He broke Chinese youth and junior records for the 400 m and was highly successful at the start of his career, representing China at the 1998 World Junior Championships in Athletics and winning the 400 m title at the 1998 World Youth Games. He was a five-time Chinese champion (four times over 400 m, once in 200 metres) and took a 200/400 m double at the National Games of China in 2001. Despite early success, he retired early in his career, ceasing to compete at age 24.