Mao debuted in the 2009 television series Niang Qi and thereafter gained attention for his role as the 14th prince in the 2011 hit drama Palace.
[1] The same year, he won the "Best Supporting Actor" award at the Youku Television Awards for his performance in The Glamorous Imperial Concubine.
[2] Mao later gained more attention through his antagonist role in the fantasy action drama hit, Noble Aspirations.
[3] He gained further recognition with his supporting roles in The Glory of Tang Dynasty and The Destiny of White Snake.
[4][5] Mao starred in his first lead role in the 2019 historical drama The Legend of Haolan, playing the Qin Emperor.