[1] She is noted for her roles as Ma Liruo and Coco in the film Life of Sentime (2010) and CZ12 (2012).

Yao has been a supporting actor in several television series, including Together with You, Police Story, War and Destiny, and Records of Kangxi's Travel Incognito 5.

After other minor roles in films and television series, she received her first leading role in a film called Blossom, for which she received Golden Rooster Award nominations for Best Actress.

[2] In 2009, she starred in the romantic comedy film Life of Sentime, alongside Ming Dow and Xia Yu, which earned her a Best Newcomer Award at the Macau International Movie Festival.

[4] In 2014, Yao had the lead role in Ex-Files, a romantic comedy film co-starring Han Geng.