Heavy machinery magnate Liang Wengen has usurped the top spot among China's billionaires, according to a survey released on Sept 7 that called 2011 a record year for the country's super rich.

Liang, 55, with his 58 percent share in Sany Group and an $11 billion fortune, knocked beverage-making billionaire Zong Qinghou from the top spot on the Hurun Rich List 2011, a statement from the survey's publisher said.

"Despite the continuing global financial crisis, 2011 has been a record year for China's rich," the statement said, noting that 271 Chinese billionaires were now ranked on the Hurun 1,000 rich list, up from 189 in 2010.

That number has more than doubled from 2009's 130 billionaires. Even making the top 1,000 has become harder, with the cut-off at $310 million, up from $220 million last year. The average wealth of those who made the cut is $924 million.

Rupert Hoogewerf, founder and publisher of Hurun Report in its thirteenth year, said in the statement that the list did not account for all of China's billionaires, a number he said was likely closer to 600.

"China's relentless construction boom coupled with a growing domestic retail market have been the key drivers for the growth in wealth," the statement said. It said successful stock market listings also had been a major factor.

Sany has plans to go public in Hong Kong, which could boost Liang's fortune further.