Zhang Zetian becomes China’s youngest female billionaire at 31 with $8.4B fortune

Zhang Zetian, considered China’s youngest female billionaire. Photo from Zhang’s Instagram

Economic and financial research firm Hurun issued its “Most Successful Alumni” list, which features the most successful graduates from China’s prestigious universities, for the third year in a row last week. Zhang topped the list as the wealthiest alumna from Tsinghua University, with a net worth of 60 billion yuan.

Zhang’s outstanding academic achievements during her school years are also noteworthy. She was directly admitted to the esteemed Tsinghua University in 2011.

Subsequently gaining fame for her appearance, she was asked by famous director Zhang Yimou to act in the movie “The Flowers of War.” However, she declined the offer to focus on her studies.

In 2015, Zhang married Liu Qiangdong, the 51-year-old chairman of JD.com, a major Chinese e-commerce platform. As of 2023, Forbes lists Liu’s net worth at US$4.9 billion. Since their marriage, Zhang has reportedly held significant roles at JD.com.

In 2018, Liu was detained in Minnesota under suspicion of rape, as reported by the Wall Street Journal. His lawyer refuted the allegations, stating there was no evidence to back the charge.

A Chinese-American student at the University of Minnesota subsequently sued Liu, accusing him of sexual assault. The two reached a settlement in 2022. Liu expressed his gratitude towards Zhang for her support and tolerance during the lawsuit, remarking: “Without her, I couldn’t have made it to this day. I will cherish, care for, and protect my family.”

Zhang is also recognized as a prominent figure in China’s fashion industry. Her regular appearances at international fashion weeks and the Cannes Film Festival have been highlighted by Sina.