Originally named Sun Shunchao, Fang Cheng was born in Zhongshan and graduated from Chemistry Department of Wuhan University in 1942. In 1946, he began his career as a caricaturist in Shanghai. In spring of 1947, he was the chief editor for cartoon section in the magazine Observe as well as a special contributor for the magazine. In 1948, he joined in an art association in Hong Kong, engaging himself in his caricatures.

In 1950, he was the art editor for Xin Min News of Beijing. In 1951, he was the art editor and senior editor in People’s Daily. In 1984, he was appointed as a visiting professor in Department of Journalism in Wuhan University. He was also the visiting professor in Zhengzhou University and the academic advisor for caricature major in Department of Journalism. Now he is the Standing Director of China Artists Association, Vice Chairman of China Journalistic Caricature Society, and the editor for international caricature magazines.