Zhimin Yu was born in Beijing, China.  She started learning pipa at an early age.  While studying as a student, she was chosen to perform for foreign states’ guests and leaders.  Yu joined the China Broadcast Performing Arts Troupe and became very active in Beijing.  Yu also performed in the Asian Arts Festival in Hong Kong and Japan.  Later, she immigrated to Canada where she continues her musical career.  She plays in many groups and has performed in major cities in Canada and the United States and had concert tours in Britain, France, Holland, Hawaii, Indonesia, Philippines, Malaysia and Hong Kong. She has performed in festivals worldwide and appeared on many CDs and broadcast recordings for CBC radio and television, BBC, Songlines, and others.  She is shown in her photo with a ruan, which she also plays.