Lian received his bachelor's degree at the Academy of Arts & Design, Tsinghua University in 2003. Three years later, he completed the postgraduate study at the same academy. In 2010, Lian graduated from there as a doctor. He is currently working at CAA Center for Chinese Visual Studies.

Lian takes the history and theories of ancient Chinese arts, crafts, and design as his main research fields, concentrating on the history of ideas, institutions, and philosophy, as well as the classics of rites and ritual systems. Besides, he also works on the collation of rare ancient art documents, contemporary art criticism, and the introduction of foreign design theories.