Forbes - How The World's Richest Chinese Billionaires Make Their Money I Forbes
Despite trade tensions with the US, China's stock markets have soared, with the Hang Seng Index rallying nearly 20% due to promises of economic support. This has led to a significant increase in the wealth of Chinese billionaires, with their collective fortune reaching $1.68 trillion, a 26% increase from the previous year. The number of billionaires in China has also risen, with 450 mainland Chinese members now part of the Forbes list, up from 46 last year. Notably, Deepseek founder Leang Wenfang is a new entrant with a net worth of $1 billion. The top 10 richest Chinese citizens have seen their wealth grow to $400.5 billion, with ByteDance founder Zhang Yiming becoming China's wealthiest person, surpassing former leader Jeang Shan Chen. ByteDance's valuation has increased significantly, driven by investor interest in its AI technology.
Key Points:
- Chinese billionaires' wealth increased by 26% to $1.68 trillion.
- Hang Seng Index rose nearly 20% due to economic support promises.
- 450 Chinese billionaires are on the Forbes list, up from 46 last year.
- ByteDance founder Zhang Yiming is now China's richest person.
- Investor interest in AI technology boosted ByteDance's valuation.
Details:
1. 📈 China's Market Resilience Amid Tensions
- Despite escalating trade tensions with the US, China's stock markets have shown resilience and growth.
- The Hang Seng Index rallied nearly 20% following promises from officials for greater economic support, including potential stimulus measures.
- The release of a highly affordable AI model by Deepseek in January revitalized investor interest in China's technology sector, contributing to renewed market confidence.
- Specific economic support measures included tax cuts and infrastructure spending aimed at boosting domestic demand and countering external pressures.
2. 💰 Surge in Chinese Billionaires' Wealth
- Chinese billionaires' collective wealth reached $1.68 trillion in 2025, marking a 26% increase from $1.33 trillion in the previous year, driven by strong economic growth and favorable market conditions.
- The 2025 wealth surpassed the 2023 total of $1.67 trillion, indicating a trend of consistent growth, likely fueled by technological advancements and increased global influence of Chinese companies.
- The number of billionaires in mainland China rose to 450, up from 46 the previous year, reflecting a significant rise in high-net-worth individuals due to successful entrepreneurial ventures and investment strategies.
- Despite the increase, the number of billionaires remains below the peak of 495 recorded in previous years, possibly due to regulatory challenges and market fluctuations.
- The continued rise in wealth among Chinese billionaires highlights the country's expanding economic power and global market presence, suggesting potential for further growth and influence.
3. 🌟 Newcomers and Returnees in the Billionaire Club
- Mainland China is the second largest contributor to the global billionaire list, following the US, which has 92 billionaires.
- In 2023, 23 billionaires from the previous year's list dropped off, but there are 31 newcomers in mainland China.
- There are also 37 returnees, individuals who were previously on the list, fell off, and have now returned with a net worth of at least $1 billion.
- A notable newcomer is Leang Wenfang, founder of Deepseek, who at 40 years old, has an estimated net worth of $1 billion based on his ownership in DeepSeek and hedge fund Highf.
4. 🏆 Top Billionaires and Shifting Wealth Dynamics
- The combined wealth of the ten richest Chinese citizens has surged to $400.5 billion, marking a significant increase from $34 billion the previous year, thus exceeding $311 billion recorded in 2023. This reflects a substantial growth in wealth among China's elite, driven by strategic investments and economic resilience.
- Nong Fu Spring Chairman Jeang Shan Chen, once the richest person in China for four consecutive years, is now second with a net worth of $57.5 billion, a decrease from $62.3 billion in 2024. This decline underscores the dynamic nature of wealth rankings and the impact of market fluctuations on individual fortunes.
- Bite Dance founder Jang Yiming has ascended to become China's wealthiest individual for the first time, with his fortune increasing by over 50% to $65.5 billion. This growth is despite regulatory uncertainties, particularly concerning TikTok in the US, highlighting the company's robust valuation and strategic positioning in AI technology.
- Bite Dance's valuation has escalated from $217 billion to over $300 billion, fueled by strong investor confidence in its AI capabilities. This underscores the critical role of technology and innovation in driving economic value and personal fortunes in the modern era.
- Eight of the top 10 richest billionaires in China have seen an increase in their wealth, reflecting broader economic trends and successful adaptation to changing market conditions by these individuals.