A boat in every dock? Chinese billionaire unveils plan for mass yacht production
South China Morning Post
by Luna SunFebruary 25, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Richard Liu, the founder of China’s e-commerce giant JD.com, has announced a bold new venture into the nautical industry with his brand Sea Expandary. This initiative aims to revolutionize the yacht market in China by making these traditionally luxurious vessels more accessible to everyday consumers. Leveraging government policy support and the growing demand for leisure activities, Liu is pushing to mass-produce yachts, potentially transforming the way Chinese consumers engage with this once-exclusivesegment of the market.
The move comes as part of a strategic partnership between Sea Expandary and two key coastal cities in Guangdong—Shenzhen and Zhuhai. These agreements focus on high-end manufacturing and infrastructure development, signaling a shift toward making yachts more affordable and mainstream. This aligns with China’s broader economic goals to boost domestic consumption and promote modernization, particularly in the leisure and tourism sectors. The partnership also highlights Liu’s ambition to position China as a global player in the luxury and nautical industries.
This initiative not only reflects the rising middle-class demand for leisure but also underscores the government’s push to diversify the economy and create jobs. By bringing yachts within reach of everyday
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Originally published on South China Morning Post on 2/25/2026