Born in Guangxi, he graduated from the National Hangzhou Institute, Department of Oil Painting. Tu has been appointed director of the Shanghai Cultural Affairs Bureau, director of Academic Affairs at the Department of Sculpture in the Shanghai Academy, and director of the China Artist Association. He is a famous oil painter, composer, art educator and the founder of the subtropical color school. Tu has a pro- found study and attainment in oil and ink paintings, paintings in watercolors, block prints, and bamboo brush paintings.