Liu Heung Shing was born in Hong Kong in 1951. Three years later, he returned to China, settling in Fuzhou in the southeastern province of Fujian. There he received his early education, moving back to Hong Kong in 1962 to attend high school. In1971, Liu enrolled at New York City's Hunter College where he studied political science and journalism. He was first introduced to photography in his final year at the college in a course taught by renowned Life magazine photographer, Gjon Mili. His childhood exposure to drawing and painting enhanced his understanding and enthusiasm for photography, and in 1976, following his graduation from Hunter Colege, he became Mili's apprentice. During this unique experience, Liu was deeply influenced by Mili's editorial and aesthetic ideas. In 1976, Liu began working for Time magazine on assignments in China, starting with a story on the death of Mao. Five years later, he joined the Associated Press, and now travels extensively through China, writing as well as photographing for AP