She began formal gymnastics training in her hometown Xi'An, China, when she was only five years old. At twelve, she became a member of China's National Gymnastics Team, and at seventeen joined the National Acrobatics Team. She won more than twenty gold and silver medals in national competitions. When she was nineteen, Tina was accepted into the prestigious Beijing Sport University. During her studies there, she began teaching aerobics, dance (ballet, hip-hop, Latin, Zumba), yoga, pilates, floor exercise, tai chi, qi gong, wushu, and balance at various youth and adult fitness centers around Beijing.