Zhao started his professional football career in 2011 when he was loaned to China League Two club Wenzhou Provenza from Hangzhou Greentown for one year.

[1] On 22 May 2013, he made his debut for Hangzhou in the third round of 2013 Chinese FA Cup against amateur team Wuhan Hongxin in a 1–0 home victory.

[3] In January 2017, Zhao moved to Super League side Hebei China Fortune after Hangzhou's relegation.

[7] He would make his debut for Henan on 27 April 2021 in a league game against Cangzhou Mighty Lions in a 0–0 draw.

[10] On 10 November 2017, Zhao made his debut for the Chinese national team in a 2–0 loss against Serbia.