In 2016, Zhao won the all-around silver medal at the Chinese National Championships. In 2017 Season, Zhao began training with overseas coach Larisa Sidorova who has coached gymnasts such as Varvara Filiou. Zhao competed at the World Cup Series in Pesaro, Italy and Guadalajara, Spain. She won the all-around silver medal at the Chinese National Games behind Shang Rong. On August 30 - September 3, Zhao competed at the 2017 World Championships finishing 21st in the individual all-around finals behind Greece's Eleni Kelaiditi.