CNBC AI News, August 22nd – Li Guoqing, founder of Dangdang, China’s pioneering online bookstore, is making headlines again – this time for exchanging vows with Zhang Danhong, his second wife, at the age of 59.
Zhang took to social media late yesterday to share glimpses of their Beijing wedding held at the Ziyun Xuan on August 16th, 2025. Her post included a heartfelt message: “Nearly four decades to go from acquaintance to cherished love! Thank you for your affection, tenderness, understanding, and devotion. I will spend the rest of my life reciprocating your love!”
The wedding, which took place on August 17th, saw notable figures from China’s tech scene in attendance, including Sohu founder Charles Zhang and New Oriental Education & Technology Group’s Yu Minhong, who offered their congratulations. The convergence of these industry titans underscores the enduring impact Li Guoqing has had on China’s business landscape.
During the ceremony, Li reflected on his life and love, stating he wanted to choose someone who loved him, not his wealth. He mused, “Starting from 2005, it’s been a journey spanning 33 years. Thank you to heaven, thank you to Zhang Danhong, and thank you to her parents for her upbringing. And for the record, I’ve corrected this many times: I wasn’t the top scorer in Beijing’s college entrance exam that year.” The admission underscores the entrepreneur’s evolving perspective and perhaps a touch of self-deprecating humor.
Reportedly, Zhang Danhong was Li Guoqing’s “unattainable dream” from his Peking University days. The narrative takes on a poignant angle when considering Li’s past pursuits of Zhang, making their eventual union all the more compelling.
Li revealed that in the early 90s, Zhang Danhong ventured abroad, and his initial attempts to win her over were unsuccessful. This highlights the complexities of timing and circumstance that often intertwine with matters of the heart.
In 1995, Li Guoqing attempted another courtship. He recounted his proposition: “If you were willing to return to China and marry me, I would buy you an apartment in Beijing’s most expensive complex (at the time) and a nice car (as a bridal gift) as your prenuptial property.” This bold offer, reflecting the entrepreneurial spirit of the era, reveals Li’s intent to secure Zhang’s future.
However, Zhang’s reaction to the offer was reportedly one of displeasure: “All you ever talk about is money!” she exclaimed, before abruptly ending the interaction. Decades later, their paths converged once more, culminating in a wedding that transcends mere romance, evolving into a story of resilience, enduring connection, and perhaps, even a touch of irony regarding the role of material wealth in the pursuit of happiness.
Original article, Author: Tobias. If you wish to reprint this article, please indicate the source:https://aicnbc.com/7831.html
