The Rumor Mill Churns

Last week, Chinese social media was abuzz with claims that Hong Kong's richest billionaire, Li Ka-shing, was preparing to sell his iconic Deep Water Bay mansion, along with other properties in the Greater Bay Area. Speculations ran wild, with some suggesting hidden motives behind the alleged sales.

Family Denial Sparks Curiosity

Victor Li, the tycoon's eldest son and chairman of CK Hutchison, was quick to dismiss these claims as "completely fabricated." This denial, however, only fueled public interest in the mansion that has been the Li family's home for six decades.

Photo by Reuters

A Home Steeped in History

Purchased in 1963 by Li's late wife, Chong Yuet-ming, for HK$650,000, the mansion at 79 Deep Water Bay Road is a testament to the family's legacy. This exclusive neighborhood is known for housing Hong Kong's wealthiest residents.

Modern Luxuries Meet Timeless Elegance

The three-story mansion, standing on an elevated podium, boasts a lawn, a swimming pool, and underwent a HK$54 million renovation from 2010 to 2013. It has a gross floor area of 8,842 square feet, with additional exempted space for a car park and a garden leased from the government.

Photo by AFP

A Legacy of Resilience

Despite two unsuccessful break-in attempts, in 1993 and 2015, the mansion remains a symbol of the Li family's resilience. Victor Li has confirmed that there are no plans to sell the family home, urging the public to disregard unfounded rumors.

From Humble Beginnings to Billionaire Status

Li Ka-shing's journey from selling plastic flowers to becoming Hong Kong's richest man is a story of ambition and determination. With a net worth estimated at US$39.7 billion, his legacy is now in the hands of his son, Victor.