Content DanceWhy This Checklist Matters
Launching a website in China is fundamentally different from other markets. Regulatory compliance, infrastructure, localization, and user expectations can decide a digital presence in the world's largest internet market. This checklist covers items multinational companies often overlook.
1. Regulatory and Compliance
ICP filing and Public Security registration
Websites accessible in Mainland China should complete ICP filing (and PSB registration where required).
Real-Name Verification for Domain Registration
Domain names registered for use in China require real-name verification. The registrant information must match official documentation and be submitted to the registrar before the domain becomes fully operational.
Cross-border data transfer risks
Forms and user data should not be transmitted overseas without proper assessment under China's PIPL.
Third-party script availability
Services such as Google Analytics, reCAPTCHA, YouTube, Google Maps, Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, WhatsApp, and other foreign social platforms are blocked or inaccessible in China. Remove or replace them with local alternatives.
China-compliant map usage
Maps must correctly include Taiwan, Aksai Chin, and South Tibet, using officially approved or compliant map providers.
Correct country / region classification
Taiwan must not be listed as a country. Use "Taiwan, China" or "Taiwan Region of China". The Taiwan region flag icon must never appear on the website.
2. Infrastructure and Performance
Inappropriate hosting location
Overseas hosting leads to high latency and unstable access from Mainland China.
Lack of China-optimized CDN
No integration with China-friendly CDNs (for example Alibaba Cloud, Tencent Cloud, Huawei Cloud, or approved partners).
SSL/TLS certificate compatibility
Some foreign CAs may cause HTTPS instability in certain Chinese network environments.
Unoptimized DNS resolution
DNS services not optimized for China result in slow or failed domain resolution.
3. Search and Discoverability (SEO)
Google-centric SEO strategy
SEO designed purely for Google ignores Baidu and other local search engine requirements.
Unlocalized metadata and structure
Directly translated titles and descriptions fail to match real Chinese search intent.
Unclear URL and language strategy
Inconsistent use of /cn, /zh, or /zh-cn without clear localization signals.
No Baidu Webmaster Tools integration
Sites are not properly submitted or indexed by local search engines.
4. Localization and Content
Mixed-language content presentation
Chinese and English mixed on the same page reduces credibility and professionalism.
Literal or unnatural translations
Content sounds translated rather than written for Chinese business audiences.
Lack of China-specific content
No local case studies, market references, or China-relevant messaging.
Unavailable local contact information
Only overseas contact details are provided, reducing accessibility and trust.
5. User Experience and Conversion
Direct reuse of global form designs
Long, complex forms with poor performance lead to high abandonment rates.
Missing local interaction patterns
No support for WeChat, WeCom, Douyin (TikTok China), RedBook (Xiaohongshu), or other China-preferred communication and social channels.
Lack of local trust signals
Missing compliance statements, a Chinese privacy policy, or clear local entity information.
Chinese-optimized typography
Websites should use fonts designed for Chinese characters such as HarmonyOS Sans, OPPO Sans 3.0, Noto Sans SC, PingFang SC, or Source Han Sans. Default system fonts may render inconsistently across devices.
Cultural details to pay attention to
Avoid unlucky numbers (for example 4), inappropriate color combinations (white and black for celebrations), and culturally sensitive imagery. Consider local holidays (Chinese New Year, Mid-Autumn Festival), lucky colors (red, gold), and imagery that resonates with Chinese audiences.