How wealthy is the billionaire spouse of Chinese actor Chi Zhongrui?

Chen is ranked 68th on Hurun Research Institute’s list of China’s 100 wealthiest people, released on October 29. Her wealth stems primarily from real estate and the Red Sandalwood Museum.

In 2016, Chen was recognized as China’s wealthiest woman, according to Sina, and remains a significant figure among Chinese billionaires despite a recent dip in her net worth.

Her career took off in 1996 with the founding of the Changan Club, a luxury business venue near Tiananmen Square in Beijing. Known as mainland China’s first premium club, its annual membership fee is around 170,000 yuan ($23,864) and is open only to a select few, including other billionaires.

Businesswoman Chen Lihua visits her Redwood Museum. Photo from Weibo

Chen also built her wealth through real estate development along Jinbao Street in Beijing. The shopping mall developed by her company now houses numerous international luxury brands.

In recent years, public attention has centered on how Chen intends to allocate her wealth. Rumors circulating on social media suggest she might leave 18 billion yuan ($2.5 billion) to her husband. However, Chen has neither publicly discussed her inheritance plans nor commented on these speculations.

Her three children from a previous marriage play prominent roles in her business. Her son Zhao Yong heads 71 companies within her conglomerate, while her daughter Zhao Li oversees 14. Chi, meanwhile, serves as an executive in two companies linked to the Red Sandalwood Museum.

Actor Chi Zhongrui and his wife, businesswoman Chen Lihua at an event. Photo from Weibo

According to Ifeng, Chen and Chi, married since 1990, now focus on promoting the Red Sandalwood Museum and a cosmetics line they founded together. The couple frequently shares videos of their work in wood carving and cosmetics, with Chi appearing in livestreams to present skincare products.

"Chi was attractive, and he had the interest of many women," Chen remarked.

Sharing on Dongfang TV, Chi said he was not daunted by his wife’s strong personality and admired her as a "powerful woman."

Chi, aged 72, is celebrated for his role in Journey to the West, a 1982 TV adaptation that remains his most notable work despite his involvement in other films and shows. Chen has previously shared that she admired Chi's looks and pursued him actively, while Chi has expressed respect for her strong personality, calling her a "powerful woman."