Deng Jiandong, born in Wuxi, is an artist affiliated to the People's Liberation Army Air Force and is acclaimed for his ability to express subtle feelings with the 1,000-year-old, two-stringed instrument.

Deng Jiandong started learning Chinese instruments at an early age and showed great talent. He was admitted to Jiangsu Opera School in 1975, and started his study in Nanjing Art Institute in 1986. He was admitted to the school's music department (now Nanjing Art Institute Conservatory of Music) without a test. He learned erhu, sizhu, guqin and composition from many famous Chinese artists including famous erhu player Ma Youde.