Yang Hongji is Chinese famous tenor. He is the member of China Musician Association, and the China Dramatist Association.

Yang Hongji was born in February 1941 in Dalian, Liaoning and has enjoyed singing since childhood. In 1959, he entered Dalian Sing and Dance Troupe. Afterwards, he entered the Beijing General Department Opera Troupe. His vocal teacher was Mr. Li Mengxiong, and later, he learned from Mr. Yang Huatang. At the same time, professor Shen Xiang guided him.

Yang Hongji knew very well that without learning systematic music theory from conservatory of music, it was very hard to become a singer who could sing many kinds of difficult compositions. Consequently, in his youth, he learned the musical theories that a vocal major at a university would learn all on his own. His knowledge played a decisive role in his achievement.

In 1979, Japanese conductor Seiji Ozawa came to China and cooperated with Central Philharmonic Orchestra to perform Beethoven Symphony NO.9. Yang Hongji was selected from scores of singers throughout China. His performance was highly praised by Seiji Ozawa. In 1984, due to professor Shen Xiang's recommendation, he cooperated with Hong Kong Oratorio Society and conductor, Mo Yongxi to sing Haydn's grand classic music work "Season", using classic English. Later, with the cooperation of Central Philharmonic Orchestra, he performed as solo in Verdi's "Requiem", Haydn's "Creation", Mozart's "Mass", and Beethoven's "Missa Solemnis". He also played important role in some operas, like "Carmen", "Madama Butterfly", and "Tosca" etc. He performed Qu Yuan in Shi Guangnan's opera "Qu Yuan", which gained great success.

Yang Hongji always participated magnificent theatrical evening parties and activities held by CCTV or other TV Stations. He also recorded many songs for TV series, which impressed the audience a lot.