Li Yan

• Li Yan (Three Kingdoms), Shu military officer during the Three Kingdoms period
• Emperor Wuzong of Tang, personal name Li Yan, emperor of the Tang dynasty of China
• Emperor Xizong of Tang, birth name Li Yan, emperor of the Tang dynasty of China
• Li Yan (Yang Wu), politician during Tang Dynasty and Wu
• Li Yan (artist), Chinese artist
• Athena Lee Yen, Taiwanese actress
• Yan Li, Chinese-Canadian novelist

Sportspeople

• Li Yan (speed skater), Chinese short track speed skater and coach
• Li Yan (volleyball), Chinese volleyball player
• Li Yan (cyclist), Chinese cyclist
• Li Yan (footballer, born 1980), Chinese footballer for Shaanxi Baorong
• Li Yan (footballer, born 1984), Chinese footballer for Guangzhou Pharmaceutical
• Li Yan (snooker player), Chinese snooker player
• Li Yan (weightlifter), Chinese weightlifter