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FOUNDER STORIES / ZHANG XIN

The buyers helped finance the buildings.

Before the office rents came the unit sales. How Zhang Xin and Pan Shiyi built SOHO China—and why the timing of the money matters.

By Ben · Fintok6 min read6 sources ↓
Lecture by Zhang XinSOHO New TownWangjing SOHO China, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects
Zhang Xin (2013) / SOHO Newtown / Wangjing SOHO (2014) · Photo credits ↓
THE PARTNERSHIP1995

The business is founded

THE DISCLOSED TERMS / 200710% + 85%

Non-mortgage buyer payments: signing, then within four months

THE CHANGE2012

Announces the move toward rental ownership

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  • The 10% + 85% presale payment schedule, explained
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6 sources · Checked October 24, 2026