 An Qi originally started his senior career with Guangzhou Songri before he was called up to the Chinese U20 team that took part in the 2001 FIFA World Youth Championship.After the tournament he was considered one of the most promising young goalkeepers within China and had already drawn the interests of reigning Chinese league champions Dalian Shide where he established himself as their first-choice goalkeeper within the 2002 league season, in time to also be called up to the Chinese football team for the 2002 FIFA World Cup.After several seasons with Dalian Shide, An Qi's position would come into question when on April 9, 2003 the club lost 4-2 to Al Ain FC in a 2002–03 AFC Champions League semi-final match, which saw An Qi have a personally disappointing game.