Li Yu (1610–1680 AD), also known as Li Liweng, was a Chinese playwright, novelist and publisher.

Born in Rugao, in present-day Jiangsu province, he lived in the late-Ming and early-Qing dynasties. Although he passed the first stage of the imperial examination, he did not succeed in passing the higher levels before the political turmoil of the new dynasty but instead turned to writing for the market. Li was an actor, producer, and director as well as a playwright, who traveled with his own troupe.

Li is the presumed author of Ròu pútuán (肉蒲團, The Carnal Prayer Mat), a well-crafted comedy and a classic of Chinese erotic literature. He also wrote a book of short stories called Shí'èr lóu (十二樓, "Twelve Towers"). In his time he was widely read and appreciated for his daringly innovative subject matter. He addresses the topic of same-sex love in the tale Cuìyǎ lóu (萃雅樓, "House of Gathered Refinements").

Li was also known for his informal essays and for his gastronomy and gastronomical writings.

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