Domain name strategy for China
Entering the Chinese market requires more than translation—it requires a domain strategy that works within China’s internet environment. Your domain name affects visibility, performance, trust, and compliance.
Chinese Top-level domain (TLD) (.cn/.com.cn) – The Reality
Most businesses entering the Chinese market start by purchasing a .CN TLD. This is not helped by many domain suppliers promoting .CN is the right domain for China.
This is wrong!
The ownership rules have been changed. In 2022, Chinese TLDs, e.g. .cn/.com.cn etc., can only be owned by Chinese businesses and citizens.
Chinese domain names are tightly controlled and linked to local identity and active use within China.
If you purchase a Chinese domain name, a Chinese nominee holds the domain name on your behalf. If the Chinese authorities wish to, and if the domain is not in use or is used for an overseas website, they can delete, and will delete, the domain name.
Remember, you have little / no control over the Chinese nominee. If they wish to sell the domain, you cannot stop them.
Chinese domain name – Is there any reason for purchasing?
Many companies purchase .cn/.com.cn to protect their trademark in China. While this does offer some protection. These points above still stand.
The better option is to register our trademark in China. This protects your business better than holding on to a Chinese domain name.
Overseas purchase of a domain name in China is fully supported in China
As part of the Change in 2022, overseas companies can purchase Domain Names in China that are fully registered to your business, provided they are not Chinese TLDs (.cn/.com.cn ,etc.).
A domain name registered in China through a domain supplier, e.g. Access to China Chinese sister company) has access to the Chinese NS services, which will prevent your domain name from being found in China.
To complete domain registration, you will need to provide the company registration certificate and a passport. The summation and processing we handle on your behalf.
At the end of this, you are given a domain ownership certification.
This process needs to be completed annually.
While this process is being completed, our Chinese company holds the Domain Name as the nominee.
Your company needs to be registered only once, allowing you to use multiple domain names if you wish.
Opportunity: Shorter and Meaningful Domain Names
You can create meaningful domain names by adding .cn to the domain and then use .com/.co/.net TLD, which Chinese search engines like.
123.com → 123cn.com
mydomain.com → domaincn.com
Many Chinese businesses have started using this standard for domain names.
Quick checklist
Use these checks when selecting a domain name for China.
- Try to aviod using .cn/.com
- Becareful of nominee domain ownership
- Stop your domain name not been found
- You need access to the Chinese NS server
- Make sure your have domain has certificate
- Try adding "cn" to your domain 123.com-->123cn.com
Need help?
If you’d like help selecting a China-friendly domain and setting up Chinese name services, contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.