Cheng Hsieh was born in Hsing-hua near Yang-chou. Although his family lived in genteel poverty, Cheng was a good student and passed the highest government exams in 1736. He studied and produced poetry, calligraphy, and painting while ably serving as district magistrate in Shantung province. Undisciplined, outspoken, and passionate about public service, Cheng resigned in frustration in 1753 and established himself as a distinctive member of the group known as the Eight Eccentrics of Yang-chou. He is best known as an artist who closely integrated calligraphy with orchid and bamboo paintings.

His poem reads:

Bamboo and rock stand paired alone in harmony

The multitudes of plants and flowers are in vain

Spring, summer and autumn cannot transform them.

Only the elegant plum has greater virtue.

Wooden Bridge Cheng Hsieh