Zhang Yiming, the 43‑year‑old co‑founder of ByteDance, claimed first place on China’s rich list, ending five years of dominance by bottled‑water magnate Zhong Shanshan. The shift is notable because it highlights the growing power of artificial‑intelligence ventures in today’s economy.

Zhang's net worth climbed more than 21%, rising from $69.3 billion last year to $84 billion this year, according to Forbes. This rapid increase moved him ahead of Zhong Shanshan on the rich list.

ByteDance plans to invest up to $70 billion in artificial‑intelligence projects this year, focusing mainly on AI infrastructure. Zhang personally oversaw the creation of an AI model that can generate interactive virtual worlds for gaming, virtual reality and robotics. These AI efforts are a core part of the company’s expansion strategy.

While Zhang’s fortune surged, the combined net worth of China’s 100 richest fell to $1.3 trillion, down from $1.35 trillion a year earlier. At the same time, AI‑focused entrepreneurs such as Liang Wenfeng rose sharply, showing how AI is reshaping wealth rankings.

Zhang’s AI‑driven growth allowed him to overtake Zhong, whose wealth dropped sharply, while other AI leaders climbed the list. The episode underscores that investment in artificial intelligence can dramatically boost personal wealth in the modern Chinese economy.