[1][2][3] In 2006, Chao and Stephen Fordyce completed a mid-winter traverse of the Western Arthurs range in south-west Tasmania.
[1][4][5][6] In 2007, Chao crossed the Greenland ice sheet from east to west without support, becoming the youngest person to do so.
[1][7][8] He also investigated the effects of global warming on Inuit culture in Greenland, and was elected a Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society in recognition of this research.
[3][7][8] In 2009 and 2010, Chao and Megan Kerr undertook the "Steppe By Steppe — Side By Side" expedition in Central Asia, traveling on a Quike touring quadracycle from Astana, Kazakhstan through Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Xinjiang (an autonomous region in Western China).
[1][2] He has worked as a professional guide and expedition consultant, and as a section rep and delegate for Search and Rescue.