Yan Lüji studied architecture at Tongji University in Shanghai. He joined gmp · von Gerkan, Marg and Partners Architects in Shanghai in 2008, where he has since led projects in the fields of sports, cultural, office, and industrial architecture. Projects realized under his direction include the Suzhou Olympic Sports Center, Suzhou No. 2 Library, and the Kunshan Olympic Sports Center. He is currently overseeing the planning of the Olympic Sports Center in Wuxi.