork and realistic modeling.

Xu Beihong remains a foundational figure in 20th-century Chinese art history. His legacy continues to be recognized through the high demand for his works in international auction markets, where his paintings are frequently featured in major sales of Chinese art.