Zeng Chao started his football career when he joined Shandong Luneng's youth academy with Liu Binbin in 2005. He played for China League Two side Shandong Youth in 2011 and 2012. Failing to promote to the first team, Zeng transferred to Chinese Super League side Guangzhou R&F in 2014. He was loaned to China League One side Guangdong Sunray Cave for half season in July 2014. He played 14 matches and scored 2 goals in the 2014 season as Guangdong Sunray Cave avoided to relegate to the third tier.
