Shan is a co-founder of Hutong Research, an independent firm that advises foreign investors about China's political-economy. With green transition becoming increasingly important in China and worldwide, Shan has been writing extensively about sectors including new energy vehicles, renewable equipment, electricity market reform, fossil fuel, etc, with a focus on policymaking dynamics and impact on firms, industries, and the overall economy.

Previously, Shan worked at Plenum, advising multinationals about China’s industrial policies as well as structural changes. Before Plenum, Shan worked for Rhodium Group, where she examined China's foreign trade and investment, and Deloitte, advising clients on cross-border transactions. Shan has an MPA from Columbia University and a bachelor’s degree in accounting and finance from Hong Kong Polytechnic University.