Cao Fuluan (1935) is from Shanghai. In 1958, he graduated from the Fine Arts Department of Nanjing Normal University and he was sent to work in the Jiangsu Provincial Branch of the Chinese Artists Association. He transferred to the Nanjing Arts Institute in 1960, where he is assistant professor in the Design Teaching and Research Office in the Industrial Arts Department.

Cao is known for his water colors, for which he was awarded prizes. His work is included in the collection of the China Art Gallery.