Chinese billionaire real estate developer Ni Zhaoxing is a man with a long view of the market. When I asked during a recent interview in his headquarters atop one of his towers in Shanghai's Lujiazui financial district about current trends in China's property market, he started out with historical context that went much further back than I expected. "For 10,000 years," he noted, the construction of dwellings has been important. "And in the days to come, if there are people (here), the development of real estate will still be extremely important."
Yet that long view flows from a passion for history in his daily life. He collects Chinese antiques such as porcelain jars and bowls, and owns French paintings by artists such as David Teniers and Simon Vouet. A sense of history also affects how invests in real estate. In London, he is in talks with the city government about an ambitious project to rebuild Crystal Palace, which burned down in 1936.
Back at home in China, Ni is nearly finished with a project inspired by French culture and history: Chang An Palace. The site consists of 78 villas located in a western Beijing hilly area famed for its history and green scenery. The hills remain, though with nearby intrusions like power lines and farmers' markets. The location is about 30 minutes by car from Tiananmen Square in the heart of Beijing.
The French character comes in part from architect Dominique Hertenberger, interior design firm XY Architecture, and landscape designers Christine and Michel Pena. Ni's hope is to turn the project into a cultural and arts hub that's also suitable for conferences and exhibitions. It's expected to include a jewel, art, diamond and gold trading center.
The price for one of those stately French villas set in Beijing? About 150 million yuan, or $25 million. Have a look below at the environs.
Snap Up Your Own French Villa for $25 Million, In Beijing
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