Li Kai graduated from the Central Academy of Fine Arts in Beijing in 1967.

In 1974, during the Cultural Revolution, he was assigned to the Forbidden City as a restorer.

While he lived in the Forbidden City, he followed the same path every day and passed several gates which left a mark on him. Hence, most of his works represent the gates of this mysterious place.

Exhibitions of his work were held in Japan, France, USA, Australia, Singapore, Mexico and Hong Kong.