Wu Yajun was born in 1964 in Chongqing, China, to a regular family. She wasn’t born rich.
After studying engineering, she worked in a factory for a few years making air conditioners, earning just $16 per month.
Later, she became a journalist and editor at a local newspaper.
By the early 1990s, Wu was in her late 20s. She and her husband, Cai Kui, saw an opportunity in real estate.
In 1993, when Wu was about 29 years old, they put together 10 million yuan (their savings and money from investors) to start a company that would later become Longfor Properties.
Their First Step
The first thing they did was build Longfor Nanyuan, a housing project in Chongqing.
Wu had noticed that many apartments were dark, badly designed, and uncomfortable. She wanted to create better, brighter, well-planned homes for families.
She and Cai personally studied other developers, hired professionals, and kept the company’s books clean and organized.
Their first project was a success — and that gave them the confidence to keep going.
Family and Future
Wu and Cai had one daughter during this time. After the couple divorced in 2012, Wu kept running the company.
She even transferred part of her company shares to her daughter, making her one of the youngest billionaires in the world at the time.
Today, Wu Yajun is worth around $17 billion, making her the richest woman in real estate worldwide.
Lessons From Wu Yajun’s Journey
- You don’t have to start rich. Wu started as a factory worker and built her fortune step by step.
- Start small, dream big. Their first project was just one housing development — and it grew into a giant company.
- Family can be your team. She and her husband worked together to launch the business.
- Think long-term. Wu didn’t just build a company; she built a future for her daughter too.