Chen started diving training in 1973, and was recruited to Guangdong provincial team the next year.

In 1978, Chen competed at Asian Games and won gold medal in women's platform diving.

[1] Chen claimed gold medal at the 1979 Summer Universiade, thus becoming the first Chinese world champion in diving.

[2] She also claimed gold medal at the 1981 and 1983 FINA Diving World Cup.

[2] Four years later, Chen competed at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics and claimed 4th place.