In the closed society of mid-20th century China, Luan and Yao had only photographs from which to learn their moves. At the 1980 World Figure Skating Championships in Dortmund, West Germany, they finished 15th, in last place. They competed at the World Championships twice more in 1981 and 1982, finishing last both times. They represented China at the 1984 Winter Olympics and placed 15th.