In 2022, after spending the few years prior preparing for Gaokao, he was called up to the Chengdu Rongcheng first-team.

"[2] He made his professional debut in the Chinese Super League on 4 June 2022 in a match against Shenzhen, playing 74 minutes as a starter at left wing-back.

[5] After putting in a good shift against Wuhan Three Towns on 23 December 2022, Hu Hetao was selected as the CSL's Player of the Round.

As a result, he could not find consistent game time at club level, and caused a steep dip in his form,[8] only managing eight appearances in all competitions throughout the season.

[14] Hu made his debut for the China national team on 10 October 2024 in a World Cup qualifier against Australia at the Adelaide Oval.