Yao, a native of yi county, Anhui Province, was born in Zhou Pu Town, Nanhui County in the first year (1909). Grandfather Yao Zushou opened Delongchang cigarette shop in Zhou Pu in the third year of Tongzhi (1864). Father Yao, in the seventh year of Guangxu (188 1), just passed the age of 16, and went to Zhou Pu from yi county to study as a teacher. Because of its excellent management and reputation, it enjoys a certain reputation in Zhou Pu.

Yao is the second of the three sisters. Sister Yan Xuan, graduated from kindergarten, taught in Shanghai before the establishment of New China, and worked in the general office of the State Council government after the establishment of New China; My sister Mei Xuan, graduated from Normal University, has been engaged in teaching. She also has a younger brother named Yao Nanshan, who went into business with his father before finishing high school. The Yao family had expected Yao Nanshan to follow in his father's footsteps and carry on the family line for the Yao family, but he died young before his death because of his weak health.