Liu Dehai was a Chinese pipa player. He was born in Shanghai. In 1954, he learned the instrument under Lin Shicheng's guidance, entering the Central Conservatory of Music in 1957. After graduating in 1962, Liu stayed at the conservatory, serving as a professor. In 1964 he was transferred to the China Conservatory of Music. Since 1963, he held numerous performances in China and more than 30 other countries.