In 613, he was created the Prince of Zhao. Yang Gao was said to be intelligent and handsome in his childhood, as well as filially pious—such that when Emperor Yang was ill and unable to eat, Yang Gao would refuse to eat as well, and when Empress Xiao was ill and considered moxibustion, he volunteered to undertake it first.
In 613, he was appointed Prince of Zhao. Yang Gao was reputed to be intelligent and attractive in his youth, as well as filial—such that when Emperor Yang was unwell and unable to eat, Yang Gao would refuse to eat too, and when Empress Xiao was ill and needed moxibustion, he volunteered to do it first.