{"id":21002,"date":"2025-09-22T09:00:36","date_gmt":"2025-09-22T01:00:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/beyond-shenzhen.cn\/?post_type=blog&p=21002"},"modified":"2026-04-08T18:47:10","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T10:47:10","slug":"china-websites-server-select","status":"publish","type":"blog","link":"https:\/\/beyond-shenzhen.cn\/en\/blog\/china-websites-server-select\/","title":{"rendered":"\u3010China Market\u3011Guide to Chinese Website Development and Server Selection"},"content":{"rendered":"

The digital marketing environment in China is vastly different from Japan. Simply translating a Japanese website into Chinese will not achieve sufficient results.<\/p>\n

To succeed in the Chinese market, a wide range of knowledge and strategies are required, including Search Engine Optimization (SEO), building a Chinese website, and adapting to China’s unique digital ecosystem.<\/p>\n

This article introduces the basics of Chinese website development and server selection necessary for Japanese companies entering the Chinese market.<\/p>\n

Essential Localized Expression for Building a Chinese Website<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

The Importance of Mastering Chinese Localized Expression<\/h3>\n

Language differences are the first major hurdle for Japanese companies entering the Chinese market. Relying solely on translation tools or literal translations can fail to gain user trust and may leave an impression of being “unnatural and unintelligible.”<\/p>\n

An effective method is to hire native speakers to create and optimize the website content, ensuring that the expressions blend with the habits and culture of Chinese users.<\/p>\n

High-quality localized content not only enhances user experience but also positively impacts indexing and ranking on search engines like Baidu, leading to better exposure and conversion.<\/p>\n

Understanding China’s Social Media Platforms<\/h3>\n

In addition to language, China’s unique internet ecosystem cannot be ignored. In China, over 90% of users access the internet via smartphones, making mobile-first optimization mandatory for websites.<\/p>\n

While Japan relies on Google, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and LINE, China primarily uses Baidu, Sogou, and 360 Search as search engines. For social media, platforms like WeChat, Redbook, Douyin (TikTok China version), bilibili, and Weibo are the main channels for information gathering.<\/p>\n

Furthermore, companies can leverage new media such as WeChat Official Accounts, WeChat Mini Programs, Redbook, Douyin, Weibo, bilibili, and Toutiao for brand building and sales promotion.<\/p>\n

By utilizing these channels, localized marketing adapted to China’s internet environment can finally be realized.<\/p>\n

Differences Between Chinese and Japanese Websites<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Due to China’s unique internet regulations, services including Google are inaccessible from within China.<\/p>\n

Therefore, when Japanese companies build websites for the Chinese market, proceeding without a full understanding of China’s internet regulations and access environment can lead to problems such as “website inaccessible” or “extremely slow website loading.”<\/p>\n

Additionally, because Google is unavailable, SEO strategies must be adjusted for Chinese domestic search engines like Baidu, Sogou, and 360. Specifically, this requires implementing keyword placement, site structure optimization, and content localization to maximize visibility and traffic in the Chinese market.<\/p>\n

Comparison of Site Style Design<\/h3>\n

Japanese companies entering the Chinese market will first notice significant differences in website style between Japan and China.<\/p>\n

Therefore, when building a website in China, it is important to incorporate localized design elements for Chinese users while maintaining your own brand image.<\/p>\n

This allows you to provide a professional, trustworthy site while also meeting Chinese users’ demand for a fast and intuitive browsing experience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Item<\/span><\/td>\nJapanese Websites<\/span><\/td>\nChinese Websites<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Design Features<\/td>\nSimple, understated, ample white space, orderly layout, calm atmosphere.<\/p>\n

Smaller fonts, subdued colors (blue, gray, white). Focus on static images and text.<\/td>\n

High information density, emphasis on visual impact. Homepage integrates navigation, carousels, promotional info.<\/p>\n

Larger fonts, vibrant colors (red, orange, etc.). Dynamic effects, carousels, and pop-ups are common. Rich portal sites and ad spaces.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Navigation<\/td>\nPrimarily top navigation.<\/p>\n

Hierarchy is clear but kept simple. Few submenus.<\/td>\n

Multi-layer navigation: Top + Side + Footer.<\/p>\n

Many links on the homepage (banners, icons, shortcuts).<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

User Behavior Tendencies<\/td>\nTake time to read detailed content.<\/p>\n

Carefully check corporate culture, technical materials, typography, and fine details.<\/td>\n

Quickly and intuitively scan, instantly catch prices, discounts, contact info.<\/p>\n

Then move to e-commerce sites or WeChat to take action. Emphasis on delivering information intuitively and quickly.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Interaction<\/td>\nFewer functional buttons. Relatively few animations and interactions.<\/p>\n

Slightly longer purchase processes are acceptable.<\/td>\n

Many functional entry points. E-commerce optimized with goal of “complete order within 3 steps.”<\/p>\n

WeChat, QR codes, share buttons are almost mandatory. Online customer service is also widely adopted.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Images & Expression<\/td>\nActual product photos or life scenes.<\/p>\n

Prefers simple, natural expressions.<\/td>\n

High contrast. Buttons, prices, coupons are\u4e00\u76ee\u4e86\u7136 (obvious at a glance).<\/p>\n

Many flashy campaign expressions tied to seasons or events.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Value Placed On<\/td>\nReliability, professionalism, brand image.<\/p>\n

Focuses on branding and communicating corporate culture. Emphasizes building trust.<\/td>\n

Efficiency, practicality, immediacy (experience of being able to use\/buy right away).<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Technology Stack for Website Development<\/h3>\n

The technology stack for building websites for the Chinese market is the same as in Japan.<\/p>\n

The choice of technology stack is determined not by “what you want to build” but by “how you will operate it.” WordPress is suitable for content-centric sites with high update frequency.<\/p>\n

On the other hand, if you value a unique user experience or future expandability, you may choose to adopt React or Vue.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Item<\/span><\/td>\nTechnology Stack<\/span><\/td>\nOverview<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Foundation Technologies<\/td>\nHTML, CSS, JavaScript<\/td>\nEssential basic technologies for all website development.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Frontend<\/td>\nReact, Vue<\/td>\nAdopted when websites require advanced dynamics or UI\/UX.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Backend<\/td>\nPHP, Node.js<\/td>\nPHP has high affinity with WordPress, Node.js is suitable for implementing API functions.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
CMS<\/td>\nWordPress<\/td>\nOptimal for sites with high update frequency or blog-centric sites.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Server Selection and Access Regulation Compliance<\/h2>\n

\"\"<\/p>\n

Recommended China Server Environment<\/h3>\n

If overseas servers in Japan, the US, etc., are used for a website targeting the Chinese market, access latency will occur due to the impact of China’s unique internet regulations and physical distance.<\/p>\n

Therefore, it is recommended that overseas companies choose a server located within mainland China (e.g., Alibaba Cloud) when building a website for China.<\/p>\n

This improves website access speed from within China and facilitates smoother ICP license registration and compliance with China’s network management requirements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Item<\/span><\/td>\nMainland China Server<\/span><\/td>\nHong Kong Server<\/span><\/td>\nOverseas Server (Japan\/US, etc.)<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Access Speed from within China<\/td>\nFast<\/td>\nAverage
\n(Slightly more latency than Mainland China)<\/td>\n		Slow, Inaccessible
\n(Unstable due to internet regulations)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
ICP License Required<\/td>\nRequired
\n(approx. 20-30 business days)<\/td>\n		Not Required<\/td>\nNot Required<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cloud Platform (Server)<\/td>\nAlibaba Cloud, Tencent Cloud, etc.<\/td>\nAlibaba Cloud, AWS, etc.<\/td>\nAWS, etc.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Domain<\/td>\n.cn: For businesses\/individuals focused on China market<\/p>\n

.com.cn: For companies with legal entity registration in Mainland China<\/p>\n

.com: International, high versatility<\/td>\n

.hk: For businesses\/individuals focused on Hong Kong market<\/p>\n

.com.hk: For companies with legal entity registration in Hong Kong<\/p>\n

.com: International, high versatility<\/td>\n

.jp: For businesses\/individuals focused on Japan market<\/p>\n

.co.jp: For companies with legal entity registration in Japan<\/p>\n

.com: International, high versatility<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

DNS Specifications<\/td>\n\u30fbName Resolution: Fast<\/p>\n

\u30fbDNS Poisoning Risk: Low<\/p>\n

\u30fbPacket Loss Frequency: Low<\/td>\n

\u30fbName Resolution: Average (slightly slower than Mainland China)<\/p>\n

\u30fbDNS Poisoning Risk: Low (more stable than overseas)<\/p>\n

\u30fbPacket Loss Frequency: Average<\/td>\n

\u30fbName Resolution: Latency, Timeout<\/p>\n

\u30fbDNS Poisoning Risk: High<\/p>\n

\u30fbPacket Loss Frequency: High<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

SSL Certificate<\/td>\nNo impact even with international brands like DigiCert (Let’s Encrypt also usable)<\/td>\nNo impact even with international brands like DigiCert (Let’s Encrypt also usable)<\/td>\nNo impact even with international brands like DigiCert (Let’s Encrypt also usable)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Advantages<\/td>\n\u30fbProvides comfortable experience for Chinese users<\/p>\n

\u30fbAdvantageous for SEO on Chinese search engines (e.g., Baidu)<\/td>\n

\u30fbUsable without ICP license<\/p>\n

\u30fbRelatively stable access speed<\/td>\n

\u30fbCan use existing overseas servers<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Disadvantages<\/td>\n\u30fbOnly usable by businesses\/individuals with legal entity registration in Mainland China<\/p>\n

\u30fbICP license application and registration take time<\/td>\n

\u30fbSlightly slower than Mainland China servers<\/td>\n\u30fbSignificantly slow access speed<\/p>\n

\u30fbUnstable indexing on Chinese search engines (e.g., Baidu)<\/p>\n

\u30fbHigh user bounce rate from the site<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Use Cases<\/td>\n\u30fbPrimary target is general consumers\/companies in Mainland China<\/p>\n

\u30fbE-commerce sites where speed directly impacts sales<\/p>\n

\u30fbLong-term website operation for the China market<\/td>\n

\u30fbWant to launch a site using general server setup knowledge and skills<\/p>\n

\u30fbB2B sites where access speed does not directly impact sales<\/td>\n

\u30fbImpractical for the China market<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Accelerating Site Access Using a China CDN<\/h3>\n

If choosing a server in Hong Kong or overseas, utilizing a CDN can mitigate website access latency. For example, services like Alibaba Cloud CDN offered within China can be used.<\/p>\n

However, when using a China CDN for “Mainland China” acceleration, an ICP license registration and a real-name verified account within China are mandatory.<\/p>\n

Overseas companies without a legal entity registration in Mainland China cannot contract for a China CDN independently; they must do so through a partner or agent based in Mainland China.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
Item<\/span><\/td>\nMainland China Server + China CDN<\/span><\/td>\nHong Kong Server + China CDN<\/span><\/td>\nOverseas Server (Japan\/US, etc.) + China CDN<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Access Speed from within China<\/td>\nVery Fast<\/td>\nFast<\/td>\nAverage<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Conditions for Contracting\/Using China CDN<\/td>\n\u30fbCompany with legal entity registration in Mainland China<\/p>\n

\u30fbVia a partner or agent in Mainland China<\/td>\n

\u30fbVia a partner or agent in Mainland China<\/p>\n

* Contracting\/use independently by companies without legal entity registration in Mainland China or overseas companies is not possible<\/td>\n

\u30fbVia a partner or agent in Mainland China<\/p>\n

* Contracting\/use independently by companies without legal entity registration in Mainland China or overseas companies is not possible<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n

Points to Note When Using China CDN<\/td>\n\u30fbICP license registration is mandatory<\/td>\n\u30fbCannot achieve the speed of “Mainland China Server + China CDN”<\/p>\n

\u30fbServer configuration becomes complex, costs increase<\/p>\n

\u30fbDepending on acceleration zone settings, ICP license may be required<\/td>\n

\u30fbCannot achieve the speed of “Mainland China Server + China CDN”<\/p>\n

\u30fbServer configuration becomes complex, costs increase<\/p>\n

\u30fbDepending on acceleration zone settings, ICP license may be required<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

Summary<\/h2>\n

The Chinese market is a unique, independently developed, and massive digital ecosystem, different from other overseas markets.<\/p>\n

For overseas companies to achieve results in China, understanding consumer needs and behavioral characteristics, along with “Chinese website development” and “server selection,” is essential.<\/p>\n

By grasping these key points, stable website operation targeting the Chinese market becomes possible.<\/p>\n

Related Services<\/h3>\n\n\n\n\n
Website Development<\/span><\/td>\nhttps:\/\/beyond-shenzhen.cn\/en\/service\/website<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Managed Cloud Services<\/span><\/td>\nhttps:\/\/beyond-shenzhen.cn\/en\/service\/server<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

 <\/p>\n

For Website Development and Managed Cloud Serivces<\/a><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

The digital marketing environment in China is vastly different from Japan. Simply translating a Japanese website into Chinese will not achieve sufficient results. To succeed in the Chinese market, a wide range of knowledge and strategies are required, including Search Engine Optimization (SEO), building a Chinese website, and adapting to China’s unique digital ecosystem. This […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":25433,"template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_locale":"en_US","_original_post":"https:\/\/beyond-shenzhen.cn\/?post_type=blog&p=20951"},"tags":[],"blogcat":[12],"class_list":["post-21002","blog","type-blog","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","blogcat-it-web","en-US"],"acf":[],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/beyond-shenzhen.cn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog\/21002","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/beyond-shenzhen.cn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blog"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/beyond-shenzhen.cn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/blog"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beyond-shenzhen.cn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beyond-shenzhen.cn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/25433"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/beyond-shenzhen.cn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=21002"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beyond-shenzhen.cn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=21002"},{"taxonomy":"blogcat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/beyond-shenzhen.cn\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/blogcat?post=21002"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}