Possessing US$12.6 billion in assets, Zong Qinghou, founder and chairman of beverage giant Wahaha Group, became the richest person in the Chinese mainland, according to the Hurun Rich List 2012 published yesterday.

This is the second time for the 67-year-old beverage tycoon to come on top of the list in fourteen years.

Owing to disappointing development in the domestic financial market this year, the average wealth of Chinese billionaire whose assets reach no less than US$285 million decreased to US$856 million, 5.8 percent lower than last year; but still up 38 percent compared to 2010.

Among the 1,000 businessmen on this year's rich list, 469 saw their wealth shrink with 37 of them plummeting by 50 percent or above. Entrepreneurs in solar energy, clothing and retail industries experienced the biggest losses in wealth.

Although five of the top 10 on the rich list come from the real estate sector, this year's list sees great development from the food manufacturing and internet industries, each seizing two spots on the list.

The following are the top 10 richest people in the Chinese mainland this year according to the Hurun Rich List:

   Chen Lihua (陳麗華)

 2012 Wealth (US$b): 5.4

2011 Ranking: 16; 2011 Wealth (US$b):  5.2

Company: Fu Wah International (富華國際)

Industry: Real estate

Headquarters: Beijing

Age: 71

Birth place: Beijing