Tang was born in Hangzhou, Zhejiang. He studied painting when he was eight, and taught at the age of 19. In 1938, he moved to Shanghai and taught at Xinhua Art School and Shanghai Art Academy He held exhibitions suc- cessfully, gaining much fame and many students learned after him. 

In the 1950s, Tang had worked in Eastern China Artists Association, Shanghai Chinese Painting Institute, Chinese Artists Association and the Association's Shanghai Branch. From 1980s onwards, he had visited Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore many times for exhibitions and lectures. He is also committee member of Chinese Painting Research Institute, council member of Xiling Seal Socie- ty, and adviser to Wu Changshuo Art Research Society. 

As a renowned flower-and-bird painter, Tang excels also in land- scape, figure, religious and animal paintings. His early works were graceful and pleasant, while his later works become mature, peculiar and sublime. His brushstrokes are firm and solid, and he used rich brilliant Colours 

Tang is also expert in authentica- tion. He has collected many precious masterpieces by Bada, Shi Tao, Hua Yan, Jin Nong, Zhao Zhiqian, Wu Changshuo and Qi Baishi. He also collects other items such as purple- clay teapots