China Merchants was founded in 1872, when China witnessed the Westernization Movement of the late Qing Dynasty. Being the forerunner of China's national industry and commerce, China Merchants has played an important role in the modernization of China.

Owing to the great efforts of several generations, China Merchants has now grown into a diversified conglomerate with great strength. She boasts of well-developed business network and market expertise in several business sectors covering transportation infrastructure (ports & toll roads), finance (banking, insurance, funds & securities), real estate and related community services, energy shipping & logistics.

With her headquarters based in Hong Kong and her business operations in emerging markets with dynamics and great potential including Hong Kong, mainland China and Southeast Asia, China Merchants ranks among the "four major mainland-funded companies" based in Hong Kong and has exerted great influence in the international industrial and commercial community.