On February 25, Zong Qinghou, the founder of the Chinese corporate giant Wahaha, passed away, and a painful obituary spread the news to the world. The 79-year-old business legend, known for his entrepreneurial spirit and perseverance in his work ethic, is undoubtedly a great loss to the Chinese business community, and it has also made social media boiling mourning. Zong Qinghou has dedicated his life to Wahaha, and his journey along the way is not only a business story, but also a life journey full of legends and touching.
The life story of this Chinese business giant is deeply moving. It is reported that Zong Qinghou was diagnosed with lung cancer as early as a few years ago and underwent surgery**. However, he did not stop because of this, and still stuck to the front line of his work, reflecting tenacious perseverance and infinite love for his career. In January of this year, his condition took a turn for the worse, and he went to the hospital**, but he still did not leave the company's affairs. Even though his body was no longer able to support him, he still thought about the future of the company from his sickbed, showing a true entrepreneurial spirit.
Three days before his death, **reported that Zong Qinghou's condition was stable and he was still receiving it in the ICU ward**. However, three days later, he ended his life on his way to work. This entrepreneur, who devoted all his passion to his career, is still working in his last days, and this touching life is deeply admirable.
Zong Qinghou's death sparked a heated discussion about his life on social **. According to interviews in the early years, Zong Qinghou was low-key and simple all his life, and his biggest consumption was cigarettes. He admits that he is a smoker, more than two packs a day, and although it is not expensive, he has smoked for more than 30 years. The entrepreneur's death has led to a deep reflection on the relationship between smoking and lung cancer, and has sparked a widespread discussion about the health risks of smoking. Before him, Zong Qinghou had quit smoking for physical reasons, but the high-intensity work and life pressure eventually made him fall into the sea of smoke again.
Zong Qinghou's last public appearance was at the Wahaha Group work conference on December 12, 2023. The photo of him and his daughter Zong Fuli became the last warm picture of the father and daughter. At that time, he was in good shape, communicated cordially with the employees, and presented the award to the outstanding sales employee of the year. This group photo witnessed his determination to fight for his career until the last moment, leaving him with Wahaha Group's indissoluble bond.
Zong Qinghou has only one daughter, who is single at the age of 42. In December 2021, Zong Qinghou announced that his daughter Zong Fuli would take over as the chairman and general manager of Wahaha Group, inheriting her father's career. However, Zong Qinghou's unfulfilled wish was to witness his daughter's wedding and fail to become his father-in-law and grandfather, which became a big regret in his life. Zong Fuli will inherit her father's career and continue to develop and grow Wahaha.
Today, a large number of citizens who have come to mourn in front of Wahaha Company have gathered to offer flowers and Wahaha and other things to bid farewell to this great entrepreneur. His departure is emotional, and a successful private entrepreneur can make so many people respect. May Zong Qinghou rest in heaven in peace and go all the way. His life is the best interpretation of the entrepreneurial spirit, and it is also a spur and inspiration to each of us. Let us inherit his spirit, continue to work hard, strive for our dreams, and achieve a more brilliant tomorrow.