Wu was born to an intellectual family with her father a chemical engineer and mother a doctor. She enjoyed singing to radio tunes at an early age. She originally wanted to go to the Shanghai Academy of Music; but her parents opposed the idea and claimed that the music industry was for individuals with no real ambition. She later began singing for radio stations at night; particularly for the children's programs.

Wu had a soft singing voice that made her a success. She continued to sing without her family knowing so and used the stage name 'Wu Yingyin'. In 1945 she became a nightclub singer and garnered acclaim for her performances. Most of her vocal techniques were self-taught. At the age of 24; she participated in a nightclub competition. Winning the crown; she was discovered and immediately signed to a contract with Path?Records (China) record company. Her first record (????? 'I Want to Forget You) became a hit. In total; Path?Records produced 30 albums for her. She was affectionately nicknamed ???? ('Queen of the Nasal Voice').

She relocated to Hong Kong in 1957 where she continued her singing career. She returned to China for recordings in 1983 in Guangzhou. In July 1984; she moved from Hong Kong to Pasadena; California. At the age of 80; she was still singing in overseas Chinese neighborhood community events for charitable causes. At the time; she was regarded as one of the world's oldest active singers.

She would also sing in Singapore; and on January 3; 2003 she was invited to perform at the Shanghai Grand Theatre. Wu died in Los Angeles on 17 December 2009.