His first appearance at the International level came at GANEFO in 1963 where he won Men's doubles championship with Tang Xianhu and a silver medal at the singles event.

In that friendly match, Hou partnered Fu Hanxun and won in straight games 15–6, 15–4 against Svend Pri and Per Walsøe.

He participated at the First King Mahendra Memorial International Friendship which took place in Nepalese capital of Kathmandu, where he won singles as well doubles titles.

Meeting the Danish players again in a friendly encounter in 1973, Chinese team won 10–0, where Hou defeated Svend Pri.

He was crowned the Men's doubles World Champions in 1978 where he partnered Yu Yaodong and beat Thai pair in the final.