Xiao Xiao was born in Hubei Province, China, and has resided in Shanghai for many years. He has received education in multiple global locations, with an academic background spanning the fields of economics, theology, spirituality, law, and Buddhist studies.

His research interests encompass Chan Buddhism, monasticism, Benedictine spirituality, the Ecumenical Movement, and the thought of Simone Weil. He has also long been concerned about the issues of marginalized groups within the church.

He is a Benedictine Oblate of the World Community for Christian Meditation (WCCM). He also maintains close connections with several Catholic religious orders and communities.

Xiao Xiao has published a series of books in Chinese, spanning genres including fiction, spiritual journals, edited volumes, translations, and poetry collections. Several of his video lectures are very popular in the Catholic Church in China.