Hong Kong’s Fuhua International Group founder Chen Lihua passed away in Beijing on April 5 at the age of 85 due to illness, with the company releasing a related obituary on April 7. Chen was once recognized as China’s wealthiest woman with a fortune exceeding 50 billion yuan. Her marriage to the actor who played Tang Seng in the TV series “Journey to the West,” Chi Zhongrui, has always been a subject of public interest.
Chen Lihua was born in Beijing in 1941 to a financially struggling family despite claiming descent from the Manchu Yehe Nara clan. After dropping out of high school, she began working in a tailor shop before eventually venturing into the furniture industry. In 1977, she established a furniture repair workshop, and in 1981, at the age of 40, she moved to Hong Kong to invest in real estate with funds accumulated from furniture trading.
Upon her return to Beijing, Chen acquired land near Chang’an Street and developed the Chang’an Building, housing an exclusive club called the “Chang’an Club” on the top floor, which attracted prominent business figures such as Li Ka-shing and Cheng Yutung.
In 1998, she led the Beijing Jinbao Street renovation project, involving an investment of over 4 billion yuan and substantial relocation efforts. The project saw the relocation of approximately 2,100 households within 28 days and subsequently transformed Jinbao Street into one of Beijing’s upscale commercial districts.
Besides her real estate ventures, in 1999, Chen established the Chinese Red Sandalwood Museum in Beijing, showcasing a vast collection of red sandalwood artworks. Reports indicate that she personally traveled overseas to source red sandalwood logs and organized craftsmen to replicate traditional Beijing ancient city gate models, emphasizing cultural heritage values.
Chen’s private life, particularly her marriage to actor Chi Zhongrui, garnered long-term public attention. Chi gained fame for his portrayal of “Tang Seng” in the TV series “Journey to the West.” The couple met in 1988 and officially tied the knot in Hong Kong in 1990. Chen, 11 years older than Chi, had three children from a previous marriage.
Following their marriage, Chi withdrew from the entertainment industry to support Chen’s cultural endeavors, serving as the Deputy Director of the Chinese Red Sandalwood Museum. They reportedly referred to each other in daily life as “Chairman” and “Mr. Chi.” Chi once described their relationship dynamics, stating, “She has a fiery temper, and whenever she gets angry, I remain silent. After her anger subsides, she treats me even better.”
Despite enduring speculations of “Chi seeking wealth, Chen seeking fame,” both individuals never directly addressed the rumors, with Chi calmly stating, “There is no need to declare, time will prove everything.”
According to the Hurun Research Institute, Chen Lihua became China’s wealthiest woman in 2016 with a fortune of 50.5 billion yuan. The 2026 Hurun Global Rich List shows her wealth at approximately 47 billion yuan, ranking her 656th globally.
Following Chen’s passing, the arrangement of her estate has become a focal point of attention. Reports from the financial sector suggest her assets include holdings in Fuhua International Group, core real estate projects in Beijing, and cultural collections, collectively valued at hundreds of billions of yuan.
She leaves behind a son and two daughters, with her son Zhao Yong currently serving as the group’s CEO. As her spouse, Chi Zhongrui is also within the legal inheritance range. Specific distribution plans have yet to be disclosed.