 While he was initially deployed as a defender, he shifted into a more of a playmaker role and aided Shenzhen to the top tier title for the first time in the club's history.In January 2005, Zheng transferred to fellow Chinese Super League side Shandong Luneng for a transfer fee of ¥9.5 million.On 29 December 2006, Zheng was loaned out to Premier League side Charlton Athletic until the end of the season with an option to buy.