From Mason to Billionaire: The Story of China’s Reclusive Water Tycoon Zhong Shanshan

Beijing – Zhong Shanshan, once a school dropout and manual laborer, is now one of the wealthiest individuals in the world, with a net worth of US$60.6 billion (Rp986.08 trillion) as of July 2025. Ranked as China’s second-richest person and 27th globally by Forbes, his empire is built not on tech or finance—but bottled water.

Zhong’s path was far from easy. Born in 1954, he grew up during a period of social and political upheaval in China. At just 10 years old, he witnessed his parents suffer under government oppression. Forced to leave school early, Zhong took on jobs as a bricklayer and carpenter. He found little satisfaction in working for others and eventually pursued entrepreneurship.

In 1988, as a journalism graduate, Zhong launched a newspaper called Pacific Post. The venture failed, and a string of other businesses followed—including selling oysters, mushrooms, turtles, and shrimp—all of which collapsed.

His breakthrough came in 1996 when he launched Nongfu Spring, a bottled water company. While competitors relied on distilled water from industrial processes, Zhong differentiated his brand by sourcing natural spring water, offering a fresher and more authentic taste.

The strategy worked. Nongfu rapidly captured the market and became a household name across China. The company’s public listing in 2020 catapulted Zhong’s fortune from US$16 billion to over US$50 billion. He was crowned China’s bottled water king.

Zhong’s ventures did not stop there. He later founded Wantai Biological, a medical company specializing in vaccines and diagnostic tools. The firm saw explosive growth during the COVID-19 pandemic, further boosting his wealth.

Yet, despite his immense fortune, Zhong lives a surprisingly modest life. Known as “The Lone Wolf,” he avoids media attention, owns only one apartment, and often dines alone at inexpensive cafés. His wardrobe? Plain T-shirts and sneakers, reminiscent of Mark Zuckerberg.

He maintains no political ties and avoids business associations, keeping his private life tightly guarded. But behind the mystery is a man whose grit and vision have reshaped two of China’s most vital industries: health and hydration.

Zhong’s story is not just one of financial triumph, but a rare tale of humility, perseverance, and an unwavering belief in creating value that lasts.

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