Zhong Shanshan Short biography
Zhong Shanshan, born December 1954, is a Chinese billionaire entrepreneur and philanthropist who is the founder and chairman of Nongfu Spring, a leading bottled water company in China. He also controls Beijing Wantai Biological Pharmacy Enterprise, a vaccine and diagnostics manufacturer.
Born in Hangzhou, China, Zhong dropped out of elementary school during the Cultural Revolution and worked various odd jobs to support his family. He later enrolled in the Zhejiang Radio & TV University and studied Chinese language and literature. In the 1980s, Zhong started his entrepreneurial journey by selling newspapers, mushrooms, and prawns.
Zhong's breakthrough came in 1996 when he founded Nongfu Spring. Recognizing the growing demand for clean drinking water in China, he tapped into a deep natural spring in Hangzhou and began producing high-quality bottled water. Nongfu Spring quickly gained popularity, becoming one of the most recognizable bottled water brands in China.
Zhong's business acumen extends beyond Nongfu Spring. In 2001, he acquired a stake in Beijing Wantai Biological Pharmacy Enterprise, a pharmaceutical company specializing in vaccines and diagnostics. Under Zhong's leadership, Wantai has grown into a leading player in China's pharmaceutical industry, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
