The business and cultural landscape of China is mourning the loss of a formidable pioneer. Chen Lihua, the founder and honorary chair of Fuhua International Group and the curator of the China Red Sandalwood Museum, passed away in Beijing on the evening of April 5, 2026, at the age of 85.
According to an official obituary released by the Fuhua International Group on April 7, Chen succumbed to an illness after medical treatment proved ineffective. She passed away at 8:50 PM in Beijing reported by Sohu. Her death marks the end of a prolific career that spanned several decades, blending high-stakes entrepreneurship with a lifelong devotion to the preservation of traditional Chinese art.
Beyond her corporate achievements, Chen was widely recognized for her enduring and high-profile marriage to Chi Zhongrui, the actor best known for his iconic portrayal of the monk Tang Seng in the 1986 television series Journey to the West. Their partnership, which lasted over 36 years, became a symbol of mutual understanding and shared passion for the arts, defying conventional expectations regarding age and social standing.
As the world processes the loss of this influential figure, her legacy remains anchored in two primary spheres: the global expansion of the Fuhua International Group and the institutionalization of red sandalwood art through her museum, which served as a bridge between ancient craftsmanship and modern appreciation.
A Legacy of Entrepreneurship and Cultural Guardianship
Chen Lihua’s journey as an entrepreneur began in the 1980s, a period of significant economic transition in China. She founded the Fuhua International Group, building it from the ground up into a diversified conglomerate. As a female leader in a competitive business environment, she was noted for her vision and decisiveness, steering the group toward sustained growth and international recognition.
However, Chen viewed her wealth not as an end, but as a means to protect cultural heritage. This philosophy culminated in the creation of the China Red Sandalwood Museum. As the museum’s curator, she dedicated her life to the protection and transmission of red sandalwood art, ensuring that the intricate techniques of the past were documented and displayed for future generations. Her commitment extended to the establishment of the museum’s Hengqin branch, further expanding the reach of traditional Chinese aesthetics via Red Star News.
Her contributions to the arts and society were recognized on a global scale. Chen was the recipient of the United Nations “Outstanding Asian Women’s Lifetime Achievement Award,” a testament to her influence as a business leader and her dedication to philanthropy and cultural diplomacy.
The Partnership Between a Mogul and ‘Tang Seng’
One of the most discussed aspects of Chen Lihua’s life was her marriage to Chi Zhongrui. The couple wed in 1990, with Chen being 11 years older than Chi via Red Star News. Despite the age difference, their relationship was characterized by deep affection and a shared love for Peking Opera, the traditional art form that originally brought them together during a cultural activity.
Chi Zhongrui, whose portrayal of Tang Seng made him a household name across Asia, often spoke of the secret to their happiness as mutual understanding. In a 2013 appearance on the program Luyu Youyue, Chi emphasized that the ability to understand one another was the cornerstone of their bond. He also highlighted the importance of family cohesion, noting that the entire family made it a mandatory practice to eat dinner together every day via Red Star News.
Their union blended the worlds of high finance and classic cinema, creating a private sanctuary of art and family values amidst their public personas. The couple shared four children, all of whom are described as having achieved significant success in their respective fields.
Public Service and Political Contributions
Chen Lihua’s influence extended far beyond the boardroom and the museum. She was a deeply engaged member of China’s political and consultative framework, serving as a member of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) from the eighth to the twelfth sessions via Red Star News.
she held significant leadership roles within the CPPCC, serving as the Deputy Director of the Hong Kong, Macao, Taiwan and Overseas Chinese Committee during the eleventh and twelfth sessions. In these roles, she acted as a representative for the overseas Chinese community, contributing to national construction and promoting cultural exchange between mainland China and the rest of the world.
Key Milestones in the Life of Chen Lihua
| Period/Year | Event/Achievement |
|---|---|
| 1980s | Founded Fuhua International Group |
| 1990 | Married actor Chi Zhongrui |
| 8th-12th Sessions | Served as member of the National Committee of the CPPCC |
| 11th-12th Sessions | Deputy Director of the CPPCC HK, Macao, Taiwan and Overseas Chinese Committee |
| Lifetime | Established China Red Sandalwood Museum and Hengqin Branch |
| April 5, 2026 | Passed away in Beijing at age 85 |
Transition of Leadership and Family Legacy
As the Fuhua International Group navigates the loss of its founder, the transition of leadership appears to have been managed well in advance. Chen’s eldest son, Zhao Yong, has already taken the reins of the Fuhua Group, ensuring that the business operations and the cultural mission of the company continue without interruption via Sohu.
The loss is felt not only by her family but also by the wider artistic community. Ma Dehua, the actor who played “Zhu Bajie” in Journey to the West, expressed his grief, describing Chen as a loving and excellent woman who made immense contributions to the cause of red sandalwood art. He noted that her departure is a source of great sadness for those who knew her.
Chen Lihua’s life served as a blueprint for the modern female entrepreneur in China—one who could scale a business to international heights even as remaining rooted in the preservation of national identity and traditional arts. Her ability to balance the demands of a corporate empire with the delicacy of art curation and the stability of a long-term marriage leaves behind a multifaceted legacy.
Further details regarding memorial services or official tributes from the Fuhua International Group have not yet been released. Official updates are expected to be posted via the group’s corporate channels.
We invite our readers to share their thoughts and reflections on the legacy of Chen Lihua in the comments section below.