A prominent Chinese businessman, Li Jianhong, has died following a road accident in central Albania, authorities confirmed.
The crash occurred on the Librazhd–Elbasan national road near the area of Xibraka. According to local reports, Li, 60, suffered fatal injuries at the scene, while six other individuals were injured and taken to nearby hospitals.
Albanian police stated that a 26-year-old driver involved in the collision was arrested at the scene on suspicion of violating traffic regulations. Investigations into the circumstances of the accident are ongoing.
Li Jianhong was the chairman and president of Xinjiang Grand Scape Group, a diversified company operating in telecommunications, tourism, investment, and asset management. Under his leadership, the group expanded into a major enterprise with significant assets and a workforce of around 2,500 employees.
He was also the founder of Silkroad Mountain Resort in Urumqi, one of China’s largest ski destinations, which has hosted major winter sports events and attracted thousands of visitors daily during peak seasons.
Born in December 1965 in Zepu county, Kashgar prefecture, Li began his career in Guangdong before returning to Xinjiang in the early 1990s to establish his own business ventures.
Beyond his achievements in business, Li was known for his passion for mountaineering and extreme sports. He completed the Explorer’s Grand Slam, climbing the highest peaks on each continent and reaching both the North and South Poles. In 2018, he successfully summited Mount Everest and, within the same climbing season, also reached the summit of K2.
His death marks a significant loss for both the business and tourism sectors connected to Xinjiang, where he played a key role in developing large-scale projects and promoting winter tourism.