The Chinese entrepreneur read many works of great French writers like Victor Hugo and Flaubert, and began to learn about French literature and arts in his youth. In 2001, when he visited France for the first time, he determined to build his own French castle in Beijing.

In 2004, the only French castle-style structure "Beijing Lafayette Castle," was completed and opened to the public. The design of this castle draws on the architectural styles of many well-know French castles such as MAI Lafayette Castle and Fontainebleau Castle, and the European Post-Renaissance Baroque architectural styles.

Zhang Yuchen's wife spends a lot of time learning French domestic arts and carefully selects various ancient French furniture and treasures in France, using them to decorate the castle.

Today the Beijing Lafayette Castle features a luxury hotel, several banquet halls and function rooms and a cellar with a collection of globally famous wines. The hospitable host of this castle caters for his guests from afar in luxurious living rooms. Such hospitality also explains his motive for inviting Castle Cultural and Arts Exhibition to his own castle, that is, to share the splendid French castle culture and art works with those who haven't have chances to visit France.