Li Yadi was born in 1991 in Shandong, China. He began playing the tuba at the age of 13 when he attended the Central Conservatory of Music Middle School and studied with the former professor of the Central Conservatory of Music, Hu Bingyu. Upon graduation, Yadi received a full scholarship and started studying at Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music (YSTCM) of the National University of Singapore under the guidance of the Principal Tubist of the Malaysian Philharmonic Orchestra, Brett Stemple. Soon after graduation, Yadi won the tubist position of the China National Symphony Orchestra (CNSO).

Before working in CNSO, Yadi has performed with numerous professional symphony orchestras throughout Asia, including the Singapore Symphony Orchestra, Macau Symphony Orchestra, Beijing Symphony Orchestra, and the National Centre of the Performing Arts Symphony Orchestra.

As a student, Yadi participated in many competitions.  At the age of 15, He gave his first solo concert after winning the first prize at the 2005 Beijing Youth Solo Brass Competition, having studied the tuba for only two years. His most recent achievements includes the 1st prize in the National Brass Chamber Competition in the tuba category in China, and 3rd prize at the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory Concerto Competition in Singapore and 2nd prize at the National Brass Chamber Competition.

Beside performing solo and with symphony orchestra, Yadi is also an active chamber musician. He has performed with various brass quintets and has collaborated with the Boston Brass and Australian Brass Quintet. He is the current tubist of the CNSO Brass Quintet.