The Rich List: China’s billionaires

MACHINERY magnate Liang Wengen has taken the top spot among China’s billionaires, according to a survey that called 2011 a record year for the country’s super rich.

Mr Liang, 55, with his 58 per cent share in Sany Group and an £7 billion fortune, knocked beverage-making billionaire Zong Qinghou from the top spot on the Hurun Rich List 2011.

Chinese billionaires now number 271 on the Hurun 1,000 rich list, up from 189 in 2010.

Mr Zong saw his wealth decline from £7.6bn in 2010 to £6.7bn as of 15 August, when the calculations were made.

Search engine giant Baidu’s Li Yanhong ranked third, with £5.5bn to his name.