Rumors of Rong Yiren Family Immigrating to Canada: Vancouver Mansion with Stunning Ocean Views

A seaside view from a resort hotel in Saipan (VOA)

(People News) The descendants of Rong Yiren, known as the "Red Capitalist," are rumored to have immigrated to Canada. Reports suggest that the Rong family owns a luxurious mansion in Vancouver, spanning 6,000 square meters, with breathtaking ocean views and an estimated market value exceeding 150 million RMB.

According to a report by Radio Free Asia, videos circulating on Chinese social media show moving companies packing antique furniture at a five-story mansion in Shanghai. Local residents claim that a family of seven from the Rong Yiren family is preparing to leave the country.

He Liangmao, a senior media professional based in Vancouver and the chairman of the Hong Kong Parliament Preparatory Committee, commented that wealthy Chinese moving abroad is nothing unusual. “In a country ruled by men and not by law, risks are ever-present. This trend of fleeing began during the Wen Jiabao and Hu Jintao eras and has intensified under Xi Jinping’s rule. It’s all about survival—it’s human nature,” he said.

He added that the Rong Yiren family purchased a massive mansion near the University of British Columbia (UBC) in Vancouver a few years ago. A renovation company owner mentioned that the home has been undergoing extensive remodeling since last summer and recalled seeing Rong Zhijian on the premises, though at the time, he didn’t realize the renovations were to prepare for a large family to move in.

Government records show that the mansion was built in 1992, with a land area exceeding 64,000 square feet (approximately 6,000 square meters) and a living space of 17,000 square feet (about 1,600 square meters). The property features eight bedrooms and 13 bathrooms and is valued at nearly 30 million CAD (approximately 150 million RMB), making it the largest mansion in the area.

The waterfront neighborhood near UBC is a prime location for the ultra-wealthy, offering tranquility and exclusivity. The Rong family’s property reportedly boasts sweeping ocean and mountain views. However, when reporters inquired with nearby residents, no one had seen the mansion's owners, leaving it uncertain whether it indeed belongs to the Rong Yiren family.

Luxury Neighborhoods

Greater Vancouver is home to several renowned luxury neighborhoods, including the tranquil waterfront area near the University of British Columbia (UBC). This region, offering a serene environment and excellent amenities, is often a top choice for the wealthy. 

The Rong Yiren family is often referred to as the "Rockefellers of China." After the Communist Party took power in 1949, Rong Yiren made the bold decision to hand over his family's vast wealth to the party-state. He eventually rose to the position of Vice President of China. Rong Yiren passed away in 2005, but his descendants remain active in the business world.

Chen Siming, who fled China for Canada due to political persecution, commented that anyone with the ability or opportunity, regardless of their wealth or status, desires to leave China. He recalled a friend who made a fortune in the 1990s and immediately moved his money and family overseas. At the time, Chen questioned the decision, saying, "Life is so comfortable—why leave?" His friend replied, "He saw far ahead. He didn’t trust the Communist Party. Don’t be fooled by their sweet talk while they exploit you. Once you’ve made your fortune, they’ll fatten you up like a duck and then slaughter you. Even your life won’t be safe. Remember the saying from a few years ago? Jack Ma had too much money, and it became a threat to his life. Now he’s not thinking about making money but how to stay alive."

According to the latest report by British investment migration consultancy Henley & Partners, an estimated 15,200 Chinese individuals with assets over $1 million are expected to leave China in 2024, the highest number globally.

He Liangmao noted that every person and every dollar leaving China has a unique background. Some are complicit in corruption and human rights abuses, while others are innocent individuals seeking financial freedom. "We can’t lump them all together. The question is whether the money they bring out is clean. Western countries should investigate if they are using the opportunity to launder illicit funds. If everything is legitimate, there’s nothing wrong with finding a safe haven and building a new life."