Career
Yan started his professional football career in 2005 when he was promoted to Chinese Super League side Dalian Shide"s first team He was loaned out to Hong Kong First Division League side Citizen along with Wang Xuanhong at the beginning of the 2007/08 season. On 16 September 2007, he made his debut in a 4–0 away victory against Bulova Rangers, coming on as a substitute for Márcio Bambú in the 60th minute.
After playing 10 league matches for Citizen, he was called back by Dalian Shide for the 2008 Chinese Super League campaign in January 2008.
Yan eventually failed to establish himself within the first team and was put on the transfer list at the end of 2008 season. He was linked with Shenyang Dongjin and Jiangsu Sainty between 2009 and 2010 but could not receive a contract after trial.
Without a professional football club, he played for Bank of Dalian Tornado, an amateur football team in his hometown instead. Yan joined China League Two side Chongqing Football Club in 2011.
In the final which Chongqing Football Club lost to Harbin Yiteng 6–5 in the penalty shootout, he lost a penalty in the last round.
He made 21 appearances and scored a goal in the 2012 league season, knowing by the nickname "Maicon of Chongqing" by local people. Yan transferred to Super League club Changchun Yatai on 23 February 2013.
