The wedding of Chagee Holdings Limited (CHA) founder Zhang Junjie and Trina Solar Co., Ltd. (688599.SH) co-chairwoman Gao Haichun became a viral sensation on December 15, with photos showcasing a grand traditional Chinese ceremony in Changzhou. Notably, the event prominently featured cups of Chagee's signature milk tea, turning the celebration into an organic marketing moment for the beverage brand.
Guests reportedly each received a cup of Chagee milk tea, while the groom distributed wedding candies across all Chagee stores nationwide. The union bridges two distinct industries – tea beverages and solar energy – with the combined market capitalization of both companies reaching approximately 57.25 billion yuan ($8.2 billion) as of recent trading sessions.
Gao Haichun, daughter of Trina Solar founder Gao Jifan, holds an undergraduate degree from Brown University. Since joining Trina Solar in 2017, she has risen through executive roles, becoming co-chairwoman in January 2025 while leading the company's solutions business unit. Her father, a photovoltaic industry veteran, founded Trina Solar in 1997 and has guided it through multiple industry cycles.
In contrast, Zhang Junjie's journey began in poverty. Orphaned at age 10 in Yunnan province, he entered the tea business as a shop assistant at 17. Through determination and business acumen, he transformed a failing franchise into a success before founding Chagee in 2017. The company has since expanded to over 6,440 global locations following its 2024 Nasdaq listing.
Despite media speculation about potential business synergies, both companies confirmed they currently have no commercial collaborations. The couple met at a young entrepreneurs' event, with Trina Solar previously addressing rumors by requesting respect for their privacy.
Zhang's remarkable rise – from homeless orphan to beverage tycoon with a 13.5 billion yuan ($1.9 billion) fortune – mirrors the growth trajectory of his company. Meanwhile, Gao Haichun continues to drive Trina Solar's transition from manufacturer to comprehensive energy solutions provider.
The wedding highlights how two distinct success stories – one of inherited leadership and another of entrepreneurial grit – have converged at comparable levels of professional achievement and personal wealth.