Chen Zhongyi (1933-2003) was from Wuqiao, Hebei Province. In 1958, he graduated from the Chinese Painting Department of the Lu Xun Art Academy and in 1962, he graduated again, this time from the Chinese Painting Research Class of the Beijing Painting Academy. He later served as a professor in the Chinese Painting Department of the Lu Xun Art Academy.

Chen's specialty was Chinese painting.