Tong is best known for starring in the television series Jade Goddess of Mercy (2003), Struggle (2007), and Tiger Mom (2015); as well as the films Lost in Beijing (2007), The Flowers of War (2011) and American Dreams in China (2013).

[8] After the success of Jade Goddess of Mercy, none of Tong's performance struck a chord in the audience, till he starred in the youth drama Romantic Life (2006).

[13][14] He released his debut vocal album titled Da Shi Jie Xiao Zuo Wei (A Small Action in a Big World) in 2007.

Dealing with the sensitive issue of the Rape of Nanjing, Tong plays Major Lee, who died as a hero to save his lost friend during China's anti-Japanese war.

[20] This was followed by another role in Peter Chan film, the critically acclaimed Dearest (2014), based on a true story about child abduction.

[22] Tong reunited with Dearest co-star Zhao Wei in the television series Tiger Mom (2015), which focuses on parenting and children education.