Remember Meteor Garden? The iconic Taiwanese drama that gave us F4 and introduced us to Vanness Wu, the cool, ponytail-sporting heartthrob who made waves across Asia.
Well, F4 is making a comeback, and Vanness is right there with them. The iconic heartthrobs made a surprise reunion at Mayday’s concert, instantly sending the crowd into a frenzy.
At 46, Vanness still looks remarkably youthful – blink and you might just think it’s 2001 all over again. So, what’s his secret? Here are seven glow-up tips from the man himself.
He Sticks With a Light and Healthy Diet
He recently revealed his go-to daily meal plan: boiled eggs, blanched broccoli, and chicken breast, seasoned only with a splash of soy sauce and raw chilli peppers—nothing else. This stripped-down, no-frills diet keeps his calories in check and his physique sharp.
He Doesn’t Indulge In Sugary Drinks
As a Taiwanese, it’s easy to give in to the temptation of bubble tea and hand-shaken drinks—especially during the sweltering summer. But not Vanness Wu.
He’s been vocal about steering clear of sugary beverages, including Taiwan’s most beloved treats. In his view, too much sugar speeds up ageing, affects skin health, and slows metabolism—all of which can take a toll on your appearance and overall wellness.
He Goes for Regular Facials
Credit: Vanessa Wu official Instagram
Many men dismiss facials as unnecessary, but Vanness Wu proves otherwise. Thanks to his mum’s beauty salon, he’s had regular facials for years, which help him maintain smooth, clear, and youthful skin.
Since men’s skin tends to be oilier and more prone to clogged pores, deep-cleansing facials are key to preventing breakouts, enlarged pores, and fine lines.
He Takes Cold Showers in the Morning
One of Vanness Wu’s lesser-known wellness habits? Cold showers. While most of us might flinch at the thought, he swears by them—and for good reason.
They help boost alertness, improve circulation, and even support muscle recovery after intense workouts. He’s also a firm believer in their skincare benefits. Cold water tightens pores, reduces puffiness, and helps maintain the skin’s natural oils, which might explain his fresh, youthful glow.
Plus, it’s a mental discipline. Facing a cold shower each day builds resilience, something Vanness applies to his fitness routine and life philosophy.
He Has a Simple But Impactful Morning Routine
Credit: Xiao Hong Shu
Vanness has a simple yet powerful four-step morning routine.
He begins by grounding himself barefoot on a yoga mat, feeling a quiet connection to the earth beneath him. Then, he moves into gentle stretches to wake up his muscles and get the blood flowing.
Next comes a moment of meditation—closing his eyes and focusing on his breath to centre his mind and set a calm tone for the day.
Afterwards, he grabs a book to ease into his day.
He Exercises Regularly
Beyond maintaining a mindful diet, Vanness makes sure to balance fitness and well-being in his routine.
On his days off, you’ll often find him at the golf course perfecting his swing. But don’t be fooled by golf’s relaxed pace—it can burn up to 375 calories per hour and offers benefits like lowering blood pressure, reducing cholesterol, and decreasing the risk of stroke.
For his higher-intensity workouts, he often sets up a boxing ring, where he focuses on fast-paced, full-body training. Boxing not only sharpens his reflexes and coordination but also engages multiple muscle groups, helping to tone his body and accelerate fat burning.
Combined with high-intensity exercises like squats and shoulder presses, this regimen boosts his metabolism and sculpts his physique efficiently—keeping him lean, strong, and ready for whatever comes next.
