Xia Liye (1935) is from Huantai, Shandong Province. After his graduation from the Stage Design Department of the Central Drama Academy in 1961, Xia was assigned work with the Beijing Municipal Hebei Bangzi (Clapper) Opera Troupe. In 1963, he transferred to the Guangzhou Military Region Warrior Spoken Theatre Troupe, where he remained employed.

Xia is known for his block prints and stage designs.