Search engines help people find information on the internet. You can use them to find news, videos, websites, or answers to any question.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the top 10 Chinese search engines and browsers. Whether you’re planning a trip to China or just want to learn how people there browse the web, this guide will help you get familiar with the tools they use every day.
Top 10 Chinese Search Engines
1. Baidu: The Google of China
Just like people in the U.S. say “Google it” when they want to search for something, people in China say “Baidu it.”
Baidu is the most popular search engine in China. It works a lot like Google and helps people find websites, pictures, videos, maps, news, and more.
Baidu has over half of the search engine market in China, and some people in other countries, like the U.S. and Japan, use it too.
Key Features of Baidu
- Search the web
- Find pictures and videos
- Download videos
- Ad blocking
- Sharing on social media platforms
2. Sogou: The Smart Search Dog of China
Sogou (which means “Search Dog” in Chinese) is one of the most popular search engines in China. It was first launched in 2004 and is now owned by Tencent, one of China’s biggest tech companies.
It uses a dual-core browser engine, combining Chrome and Internet Explorer technologies. This helps it load pages quickly and safely. Sogou also connects to the cloud to help protect users from harmful websites and software.
Key Features of Sogou Browser
- Strong Chinese input method
- Voice search
- Web Browsing
- Ad Blocking
- AI-Powered Search
- WeChat Integration
3. Microsoft Edge: A Smart Browser with Built-in AI
Microsoft Edge is a modern web browser developed by Microsoft. It is built into all Windows 10 and newer computers and is one of the most popular browsers in China and worldwide.
While not a traditional search engine, Edge is widely used in China as a browser that connects users to Chinese and global search engines (like Bing or Baidu).
Key Features of Edge
- AI Copilot Assistant
- Vertical Tabs
- Immersive Reading Mode
- Built-in Translator
- Read Aloud
- Web Notes
4. Safari: Apple’s Fast and Private Web Browser
Safari is a web browser made by Apple, and it’s the default browser on iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers. It’s known for being fast, private, and perfectly designed for Apple devices.
Safari is popular in China because many people use iPhones and Macs. It works well with Chinese websites and allows users to access search engines like Baidu or Sogou. With a VPN, it can also be used to reach global sites like Google.
Key Features of Safari
- Works Perfectly with Apple Devices
- Fast Browsing
- Strong Privacy Protection
- Extensions (Add-ons)
- Built-in Translator
5. Firefox: The Fast and Private Open-Source Browser
Firefox is a free, open-source web browser created by the Mozilla Foundation. It is known for being fast, secure, and highly customizable. Available on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android, Firefox is a favorite among privacy-conscious users who want to avoid online tracking.
Although Firefox is not as popular in China as Baidu Browser or Sogou Browser, it is still favored by users who want more privacy.
Key Features of Firefox
- Fast page loading
- Efficient use of memory
- Enhanced tracking protection
- Private browsing mode
- Add-ons (extensions)
6. Quark Browser: A Smart and Lightweight Mobile Browser
Quark Browser is a mobile web browser developed by UCWeb, a subsidiary of Alibaba. It is known for being lightweight, fast, and simple.
Quark not only allows you to browse the web, but also includes search tools, news, video, and smart AI features. Quark’s goal is to provide users with an integrated mobile experience.
Main features of Quark Browser
- Load websites quickly and smoothly
- Display news and articles based on your preferences
- Watch videos directly in the browser
- Ad blocker
- Smart search bar
- Quark Cloud Drive
- Scan documents using your phone
7. Chrome: The Most Popular Web Browser
Google Chrome is one of the most popular web browsers in the world. It was created by Google and first released in 2008. Today, billions of people use it every day to search the web, watch videos, and visit websites.
Chrome is known for its speed, simplicity, and useful features. You can use it on Windows, Mac, Linux, Android, and iOS devices. In China, Google Chrome is still available for download and use, but Google’s services such as search, Gmail, and YouTube are blocked by the Chinese National Firewall.
Chrome’s main features
- Chrome loads websites very quickly
- Runs smoothly and crashes less
- Gadgets such as ad blockers, translators, or games
- Extensions
- Blocks dangerous websites
- Sync across devices
8. Opera: A Smart Browser with Built-In Tools
Opera is a web browser that was created in Norway in 1995. Opera is unique in that it has many useful features built in, without the need to install additional tools. It is fast, secure, and easy to use.
Opera is available in China, where the company has been owned by a Chinese investor group since 2016. Many Chinese users like Opera because It loads quickly even on slow connections. The built-in VPN helps you access more global websites.
Opera’s main features
- Built-in VPN and ad blocker
- Artificial intelligence assistant – Opera Aria
- Sidebar with social and music apps
- Chat with WhatsApp, browse Twitter, or listen to Spotify without leaving the browser.
- Opera GX and Cryptocurrency Browser
9. UC Browser: A Fast Mobile Browser from China
UC Browser is a web browser developed by UCWeb, a subsidiary of Alibaba, one of China’s largest technology companies. It is designed primarily for mobile users, but also supports PCs.
UC Browser was once one of the most popular mobile browsers in China, especially on Android phones.
UC Browser’s main features
- Uses the unique U3 engine and cloud acceleration technology to load websites faster.
- Read news, watch videos, or read online novels
- Watch videos online or download to watch later
- Download multiple files at once
- Private browsing mode
- Play fun mini-games directly in the browser
10. QQ Browser: A Chinese Browser from Tencent
QQ Browser is a web browser created by Tencent, one of China’s largest tech companies (WeChat is also a brand of its). Designed to be fast, secure, and intelligent, QQ Browser runs smoothly on both mobile devices and PCs.
It utilizes a dual-engine system, combining Chromium and Internet Explorer, to open various websites quickly and without errors. It is very popular in China, primarily due to the large number of users of other Tencent products, such as QQ or WeChat.
Read more: Web Browser vs Search Engine: What Is the Difference?
Features of QQ Browser
- Fast and smooth browsing experience
- Built-in security features
- AI writing assistance
- File format converter
- Built-in translation
While choosing a secure browser is important, your privacy still depends heavily on your network connection.
If you want to unlock full access to global websites and protect your data on public Wi-Fi, we highly recommend trying LightningX VPN. It offers:
- Fast, stable, and unlimited connections
- Strong encryption and a zero-log policy
- Reliable access to Google, YouTube, ChatGPT, and more
- Easy-to-use apps for all platforms
Chinese Search Engines Comparison Table
| Browser | Speed | Privacy & Security | Extension Support | Feature Richness |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chrome | Fast | Fair | Excellent | Rich |
| Safari | Fast | Excellent | Poor | Moderate |
| Microsoft Edge | Fast | Excellent | Excellent | Rich |
| Firefox | Moderate | Excellent | Excellent | Moderate |
| Opera | Moderate | Good | Good | Rich |
| UC Browser | Fast | Good | Poor | Rich |
| QQ Browser | Fast | Good | Fair | Rich |
| Sogou | Moderate | Fair | Poor | Moderate |
| Baidu Browser | Moderate | Poor | Poor | Limited |
| Quark Browser | Moderate | Excellent | Poor | Moderate |
FAQs: Chinese Search Engine
1. Is Baidu the Chinese version of Google?
Yes, Baidu is often referred to as the “Google of China.” It is the most popular search engine in China, offering services such as maps, cloud storage, and AI tools. However, it adheres to Chinese internet regulations and primarily serves Chinese users.
2. Which internet browser is made in China?
Several of the browsers in this article are made in China, including UC Browser, QQ Browser, Sogou Browser, Quark Browser, and Baidu Browser. These browsers are built specifically for Chinese users and support local content and services.
