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China ‘Wheel Queen’: from tractor driver to owner of US$1.6 billion manufacturing empire

Chen Ailian, who has been dubbed as China’s Wheel Queen with a net worth of 11 billion yuan (US$1.6 billion), has trended on mainland social…

By Samantha Johnson / June 15, 2026

Chen Ailian, who has been dubbed as China’s Wheel Queen with a net worth of 11 billion yuan (US$1.6 billion), has trended on mainland social media as an encouraging role model.

Four decades ago, she defied gender stereotypes by driving a tractor.

As her enterprise in the east of the country grew into a success, Chen rewarded her key employees with 100 BMW cars, the news portal Sina.com reported.

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The Zhejiang-based Wanfeng Auto Holding Group, founded by Chen, is the global No 1 manufacturer of two niche products: aluminium wheel hubs and magnesium alloy. It is also the leading aircraft maker and covers the general aviation industry’s whole supply chain.

Chen Ailian, pictured at the steering wheel of her tractor as a young woman. Photo: 163.com
Chen Ailian, pictured at the steering wheel of her tractor as a young woman. Photo: 163.com

Chen, 68, hails from Xinchang county of Zhejiang province, in eastern China.

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