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Billionaire Profile
L
Global Rank
#2147

Image: Qi, Haiyan; Chen, Huacai; Wang, Yan; Jiang, Li | CC BY 4.0 | via Wikimedia Commons

Li Haiyan

CEO, Restaurants
CHINA
Real-Time Net Worth
$1.88B
Estimated based on Restaurants stock value as of March 6, 2026
+1.4% (24h)
Age
0
Source
Restaurants
Industry
Food & Beverage
Citizenship
CHINA

Biography

Li Haiyan is a co-founder of Haidilao International Holding, a prominent hotpot restaurant chain. As of 2025, she holds the position of company supervisor. Her source of wealth stems from her significant stake in Haidilao, estimated at $1.6 billion as of January 2025. She is the wife of Shi Yonghong, a director at Haidilao and chairman of the hotpot seasonings supplier Yihai International. Li Haiyan, along with co-founders Zhang Yong, Shu Ping, and Shi Yonghong, started their first restaurant in 1994. Haidilao is a well-known brand in China, and has expanded its operations worldwide.

Fact Checked
Verified by Editorial Team
Live Data
Updated 3/6/2026

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Founding of Haidilao

Li Haiyan co-founded Haidilao International Holding in 1994 alongside Zhang Yong, Shu Ping, and Shi Yonghong. The initial investment came from personal savings. The restaurant started with just four tables in Sichuan province, China.

Rise to Success

Under the leadership of Zhang Yong, the company grew into one of the most popular restaurant chains in China and expanded globally, with around 1,300 locations worldwide. Haidilao's success has been attributed to its spicy dishes, attentive customer service, and innovative practices, such as offering free manicures to waiting customers.

Business Structure and Shareholding

Li Haiyan's wealth is primarily derived from her stake in Haidilao International Holding. As of January 2025, her net worth was estimated to be $1.6 billion. Her husband, Shi Yonghong, also a co-founder, holds a stake in both Haidilao and Yihai International, the hotpot condiment supplier. Li Haiyan has been a company supervisor since 2009.

Impact and Reputation

Haidilao's success has made its founders billionaires. Zhang Yong and his wife, Shu Ping, have obtained Singaporean citizenship.

Career Milestones

1994

Co-founded Haidilao

Co-founded Haidilao with Zhang Yong, Shu Ping, and Shi Yonghong, starting with a small restaurant in Sichuan, China.

2009

Company Supervisor

Assumed the role of company supervisor at Haidilao International Holding.

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