Wu Xianchun (1928) is from Chun'an, Zhejiang Province. He started his studies in 1950 at the National Art School in Hangzhou and graduated in 1954 from the Applied Arts Department of the Central Art Academy. After graduation he worked in the Design Office of the East China Weaving Management Office in Shanghai. In 1957, he transferred to the Design Office of the National No. 1 Printing and Dying Factory, an institution where he remained for the rest of his active life.

Although Wu is an industrial designer by profession - mainly in textiles -, he is known for his propaganda art and New Year prints as well.