Hwang was most recently represented on Broadway by Chinglish and is best known for his Tony-winning play M. Butterfly. His many other works include Yellow Face, Golden Child, and FOB.

In addition, he has written books for the musicals Aida and Tarzan, and crafted a new book for Rodgers and Hammerstein's Flower Drum Song. Hwang has also written four works with composer Philip Glass, including Icarus at the Edge of Time and The Voyage, and the libretto for the opera The Fly.