Zhao was born in Huang County (now Longkou), Shandong, on 20 November 1931.
In August 1980, he was promoted to party secretary of Wenshang County, but having held the position for only two years.
In July 1982, he was appointed party secretary of Qufu Normal University.
He was appointed deputy secretary-general of the CCP Shandong Provincial Committee, in addition to serving as director of the General Office.
He was party secretary of Zibo in June 1985, and held that office until March 1989.