Billionaire Profile
L
Global Rank
#2419

Image: Ji, Dejun; Yang, Bo; Li, Yongjun; Cai, Miaoying; Zhang, Wei; Cheng, Guohu; Guo, Haiyan | CC BY 4.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Li Haiyan

CEO, Restaurants
CHINA
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.709B
Estimated based on Restaurants stock value as of April 20, 2026
+0.84% (24h)
Age
54
Source
Restaurants
Industry
Food & Beverage
Citizenship
CHINA

Biography

Li Haiyan is a co-founder of the popular hot-pot restaurant chain Haidilao International Holding. She has served as a supervisor since 2009 and is the wife of billionaire Shi Yonghong. Li Haiyan and the other co-founders funded the first Haidilao restaurant in 1994. Today, Haidilao operates over 1,300 locations globally, with revenues in the billions. She is a key figure in the success of Haidilao, a globally recognized brand known for its attentive customer service. Her success is a testament to her contribution in the restaurant industry.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 4/20/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Founding of Haidilao

Li Haiyan, along with her husband Shi Yonghong, co-founded Haidilao International Holding. In 1994, Li Haiyan, along with her husband Shi Yonghong, Zhang Yong, and Shu Ping, pooled their personal savings to open the first Haidilao hot pot restaurant in Jianyang, Sichuan province. This marked the beginning of what would become a global restaurant empire.

Rise to Success

Haidilao quickly gained popularity in China and expanded rapidly. By 2024, Haidilao has nearly 1,400 restaurants in Greater China, renowned for its spicy dishes and attentive customer service. Li Haiyan has been a supervisor of Sichuan Haidilao since 2009, contributing to the company's growth. Haidilao's success is attributed to its unique customer service, offering free services like manicures to waiting customers.

Key Business Strategies

One of the key strategies of Haidilao is focusing on attentive customer service and a high-quality dining experience. The company is also expanding its international presence with locations in the U.S., Japan, South Korea, and Singapore. Haidilao's success is attributed to its unique customer service, offering free services like manicures to waiting customers.

Philanthropy

Information on Li Haiyan's specific philanthropic endeavors is limited in the search results. Haidilao's commitment to its employees and community can be inferred, such as focusing on its employees and the communities it serves.

Career Milestones

1994

Co-founder of Haidilao

Founded the first Haidilao hot pot restaurant in Jianyang, Sichuan province, with her husband Shi Yonghong, Zhang Yong, and Shu Ping.

2009

Supervisor of Sichuan Haidilao

Began serving as a supervisor, contributing to the company's growth and operations.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Community Support

Community Support

Unknown

Through Haidilao, contributes to community initiatives and employee welfare.