1974
Fragrant Lotus and Stout Ducks and Grapes and Birds are put on exhibition at the 26th International Fair held in Montreal, Canada.
1984
Yu is appointed the vice-president of the Jiangsu Traditional Chinese Painting Institute.
1986
An exhibition of Gong Bi flower and bird paintings by Yu Jigao is held at the Beijing Art Museum.
1987
Yu is appointed vice-president of the modern Gong Bi painting association of China.
1988
Yu is named honorary president of the Jiangsu flower and bird painting association. His work The Crane and Lasting Spring is added to the collection at Chairman Mao Memorial Hall.
1990
Yu becomes a member of the Academy of Chinese Painting.
1993
Yu is appointed vice-president of the Jiangsu Artist's Association.
1997
Yu has a one-man exhibition at United Nations headquarters and receives a certificate of merit from the UN for his achievements in painting and contributions to global cultural exchanges.
1999
Yu creates the biggest Gong Bi flower and bird painting in history for the reception hall at Zhongnanhai in Beijing.