LeaderPortfolio
Li
Zhang Li
Rank #1563
CHINADiversifiedReal estate

Zhang Li

Net Worth
$2.62B
-5.19% (24h)
Zhang Li is a Chinese billionaire, co-founder of Guangzhou R&F Properties. Born in 1952 or 1953, he is 73 years old as of March 2026. His wealth stems primarily from real estate. Zhang served as CEO of Guangzhou R&F Properties until December 2023. He is known for his role in developing properties and has a long history of cooperation with Hong Kong-based businessman Li Sze Lim. In 2022, he was involved in a San Francisco bribery case and admitted to bribing former Public Works Director Mohammed Nuru. His estimated net worth is $2.9 Billion as of 2024.

How to read Zhang Li's profile

Public net-worth figures are estimates. They combine observable inputs—typically listed equity, disclosed transactions, and market prices—with editorial judgment where filings are incomplete (for example, private holdings, debt, or cross-holdings). For Zhang Li, we anchor the narrative to Real estate and Real estate, then update the headline number as markets move. The chart on this page is meant to show trajectory, not a certified balance sheet.

When you see $2.62B alongside global rank #1563, interpret it as our best synthesis of widely cited ownership and price signals—not a claim about cash on hand. Estimates can diverge from other publishers because of different treatment of options, trusts, charitable vehicles, or illiquid assets. We document the general approach in methodology and welcome corrections via corrections.

Country (CHINA) and career milestones on this page are curated for reader context; they should be verified against primary sources when used for research. Editorial metadata for this profile is refreshed on a rolling basis, with deeper audits at least annually (last noted cycle: 2026).

Looking for depth? When available, the dossier and timeline sections below add long-form context beyond the headline number—prioritize those modules when evaluating claims about strategy, controversies, or philanthropic commitments.

The Full Dossier

Early Life

Zhang Li was born in Guangzhou, Guangdong, China, in 1952 or 1953. Initially, he worked as an industrial worker in a textile factory, which he joined in 1973. Later, he served as an official in the local government. In 1986, he became the chief manager of the Garden Village Hotel. He then entered the construction industry, developing his own real estate business.

Rise to Success

Zhang Li co-founded Guangzhou R&F Properties in 1994 with Li Sze Lim. The company quickly became one of the largest-scale real estate companies in Guangzhou. Guangzhou R&F Properties was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in July 2005. In December 2023, Zhang Li resigned as CEO and board member of R&F Properties.

Key Business Strategies

Guangzhou R&F Properties focuses on property development, including residential, commercial, and hospitality sectors. The company's strategy involves creating quality living spaces and expanding its reach across various cities and regions. Guangzhou R&F's business model includes property development and sales, as well as income from investment properties.

Philanthropy

No specific philanthropy amounts were found in the search results, but it can be assumed there has been some philanthropy, given his high profile.

Career Timeline

2023

Resigned as CEO

Resigned as CEO and board member of Guangzhou R&F Properties.

1994

Co-founder, Guangzhou R&F Properties

Co-founded Guangzhou R&F Properties with Li Sze Lim.

1986

Hotel Manager

Became chief manager of the Garden Village Hotel.

1973

Industrial Worker

Began career as an industrial worker in a textile factory.

Philanthropic Impact

N/AUndisclosed

Not Found

Philanthropic efforts are not available in search results.

Key Business Ventures & Holdings

CompanyStakeValue
Guangzhou R&F Properties27.77%

Net Worth History

In-Depth Analysis

Early Life

Zhang Li was born in Guangzhou, Guangdong, China, in 1952 or 1953. Initially, he worked as an industrial worker in a textile factory, which he joined in 1973. Later, he served as an official in the local government. In 1986, he became the chief manager of the Garden Village Hotel. He then entered the construction industry, developing his own real estate business.

Rise to Success

Zhang Li co-founded Guangzhou R&F Properties in 1994 with Li Sze Lim. The company quickly became one of the largest-scale real estate companies in Guangzhou. Guangzhou R&F Properties was listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in July 2005. In December 2023, Zhang Li resigned as CEO and board member of R&F Properties.

Key Business Strategies

Guangzhou R&F Properties focuses on property development, including residential, commercial, and hospitality sectors. The company's strategy involves creating quality living spaces and expanding its reach across various cities and regions. Guangzhou R&F's business model includes property development and sales, as well as income from investment properties.

Philanthropy

No specific philanthropy amounts were found in the search results, but it can be assumed there has been some philanthropy, given his high profile.

Data Sources & Methodology

Figures for Zhang Li are synthesized from the sources below and cross-checked against our net worth methodology. Estimates may lag market moves; see corrections to report discrepancies.