Pan Shiyi is a maverick and vanguard of China's property development. Born in a poor peasant family in Gansu, Pan is now one of the most influential real estate developers in China, creating many firsts in the property market of the country. His SOHO New Town was the first residential project in Beijing using breathtaking colors, and he was the only one in the market who made the promise of unconditional refund to his customers. In addition, his flagship project Commune at the foot of the Great Wall was the first Chinese architectural project being invited to join the international exhibit, and won at the prestigious la Biennale di Venezia. Boao Canal Village, 115 contemporary villas located in Boao, Hainan, is also a prize-winning project developed by Pan. Known for his boldness and vision, Pan is the one who is always ready to challenge orthodox traditions and has the personality to do things that have never been done before. His supporters would heap praises on his creativity and ingenious marketing initiatives, while his competitors constantly criticize him for breaking the rules of the game. Pan's recent project at the heart of Beijing CBD C Jian Wai SOHO C has generated RMB over 7 billion from the market since its debut in 2002, which constituted over 60% of the total sales of all the property projects in the Central Business District. Pan is currently developing SOHO Shang Du, a 170,000 square meter office and commercial mixed use project located in Beijing's CBD.