Zhao Cong is one of today's most sought-after Chinese traditional musicians as an influential Pi Pa (Chinese lute) musician. She is also a composer and known for her artistic adventurousness. She is the director of China National Traditional Orchestra which is the finest traditional orchestras in China.

She has toured with China National Orchestra, performing in more than 50 countries. Melodies from the strings of her Pi Pa have echoed in many world-class theatres, and her music has been appreciated by more than ten presidents and state leaders in different countries.

A reviewer in The Guardian remarked, ‘Zhao Cong’s wonderful performance makes Chinese folk music sound very promising.’ The website of John F. Kennedy Arts Center honoured her as a ‘music diplomat’, noting that ‘Zhao Cong uses her Pi Pa to convey the beauty of Chinese folk music to the world, and has made great contributions to the internationalization of Chinese music.’