He later embarked on a solo career, known for his roles in TV series At the Threshold of an Era (1999), Treasure Raiders (2002) and Scarlet Heart (2011).

Over the next five years, he released 13 Mandarin and Cantonese albums, and gained acclaim for his starring role in Tsui Hark's film The Lovers (1994).

Wu enlisted for mandatory military service in February 1997 and returned to the entertainment industry in late 1998.

In February 2010, Wu and the other members of the Little Tigers reunited to perform at the CCTV Spring Festival Gala.

Wu experienced a major resurgence in popularity for his starring role in the television series Scarlet Heart (2011).