Background
Chen Lihua was born in 1941 in the Summer Palace of Beijing, China. She is a descendant of a noble Manchu family of the Yellow Banner. At the time of her birth, the Manchu Qing dynasty had collapsed and her family became poor.
丽华 陈
Chen Lihua was born in 1941 in the Summer Palace of Beijing, China. She is a descendant of a noble Manchu family of the Yellow Banner. At the time of her birth, the Manchu Qing dynasty had collapsed and her family became poor.
In 1976, after finishing high school, Chen began a furniture repairing business.
With an interest in international trade, in the 1980s she sought opportunities in Hong Kong, and in 1988 she founded the Fuhua (Fu Wah) International Group in Beijing, which has interests in real estate, hospitality, international business efforts, and tourism among others. She has since worked as president and chairwoman of the $625 million corporation. She was able to take over the real estate market in Beijing through connections with leaders within the Communist Party. Fuhua targets the high-end consumer and works on market-oriented projects. Since 1988, the projects have exceeded real estate of over 1 million square meters and Fuhua has become the most successful real estate company in China. In 1995, Chen founded the Chang An Club, a luxurious elite club for wealthy self-made top business people. The club holds conferences for Chinese and foreign business people and strives to meet the international business demands of China. Currently there are approximately 800 members who enjoy the business and recreational activities that are offered.
Initially it was difficult for many Chinese to grasp the idea of the Chang An Club because it is not traditionally Chinese and has an extreme Western influence. However, this innovative project strengthened the company, increasing its success and popularity. More clubs are being developed in major Chinese cities. In 1999 Chen invested 200 million yuan in building the China Red Sandalwood Museum in Beijing. The 10 000 square meter museum is an act of generosity on the part of Chen who contrib- uted $25 million to the preservation of rare art and furniture and the promotion of Chinese culture and history. On 27 May 1999, Chen was awarded an honorary doctorate degree by the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), the largest private art college in the United States, in recognition of her contribution to the art community.
In 2004 and 2005 Chen donated about $50 million towards disaster relief and has also contributed to education and poverty relief. In 2006, Chen was third on the Hurun’s Richest Women in China’s List, which noted that she was worth $750 million. Chen, one of the most successful women in China, is recognized as being a loyal member of the Central Government State Unification Commission, the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), and the China Association of Industry and Commerce.
Chen has large plans for the future. Currently the multinational firm is working on several different projects, the first of which is the $500 million ‘Jinbao Street’ project in downtown Beijing, which will restore the historic city. The second is the ‘Li Shan’ project, which is a plan for luxury residences and other buildings. At age 67, Chen is still busy making her environment a better place for herself and others.
Chen is married to Chinese actor Chi Zhongrui, who is known for his portrayal of the Tang dynasty monk Xuanzang. She has one son and two daughters. She now resides in her Chinese Red Sandalwood Museum.
