In a recent initiative, Wu Lingli, a board member of the Guangzhou Shisan Hang Cultural Promotion Association, teamed up with Wu Bih-Chen, a resident of California’s capital, Sacramento, to issue a public appeal for relatives of Wu Bingjian, a renowned merchant from the Qing Dynasty and once listed among the world’s wealthiest individuals. Their goal is to reconnect with long-lost family members and continue the family lineage.

Wu Bingjian, who lived from 1769 to 1843, was a prominent merchant in mid-Qing China, known by his courtesy name Chengzhi and styled Pinghu, with the business name Howquan. As the head of Jardine Matheson, he amassed considerable wealth in the early 19th century through China’s foreign trade. Wu Bingjian earned global recognition and was considered the world’s richest man of his time, commanding a significant share of maritime trade and even engaging in investments in the Western U.S. railroads through partnerships with tycoon John Murray Forbes.

Due to his immense fortune and status, Wu Bingjian became a well-known figure in the Western world. In 2001, The Wall Street Journal recognized him as one of the 50 richest individuals over the past millennium. Unlike other notable Chinese historical figures who accumulated wealth through political power, Wu Bingjian built his fortune through trade and enterprise, bringing significant honor to the Wu family of Guangzhou’s Shisan Hang.

However, over the years, the traces of Wu Bingjian’s descendants in America have gradually faded. This motivated Wu Lingli and Wu Bih-Chen to launch their search for relatives, hoping to bridge this gap and reclaim their scattered family ties.

Wu Bingjian’s legendary life not only influenced trade development in modern Chinese history but also left a lasting impact on the American railroad industry. Through this search, Wu Lingli and Wu Bih-Chen aspire to continue this remarkable family saga that spans two centuries, reuniting the descendants of the Wu family across the globe.