Zhi started learning the piano at an early age. She studied at the Elementary School and Middle School affiliated to Central Conservatory of Music. She was then admitted to the Piano Department of the Conservatory with excellent marks and obtained her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in piano performance. During her studies, she won several scholarships, and participated in performances and art exchanges as a representative of the Conservatory. Since graduation, she stayed on as a teacher, and is currently an associate professor and a supervisor of the Master’s degree programme at the Piano Department.

Zhi is active on the music scene, having given solo and ensemble concerts in Beijing, Tianjin and Hong Kong, and has appeared in concerts. Her research Piano Improvisation was selected to the Beijing Higher Education Young Elite Teacher Project.