Billionaire Profile

Global Rank

#25

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Zhong Shanshan

CEO, Nongfu Spring

Real-Time Net Worth

$70.6B

As of December 2025

Age

Source

Beverages, pharmaceuticals

Industry

food-beverage

Citizenship

Biography

Zhong Shanshan, born in Hangzhou, China, in 1954, is a prominent Chinese business magnate with an estimated net worth of $70.6 billion. His wealth primarily stems from his holdings in Nongfu Spring, a leading beverage company, and Beijing Wantai Biological Pharmacy Enterprise. Zhong's career began in journalism before transitioning to entrepreneurship, marked by his establishment of Nongfu Spring, which became the top-selling packaged beverage brand in China. Known for his reclusive nature, Zhong has earned the moniker "lone wolf" for his private approach to business and aversion to public appearances. His achievements include building two highly successful companies and achieving the fastest accumulation of wealth in history.

Wealth Over Time

Portfolio Holdings

Nongfu Spring

In-Depth Profile

Early Life

Zhong Shanshan was born in Hangzhou, China, in 1954. During the Cultural Revolution, he dropped out of primary school at age 12 and worked in construction. He later studied Chinese at Zhejiang Radio & TV University.

Rise to Success

After graduating, Zhong worked as a journalist before entering the business world. His early ventures included selling mushrooms, prawns, and turtles. Zhong founded Nongfu Spring in 1996, which became the largest bottled water maker in China. In 1999, Nongfu Spring stopped removing natural minerals from its water, a move that increased its popularity. He also founded Beijing Wantai Biological Pharmacy Enterprise. Zhong’s wealth increased substantially with Nongfu Spring's IPO in 2020 and Wantai's IPO.

Key Business Strategies

Zhong’s success is attributed to identifying untapped market opportunities and focusing on quality and innovation. His leadership emphasizes efficiency and long-term growth. Nongfu Spring's success is due to its focus on natural water and effective marketing strategies.

Philanthropy

Zhong Shanshan has committed to establishing Qiantang University in Hangzhou with a 40 billion CNY investment.

Career Milestones

1988

Journalist

Worked as a journalist for Zhejiang Daily newspaper.

1996

Founded Nongfu Spring

Founded a bottled water company in Hangzhou, which later became Nongfu Spring.

1999

Nongfu Spring Marketing Strategy

Nongfu Spring stopped removing natural minerals from its water, a marketing strategy to increase exposure.

2020

Nongfu Spring IPO

Nongfu Spring's initial public offering significantly increased Zhong's wealth.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education

Qiantang University

$5.6B

Committed to establishing Qiantang University in Hangzhou.

Controversies & Challenges

2024

Nationalist Backlash

Facing criticism and a boycott campaign due to the perceived lack of patriotism, particularly regarding his son's U.S. citizenship.

2024

Criticism of Government

Criticized the Chinese government for not intervening in price wars and for being negligent in its duties.

Latest News & Analysis

Analysis•11/11/2025

China's Billionaire Bonanza: $310 Billion and the Man Who Could Own It All?

China’s wealthiest are swimming in unprecedented riches, their combined net worth exceeding a staggering $310 billion. But who's leading the charge, and what does this mountain of money mean for the future of global power?

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Analysis•10/28/2025

China's Bottled Water Kingpin: How Zhong Shanshan Keeps Drowning the Competition (and Getting Richer!)

Zhong Shanshan, the man behind Nongfu Spring, has once again topped China's richest list. But how does a bottled water empire thrive in a market saturated with cheap alternatives, and what dark secrets lie beneath the surface of this seemingly innocuous industry?

Read Story

Analysis•7/16/2025

Billionaire's Bid for New Hampshire Water: Is China's Richest Man Grabbing America's Future?

Zhong Shanshan, China's wealthiest individual, is making waves stateside. His audacious move to secure a New Hampshire town's water supply has sent shockwaves through local communities and ignited a firestorm of speculation about national security and corporate dominance.

Read Story