Cheng is known for adopting a non-linear timeline narrative in his films and often triggered controversy as his films were too 'literary and obscure' for the general audience. Cheng is one of the few Chinese directors in his generation who directs, script-write and edit his own films. He is the only director to be nominated for three categories for the Golden Rooster Awards since its establishment, and the only one to win under two categories in the same year.