The Richest Chinese Billionaires 2025 list highlights a stunning rebound in fortunes as China’s economy stabilizes and technology surges ahead. This year, the combined wealth of Chinese billionaires soared to $1.68 trillion, a sharp 26% rise from $1.33 trillion in 2024. The surge comes despite ongoing U.S.–China trade tensions, fueled by advancements in artificial intelligence, booming electric vehicle sales, and renewed government support for private enterprise.
China now counts 450 billionaires on the global ranking, up from 406 in 2024 but below the 495 peak of 2023. With 902 billionaires, the U.S. still leads, but China remains the world’s second-largest hub of wealth creation. Greater China, including Hong Kong and Macau, brings the total to 516 billionaires in 2025.
One standout this year is Liang Wenfeng, founder of AI firm DeepSeek. At just 40, Liang joined the billionaires’ club with a $1 billion fortune, thanks to developing one of the world’s most cost-efficient AI models. His arrival reflects the rising influence of Chinese artificial intelligence on global markets.
The 10 richest Chinese billionaires in 2025 collectively hold $400.5 billion, up from $304 billion last year. Zhang Yiming, founder of ByteDance, has overtaken beverage tycoon Zhong Shanshan as the country’s wealthiest citizen. Below is the complete list.
1. Zhang Yiming – $65.5 Billion
Source of Wealth: Internet Media | Residence: Singapore
The ByteDance founder tops the Richest Chinese Billionaires 2025 list. Despite uncertainty over TikTok in the U.S., ByteDance’s valuation soared to $312 billion. Zhang’s fortune grew more than 50% in a year, supported by AI breakthroughs such as Doubao, the chatbot with 82 million monthly users.
2. Zhong Shanshan – $57.7 Billion
Source of Wealth: Beverages, Pharmaceuticals | Residence: Hangzhou
The Nongfu Spring founder lost his four-year reign at the top but remains immensely wealthy. Sales growth slowed after a consumer backlash, yet Zhong still controls China’s leading bottled water brand and a pharmaceuticals empire.
3. Ma Huateng – $56.2 Billion
Source of Wealth: Online Games | Residence: Shenzhen
Tencent’s shares nearly doubled in 2024, driving Ma’s wealth to new highs. Tencent expanded into AI and gaming partnerships, investing in Ubisoft franchises while integrating AI into WeChat and launching the Yuanbao digital assistant.
4. Lei Jun – $43.5 Billion
Source of Wealth: Smartphones, Automobiles | Residence: Beijing
Xiaomi’s founder saw a dramatic surge in wealth, driven by strong demand for the SU7 electric sedan. Despite a recent fatal crash under driver-assistance mode, Xiaomi raised billions to expand EV production.
5. Colin Huang – $42.3 Billion
Source of Wealth: E-Commerce | Residence: Shanghai
PDD Holdings’ creator slipped in the rankings as competition and U.S. tariff threats challenge Temu’s global expansion. Still, sales reached $54 billion in 2024, keeping Huang among the elite.
6. William Ding – $33.3 Billion
Source of Wealth: Online Games | Residence: Hangzhou
NetEase’s growth slowed, but Ding remains influential. Marvel Rivals, a collaboration with Marvel Games, is expected to boost revenues in 2025 after modest performance in 2024.
7. Jack Ma – $28.6 Billion
Source of Wealth: E-Commerce | Residence: Hangzhou
The Alibaba cofounder returned to prominence after meeting with President Xi Jinping. Alibaba is investing $53 billion into AI infrastructure, aiming to cement its position as a global tech leader.
8. He Xiangjian – $27 Billion
Source of Wealth: Home Appliances | Residence: Foshan
The Midea Group cofounder continues to benefit from China’s consumer subsidy programs. The company raised $4 billion in a share sale to fund international expansion and supply chain upgrades.
9. Wang Chuanfu – $26.4 Billion
Source of Wealth: Automobiles | Residence: Shenzhen
The BYD chairman overtook Tesla in global EV sales in 2024. BYD shipped 4.27 million cars worldwide and aims for 5.5 million in 2025, underscoring China’s dominance in electric mobility.
10. Lu Xiangyang – $20 Billion
Source of Wealth: Automobiles | Residence: Guangzhou
Lu, cousin of Wang Chuanfu, co-founded BYD in 1995 and is now vice chairman. His fortune comes from BYD shares and investments in lithium mining through Youngy Investment Holding Group.
Conclusion
The Richest Chinese Billionaires 2025 list underscores the shifting dynamics of China’s wealth. AI pioneers, EV visionaries, and e-commerce innovators now dominate the rankings. Zhang Yiming’s rise reflects the global appetite for Chinese tech, while Zhong Shanshan’s decline shows the volatility of consumer markets. Overall, China’s billionaires are stronger than ever, signaling the nation’s resilience and ability to lead in the next wave of technological and economic growth.
