Xu represented her nation at international competitions. As a junior she participated at the 1995 World Junior Speed Skating Championships. At elite level she competed at the 1996 Asian Winter Games and 1997 Asian Speed Skating Championships. She won at the 2001 Asian Speed Skating Championships the bronze medal in the 1500 metres event and also the bronze medal in the 3000 metres event. Yang also medalled at the 1997 Winter Universiade with one silver and 2 bronze medals. She never won a medal at national championships, finishing fourth at the 2001 Chinese Single Distance Championships in the 3000 metres event.