In July 2011, Yi signed a contract with Chinese Super League side Shenzhen Ruby.
[5] On 21 August 2011, he made his debut for the club in a 4–2 win against Dalian Shide, coming on as a substitute for Liu Chao in the 82nd minute.
On 1 January 2013, along with Zhao Peng and Zeng Cheng, Yi transferred to Chinese Super League giant Guangzhou Evergrande for a fee of ¥10 million.
On 10 February 2014, Yi moved to fellow top-tier club Liaoning Whowin on a one-year loan deal.
[20] On 7 April 2023, Yi was free to transfer to fellow top-tier club Changchun Yatai for the start of the 2023 Chinese Super League season.