Zhong Shanshan built his fortune by founding Nongfu Spring after a difficult early life and a series of jobs and ventures, while also retaining control of vaccine and diagnostics company Wantai Biological. [1][2]
A difficult start preceded the businesses that created the fortune
Forbes reports that Zhong dropped out of elementary school during China's Cultural Revolution and later worked in construction, journalism and beverage sales. Those jobs came before the companies that eventually made him one of China's wealthiest entrepreneurs. [1]
Nongfu Spring states that Zhong founded the company in September 1996 and now serves as its chairman, executive director and general manager. The company also says he founded Yangshengtang in 1993 before establishing Nongfu Spring. [2]
Nongfu Spring became the central consumer-business asset behind Zhong's fortune and listed in Hong Kong in 2020. His wealth is therefore tied to founder ownership in a company he created rather than to an inherited operating business. [1][2]
Founder control extends beyond bottled water
Forbes also identifies Zhong as the controlling shareholder of Beijing Wantai Biological Pharmacy, a diagnostics and vaccine company. That second large ownership position broadened the sources of his wealth beyond the beverage company. [1]
The reviewed record shows a first-generation business path that followed significant educational and economic disruption, then progressed through employment, entrepreneurship and retained founder ownership. The fortune was created through businesses Zhong established and controlled. [1][2]
Sources for background
Sources reviewed Sep 21, 2026.
- Zhong Shanshan · Forbes · Mar 10, 2026
- Company Management · Nongfu Spring
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