Top 10 Most Popular Chinese Websites in 2025

Planning to live or work in China? Navigating China’s digital landscape can feel daunting at first, but knowing the top websites will help make your daily life much easier. Whether you’re looking for information, entertainment, or online shopping, this guide introduces you to the 10 most popular Chinese websites that will be indispensable during your time in China.

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Top 10 Most Popular Chinese Websites You Must Know in 2025

This text introduces the Top 10 Popular Chinese Websites in 2025, aiming to help individuals planning to live or work in China understand essential digital platforms. The article lists each website’s name, category, and traffic ranking, and draws parallels with comparable Western websites. The text highlights these websites’ main functions, features, and daily practicality, covering aspects like search (Baidu), e-commerce (Taobao, JD.com), social media (QQ, Sina Weibo), news (Sina, iFeng), life services (Dianping, 58TongCheng), and travel booking (CTrip). This article provides readers with a comprehensive guide to using the Chinese internet

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1, Baidu (百度 bǎi dù,  www.baidu.com)  – The Most Popular Search Engine in China

Website: www.baidu.com
Category: Chinese Search Engine
Ranking: #1 most visited website in China

Chinese Pronunciation:

Baidu is often referred to as the “Google of China” due to its dominance in the Chinese search engine market. Offering a suite of services including maps, news, music, and forums, Baidu is essential for any daily search activity in China. It ranks 5th in global website traffic and is widely used not only in China but also in Japan, South Korea, and the U.S.

Baidu’s search results are monetized through advertising, and it has become a vital tool for businesses looking to improve their visibility in the Chinese market. If you’re moving to China, mastering Baidu is essential, as Google is restricted within the country.

• Expand on Baidu’s Ecosystem: Beyond search Engine, Baidu offers a wide range of services. Detail some of these, such as:
  • Baidu Maps (百度地图): Essential for navigation in China, often more detailed than international map services for Chinese locations.
  • Baidu Wangpan (百度网盘): The Most popular cloud storage service in China.
  • Baidu Baike (百度百科): The Chinese equivalent of Wikipedia.
  • Baidu Tieba (百度贴吧): A forum platform for discussions on various topics.
• Highlight Differences from Google: Specifically point out key differences between Baidu and Google in terms of search results, censorship, and the types of content prioritized.
• Practical Tips for Users: Provide tips for using Baidu effectively, such as using Chinese keywords for better results and navigating the interface in Chinese.

Why use Baidu?

• Best search engine for Chinese language queries.
• Offers services beyond search, including music and news.
• Key for navigating life in China.

Compare to other Chinese search engine, Baidu seized the top market in Chinese search engine. It is not only used in China, but also used in in Japan, South Korea, and the United States. Baidu make money by providing advertising on the results of the search result. Robin Li (李彦宏 Lǐ Yànhóng) is a famous computer scientist in China, studied computer science at the University at Buffalo. In 1996, he created RankDex.

2, QQ (腾讯 téng xùn, www.QQ.com )  – The Most Popular Mandarin Chinese Social Website in China

Website: www.qq.com
Category: Social Media
Ranking: #2 most visited Chinese website in China

QQ, a production of Tencent, is one of the most widely used social platforms in China. It started as a messaging service, similar to Skype or WhatsApp, but has grown to encompass news, interactive communities, and online games. QQ is popular among younger generations, making it essential if you want to connect with locals.

Alongside its messaging app, Tencent also developed WeChat (微信), which dominates Chinese social life. However, QQ remains widely used, especially in gaming communities.

• Distinguish QQ from WeChat More Clearly: While you mention WeChat, emphasize that QQ still holds significant ground, especially among younger users and for gaming. Explain why QQ remains popular despite WeChat’s dominance. Is it lighter, more game-focused, or preferred for certain types of communication?
• QQ Features Deep Dive: Describe features beyond basic messaging, like:
  • QQ Games: A vast gaming platform integrated within QQ.
  • QQ Music (QQ音乐): A music streaming service.
  • QQ News (QQ 新闻): News service.
  • QQ Video (QQ视频): A Video Stream service like Youtube.
• Target Audience: Reiterate that QQ is particularly relevant for connecting with younger demographics in China.
• Language Learning Angle: Expand on how QQ can be used for language exchange and practicing Chinese with native speakers.

Why use QQ?

• Widely used for chatting, gaming, and community interaction.
• Great for socializing with younger generations in China.
• Connects seamlessly with WeChat, Tencent’s most popular app.

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3, Dianping (点评 diǎn píng, www.dianping.com )  – A Way Better Yelp

Website: www.dianping.com
Category: Restaurant Reviews & Group Deals
Ranking: Leading lifestyle website in China

Chinese Pronunciation:

Dianping is often compared to Yelp but offers much more. As China’s top restaurant review platform, it helps users find the best dining spots in over 1,100 cities. Beyond reviews, Dianping offers group-buying deals (团购 tuán gòu) that provide users with discounts on dining and activities, making it a must-have app for anyone living in or visiting China.

Businesses also use Dianping’s powerful analytics tools, making it a vital part of the dining and entertainment landscape.

• Differentiate Further from Yelp: Emphasize what makes Dianping “way better” than Yelp. Focus on features like:
  • Group Buying (团购): Explain how prevalent and beneficial团购 deals are on Dianping.
  • Comprehensive Lifestyle Services: Dianping isn’t just restaurants; it covers movies, hotels, beauty salons, and more.
  • Detailed Reviews & User-Generated Content: Highlight the richness and detail of reviews, including photos and videos.
• Mobile App Importance: Stress that Dianping is primarily used as a mobile app in China.
• Practical Usage Scenarios: Give examples of how someone living in China would use Dianping daily (e.g., finding lunch deals, booking movie tickets, finding a good massage place).
• Monetization: Briefly explain how Dianping makes money (advertising, commissions from deals, etc.).

Why use Dianping?

• Best platform for restaurant reviews and finding local deals.
• Offers group-buying discounts, making it cost-effective for dining.
• Popular among locals for food recommendations and lifestyle activities.

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Comparison with Yelp:
While Yelp is well known for reviews in Western countries, Dianping goes beyond reviews to offer group deals and a loyalty system that’s essential for navigating the Chinese lifestyle. Mastering this app will help you live like a local.

4, Sina (新浪xīn làng,  www.sina.com ) – Chinese Characters News, Twitter and More

Website: www.sina.com
Category: News & Microblogging
Ranking: Top news platform in China

Chinese Pronunciation:

As one of China’s largest news portals, Sina offers comprehensive information ranging from sports and entertainment to social events and business news. This internet giant owns Weibo (微博 wēi bó), commonly known as “China’s Twitter,” which has attracted millions of users for microblogging activities. With the rise of short-form video trends, the company has successfully adapted its strategy, steadily increasing its market share in the short-video content sector.

• Expand on Sina’s Content Diversity: Detail the range of news categories Sina covers (e.g., finance, technology, entertainment, international news).
• Weibo’s Significance: While you mention Weibo, elaborate on its role in Chinese social media. Is it used more for public discussions, celebrity news, or personal updates compared to other platforms? How has it evolved from being “China’s Twitter”?
• Short-Video Adaptation: Explain how Sina is incorporating short-video content and competing in that space.
• News Consumption Habits: Discuss how Chinese people use Sina for news consumption and how it fits into the broader media landscape.

Why use Sina?

• Offers a wide range of news content in Chinese.
• Home to Weibo, China’s most popular microblogging platform.
• Essential for keeping up with news and trending topics in China.

5, YouKu (优酷 yōu kù, www.youku.com) – Popular Chinese Video Platform like Youtube

Website: www.youku.com
Category: Video Streaming
Ranking: #6 most visited website in China

Chinese Pronunciation:

YouKu is the go-to video streaming platform in China, similar to YouTube in the U.S. It offers a wide array of content, from TV shows and movies to short user-uploaded videos. Despite recent restrictions that limit access to YouKu’s content outside of China, it remains one of the most popular entertainment websites in the country.

• Content Variety on YouKu: Describe the types of videos available – are there popular genres, original productions, or specific content categories that are strong on YouKu?
• Comparison to YouTube in China: Are there content differences due to censorship or licensing? How does user-generated content compare?
• Accessibility Issues: You mentioned content restrictions outside China. Explain this further – is it all content, or specific types? Are there VPN workarounds (though be cautious about promoting VPNs)?
• Subscription Model: Clarify the free vs. premium content options and the benefits of premium subscriptions.

Why use YouKu?

• Extensive library of Chinese TV shows, movies, and short videos.
• User-generated content similar to YouTube.
• Available for free streaming, with premium content options.

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6, Jingdong (京东 jīng dōng, www.jd.com) – Amazon of China

Website: www.jd.com
Category: Famous Chinese E-commerce
Ranking: #1 online retail website in China

Chinese Pronunciation:

Jingdong, also known as JD.com, is China’s largest B2C online retailer, offering everything from electronics to home goods. Similar to Amazon, JD.com is known for its reliable logistics network, ensuring quick deliveries across the country. It’s a great platform for finding high-quality products and even offers international shipping through its English website.

• JD’s Strengths: Focus on JD’s reputation for:
  • Authenticity and Quality: JD is often seen as more reliable for genuine products, especially electronics, compared to Taobao.
  • Logistics and Delivery Speed: JD’s in-house delivery network is a major advantage.
  • Customer Service: JD is often praised for better customer service than some other platforms.
• Product Categories: While you mention electronics and home goods, expand on other popular categories on JD (e.g., groceries, fashion, books).
• International Aspect: Detail how international shipping works and if there’s an English version of the site (you mentioned there is).
• Comparison with Amazon in China: Highlight similarities and differences in business models, product focus, and user experience.

Why use Jingdong?

• Best for high-quality electronics and consumer goods.
• Fast and reliable delivery across China.
• Extensive product range, including international shipping options.

7, Taobao (淘宝 táo bǎo, www.taobao.com) – Best Chinese E-commerce Site Similar to Amazon

Website: www.taobao.com
Category: E-commerce
Ranking: #1 C2C platform in China

Chinese Pronunciation:

Taobao is the go-to marketplace for Chinese consumers looking for variety, value, and convenience. Unlike Jingdong, which focuses on brand-name products, Taobao operates as a C2C platform, allowing small businesses and individuals to sell products. Whether you’re looking for clothes, electronics, or home goods, Taobao has it all, often at competitive prices.

• Taobao’s Unique Selling Points: Emphasize:
  • Vast Selection and Variety: Anything and everything can be found on Taobao.
  • Affordability and Competitive Pricing: Taobao is known for being budget-friendly.
  • C2C Marketplace Nature: Explain the dynamic of individual sellers and small businesses.
• Shopping Tips for Taobao: Provide practical advice for navigating Taobao, such as:
  • Using Keywords in Chinese: Essential for effective searching.
  • Checking Seller Ratings and Reviews: Crucial for avoiding scams and low-quality products.
  • Negotiating Prices (讨价还价): A common practice on Taobao.
  • Using Taobao Agents: For international buyers, explain how agents can help with purchasing and shipping.
• Mobile-First Experience: Taobao is heavily reliant on its mobile app.

Why use Taobao?

• Huge selection of products from independent sellers.
• C2C platform, similar to eBay, allowing individuals to open stores.
• Popular for finding unique, affordable items.

Comparison:
While Taobao and eBay share similarities as C2C platforms, Taobao has a much larger product range and is considered the go-to for affordable, everyday items in China.

8, CTrip (携程 xié chéng, www.ctrip.com) – China’s Best Travel Site

Website: www.ctrip.com
Category: Travel
Ranking: #1 travel website in China

Chinese Pronunciation:

CTrip is China’s leading travel booking website, offering flights, hotels, train tickets, and vacation packages. With a user-friendly interface and competitive prices, CTrip is the go-to for both domestic and international travel. The site offers multiple language versions, making it a reliable option for expats.

• CTrip’s Breadth of Services: Beyond flights and hotels, CTrip offers:
  • Train Tickets: Essential for domestic travel in China.
  • Vacation Packages & Tours: Organized travel options.
  • Car Rentals:
  • Attraction Tickets:
• Multilingual Support: Highlight the availability of English and other language versions and the quality of translation and international customer service.
• User-Friendliness: Emphasize the ease of use for both domestic and international travelers.
• Competition: Briefly mention other travel platforms in China and how CTrip maintains its leading position.

Why use CTrip?

• Comprehensive travel booking services, including flights, hotels, and tours.
• English version available with the same prices as the Chinese site.
• Reliable platform with excellent customer service.

9, iFeng/FengHuang (凤凰 fèng huáng, www.ifeng.com) – News Platform

Website: www.ifeng.com
Category: News & Media
Ranking: Top news and media platform

Chinese Pronunciation:

iFeng, or Phoenix TV, is a Hong Kong-based news outlet popular for its more critical and investigative reporting. It has a growing presence on the mainland, offering news, entertainment, and cultural content. It’s especially popular among users seeking less censored perspectives on Chinese and global issues.

• “Critical and Investigative Reporting”: Expand on what makes iFeng’s perspective different. Is it more critical of domestic policies, more focused on international news, or does it offer a different angle on cultural topics?
• Hong Kong Background: Explain how its Hong Kong origin influences its reporting style and content.
• Target Audience: Who is iFeng’s audience? Is it more popular among intellectuals, certain demographics, or those seeking alternative viewpoints?
• Content Formats: Does iFeng offer just news articles, or also videos, documentaries, or other media?

Why use iFeng?

• Offers a unique perspective on news in China.
• Covers sensitive topics other Mainland platforms avoid.
• Popular among Chinese users who seek diverse news sources.

10, 58TongCheng (58同城tóngchéng,  www.58.com) – Help your life in China

Website: www.58.com
Category: Classifieds
Ranking: Top classified ads website

Chinese Pronunciation：

58TongCheng is China’s largest classified advertisements platform, similar to Craigslist. It offers services like housing, job listings, second-hand goods, and automotive sales. It’s an indispensable tool for expats and locals alike, helping people find apartments, jobs, or even second-hand furniture.

• “Help Your Life in China”: Emphasize the practical utility of 58TongCheng for daily life in China, especially for newcomers.
• Service Categories Deep Dive: List and describe the main categories in detail:
  • Housing (房屋): Rentals, sales, roommates.
  • Jobs (招聘): Various job types and industries.
  • Second-hand Goods (二手): Buying and selling used items.
  • Automotive (汽车): Cars for sale, services.
  • Local Services (本地服务): Everything from cleaning services to pet care.
• User Base: Is it used more by locals, expats, or both?
• Mobile App Usage: Like Dianping and Taobao, 58TongCheng is heavily app-based.
• Safety and Scams: Briefly mention the importance of caution when using classifieds platforms and tips for avoiding scams.

Why use 58TongCheng?

• Best platform for classifieds, job hunting, and apartment rentals.
• Covers a wide range of services, including second-hand sales and jobs.
• Perfect for finding local deals and connecting with people in your city.

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FAQs:

• E-commerce: In the FAQ about e-commerce, you can further differentiate Taobao and JD.com by user preference and product type. Taobao for variety and price, JD for quality and speed.
• Google in China: Expand on the “restricted” nature of Google. Mention specific Google services that are blocked or limited (Gmail, YouTube, Google Search itself in mainland China).
• Social Media: In the social media FAQ, you can mention other social media platforms in China, even if they are not in the top 10, like Douyin (抖音/TikTok in China), Kuaishou (快手), Bilibili (哔哩哔哩), to give a broader picture.
• Travel Booking: For CTrip, you could add a tip about using the Chinese version for potentially more deals sometimes, even if the English version is excellent.

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