Yan Liu was born on August 30, 1984 in Qiqihar, China. She started skating in 1989 and currently trains with Lijie Yu at the Qiqihar Club. She is the three-time Chinese National Champion winning in 2005, 2007 and 2009. Her highest placement on the ISU Grand Prix Circuit is fourth overall at the 2005 Mastercard Skate Canada International event. She has made seven appearances to the ISU Four Continents Championships placing as high as seventh overall.