Tech, AI leaders expand China’s 2026 rich list
The number of people worth more than 5 billion yuan (US$750 million) hit a record 1,529, surpassing the previous peak of 1,460 in 2021, according to Tuesday’s Hurun China Rich List.
The annual Hurun China Rich List, released on Tuesday, revealed a record 1,529 individuals in China worth over 5 billion yuan (US$750 million), shattering the previous high of 1,460 in 2021. Tech tycoons like DeepSeek founder Liang Wenfeng joined the list, with the AI sector driving the surge in mega-wealth. Liang, whose fortune was estimated at US$41.7 billion, made his debut at number seven.
This year's list also reflected China's dual economy, with tech fortunes booming while traditional wealth declined. ByteDance founder Zhang Yiming reclaimed the top spot with an estimated fortune of US$99.7 billion, surpassing Nongfu Spring founder Zhong Shanshan. The list highlighted China's strategic focus on tech development, with 60% of the top 100 billionaires making their wealth in sectors targeted by the Made in China 2025 plan.
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