Li Zhong-zi, styled Shicai, also known as Nian'e, and Jinfan Jushi. He came from an official family in Huating (now Shanghai). His great-grandfather Li Fu, styled Yile, died fighting against Japanese pirates. His uncle Shangya, styled Bo'an, also known as Hehui, was exceptionally talented and supported his younger brother Shangyan in his studies. His father Shangyan, styled Buzhi, also known as Zhenying, passed the imperial examination in 1589 and served in the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Personnel. His brother Zhongli, styled Shiqiang, also styled Zhengyu, known as Nianshan, served as a judicial commissioner in Zhejiang, an examiner in Sichuan, and a right commentator in the Court of Judicial Review. His brother Zhongzhi, known as Nianzeng, was a renowned scholar with expertise in medicine. His nephew Yan, originally named Yanzhen, styled Wosheng, later changed to Chenshan, also styled Qishu, also known as Hancun, known as Man'an, studied under Zhongzi and authored Supplement to the Discussion on Medicinal Products (also known as Guide to Medicinal Identification) in 14 volumes, Medical Mnemonics, Maijue Huibian in 10 volumes, Complete Book on Smallpox.

Li attempted the imperial examinations in his youth but turned to medicine due to frequent illness and the death of his son at the hands of an incompetent doctor. He authored Neijing Zhiyao, Explanation of Medicinal Properties in 6 volumes, Yizong Bidu in 10 volumes, Summary of Cold Damage Diseases in 2 volumes, Bencao Tongxuan in 2 volumes, Sha Zhuan on Disease Mechanisms in 2 volumes, Zheng Yan for Diagnosticians in 2 volumes, Revised and Supplemented Subtle Theories on Nurturing Life in 4 volumes, Medical Cases of Li Zhong-zi, etc. Zheng Yan for Diagnosticians, Bencao Tongxuan, and Sha Zhuan on Disease Mechanisms were compiled together in 1667 and titled Three Books of Shicai.