Zhang Xiwu (1927) was born in Hewen, Hebei Province. He was taught at home and joined the revolution in 1944, engaging in propaganda work. In 1953, he joined the Tianjin Art Work Offfice and became art editor at the editorial office of the Tianjin Illustrated (Tianjin huabao, 天津画报). He transferred to the Tianjin People's Fine Arts Publishing House in 1956 to become head of the pictorial stories editorial office. His last transfer was in 1974, when Zhang became deputy head of the Tianjin Yangliuqing Print Company and its main editor.

Zhang is well-versed in New Year pictures.