Billionaire Profile

Global Rank

#1027

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Chan Laiwa & family

CEO, Fuwah International Group

Real-Time Net Worth

$3.9B

As of December 2025

Age

Source

Real estate

Industry

real-estate

Citizenship

Biography

Chan Laiwa, a self-made billionaire and the founder and chairman of Fuwah International Group, is a prominent figure in China's real estate sector. With an estimated net worth of $3.9 billion as of December 4, 2024, she has built a vast commercial property empire in Beijing. Her career began with a furniture repair business, later expanding into real estate and other ventures. Chan is also the curator of the China Red Sandalwood Museum, demonstrating her commitment to cultural preservation. Her achievements have earned her recognition as one of the world's self-made female billionaires.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Born in Beijing's Summer Palace in 1941, Chan Laiwa is a descendant of a noble Manchu family. However, her family faced poverty after the fall of the Qing dynasty. This led her to leave high school and start a furniture repair business.

Rise to Success

In the early 1980s, Chan moved to Hong Kong, where she expanded her furniture business. She accumulated enough wealth to purchase 12 villas. Returning to Beijing in the late 1980s, she expanded into real estate. She founded Fuwah International Group in the early 1990s, which became one of Beijing's largest commercial property developers.

Key Business Strategies

Chan's key business strategy involved identifying opportunities in the burgeoning real estate market in Beijing. Fuwah International Group developed a diverse portfolio, including luxury hotels, apartments, and office buildings. She is known for her Jinbao Street development, which includes the Jinbao Tower and the Regent Building.

Philanthropy

Chan has shown a strong commitment to philanthropy. She founded the China Red Sandalwood Museum in 1999, investing 20 billion yuan. Additionally, she has donated substantial amounts for disaster relief efforts.

Career Milestones

1970s

Started Furniture Repair Business

Began a furniture repair business after leaving high school.

Early 1980s

Moved to Hong Kong and Expanded Business

Moved to Hong Kong and established a successful furniture trading business.

Late 1980s

Returned to Beijing

Returned to Beijing to expand her real estate business.

Early 1990s

Founded Fu Wah International Group

Founded Fu Wah International Group, a major real estate developer in Beijing.

1999

Established China Red Sandalwood Museum

Established the China Red Sandalwood Museum.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Disaster Relief

Disaster Relief Donations

$40M (approximate)

Donated over 395 million yuan for disaster relief efforts between 2004 and 2005.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Leadership Principles

Commitment to Family

Emphasizes the importance of family and the responsibility to endure challenges for their benefit.

Cultural Preservation

Dedicated to preserving Chinese culture through the China Red Sandalwood Museum.

Social Responsibility

Actively involved in philanthropic activities and disaster relief efforts.