Fuwah International Group grew into one of Beijing’s primary commercial property developers under the leadership of Chen Lihua. Her professional journey began with a furniture repair venture and culminated in status as one of the wealthiest individuals in the People's Republic of China, bridging the gap between real estate development and cultural preservation through the establishment of a dedicated museum.
Early Background and Business Beginnings
Born in 1941 at the Summer Palace in Peking, Chen was a descendant of a Manchu family belonging to the Qing dynasty. Following the collapse of the dynasty, her family faced significant financial hardship. This economic reality necessitated her departure from high school, leading her to initiate a furniture repair business. In the early 1980s, she relocated to Hong Kong, where she expanded her operations by buying and reselling furniture, eventually acquiring twelve villas.
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Chen returned to Beijing in the late 1980s to shift her focus toward the property market. She formally founded Fuwah International Group in the early 1990s. While real estate remained the primary focus, the organization built a diverse portfolio encompassing tourism, hospitality, agriculture, electronics, and red sandalwood art production. Over time, she transitioned the daily management of these ventures to her son to prioritize her curatorial interests.
The China Red Sandalwood Museum
In 1999, Chen founded the China Red Sandalwood Museum, a project representing an investment of 20 billion yuan. Spanning 25,000 square meters, the museum reflects her lifelong fascination with red sandalwood timber, an interest cultivated during her childhood at the Summer Palace. Beyond the museum, she contributed sandalwood works to various institutions globally. Her philanthropic efforts included significant donations for disaster relief, totaling 265 million yuan in 2004 and 130 million yuan in 2005.
Public Service and Personal Legacy
Beyond her corporate and cultural roles, Chen served as a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference. She was married to the actor Chi Chongrui and was a mother to three children. In her later years, she resided within the museum grounds. Chen died in Beijing on 5 April 2026, at the age of 85.
Fast facts
- Born: 1941, Summer Palace, Peking
- Died: 5 April 2026, Beijing
- Founder: Fuwah International Group
- Founder: China Red Sandalwood Museum
- Nationality: People's Republic of China
- Spouse: Chi Chongrui
- Notable role: Member of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference
Questions readers ask
What was the core business of Fuwah International Group?
The firm operated primarily as a commercial property developer in Beijing with a diverse portfolio that included hospitality, tourism, agriculture, and electronics.
What inspired the creation of the China Red Sandalwood Museum?
Chen founded the museum based on her interest in red sandalwood furnishings, which she was exposed to during her childhood at the Summer Palace.
