Hi, there! Are you traveling or living in China, looking for the best Chinese shopping sites? You’ve come to the right place! This article provides a comprehensive list of Chinese websites for shopping, covering food, custom, delivery, daily items, and electronic items, etc. Check and pick the suitable one for you!
List: The 12 Best Chinese Shopping Sites
China’s visa-free transit policy (240 hours) has sparked a surge in international tourism. The influx of visitors has not only boosted the tourism sector but also invigorated China’s retail and e-commerce markets.
Foreign tourists are increasingly eager to explore China’s vibrant shopping scene, both in bustling city centers and through the country’s diverse online platforms.
If you are looking for a Chinese website for shopping, here is a curated list of some of the most popular Chinese e-commerce platforms.
1. Taobao Site
The Taobao site is often described as China’s eBay and Amazon rolled into one. It is the largest online marketplace in the country. Taobao offers everything from daily necessities and electronics to clothing and groceries.
Taobao supports Alipay for payments, and delivery is usually fast and reliable within China.
Tip: The Taobao app is also the most popular Chinese app for shopping. The app is in Chinese, but some browsers and third-party tools can help with translation. Many sellers are open to using simple English for communication via support chat.
Related: How to Use Alipay in China? Alipay Registration and Charge
2. Tmall Site
Tmall site is Taobao’s sister platform, mainly focusing on branded and premium products. Many international and Chinese brands have official flagship stores here. You can trust its reliability and authenticity.
3. JD.com Site
The JD.com site is a direct competitor to Tmall. It’s known for its high-quality goods, excellent logistics, and fast delivery, sometimes within a few hours in major cities. According to Chinese users, JD is especially strong in electronics, home appliances, and daily essentials.
Recently, JD’s food delivery is trending and has big discounts. If you want to order takeout in China, you can try JD delivery. It may be cheaper than other platforms.
Tip: Many product pages have an English translation option, and customer service is responsive.
4. Pinduoduo Site
Pinduoduo Site offers a unique group-buying model where users can team up with others to get steep discounts. Pinduoduo is considered the cheapest Chinese shopping site in China. The platform is famous for super-low prices and a gamified shopping experience.
Tip: The Pinduoduo app is mainly in Chinese, and attentively, the quality varies, so check reviews before purchasing.
5. Vipshop Site
The Vipshop site specializes in flash sales and discounted brand-name goods. The platform works with both domestic and international brands. Focusing on deals on clothing and cosmetics, it’s a popular destination for female users. It’s noteworthy that flash sales can be time-limited, so it’s better to check the app regularly.
6. 1688 Site (Alibaba Wholesale)
1688 website is Alibaba’s business-to-business(B2B) platform, popular with small businesses and bulk buyers. It’s a go-to for wholesale prices on almost everything, from electronics to raw materials.
Tip: On the 1688 site, some sellers have minimum order quantities. It’s perfect for group buys and stocking up.
7. Xianyu (goofish) Site
The Xianyu site (goofish.com) is China’s largest secondhand marketplace, also run by Alibaba. It’s like a Chinese version of Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace, offering used goods, collectibles, and even rental services.
The Xianyu site is great for buying or selling used goods locally. Most users communicate via the app.
8. Dewu Site (Poizon)
Dewu site started as a sneaker and streetwear trading platform but has expanded into broader fashion and lifestyle products. It’s known for its strict authentication process, especially valuable to sneakerheads. If you want to buy shoes when in China, you can try Dewu. It’s an expert.
Dewu app is a popular Chinese shopping app for sneaker brands, such as Adidas, Nike, Converse, etc. It’s well-used among young sneaker-lovers.
9. Xiaohongshu Site
The Xiaohongshu site has recently become well-known among international netizens due to the TikTok ban. In fact, it’s part social media, part e-commerce. You can share product reviews, lifestyle tips, and shopping experiences, making it a trusted source for discovering new trends and honest feedback.
10. Douyin Site
Douyin is the original Chinese version of TikTok. Besides short videos, it has integrated e-commerce, enabling users to buy featured products directly from influencers and brand channels.
Tip: Many flash sales and deals are only available for a limited time during live streams. Foreign users may be limited in signing up.
11. Meituan Site
Meituan is a super-app for online shopping services in China, especially food delivery, hotel booking, movie tickets, and more. The food delivery service covers almost every restaurant, from local street food to international chains. The app is in Chinese, but visual menus and map features make it easier to use.
12. Ele.me Site
Ele.me is another leading food delivery platform. It offers a wide range of dining options, from snacks to full-course meals, and sometimes groceries. Similar to Meituan, Ele.me is widely used in cities and integrates with Alipay.
Alternative for Chinese Shopping Sites: Offline Purchase
If you think it’s a bit inconvenient to shop online in China, you can make an offline purchase. The good news: China has introduced the “Immediate Refund upon Purchase” policy. It allows eligible foreign tourists to receive value-added tax (VAT) refunds instantly at the point of sale, rather than waiting until departure.
If you are interested in this policy, you can read an English explanation of the official document: Nationwide Promotion of “Immediate Refund Upon Purchase” Service (Sanya Tourism Development Bureau, China). This document includes more details, such as eligibility and refund methods.
How to Buy Safely on Chinese Shopping Sites
Shopping online in China is generally safe, but it’s always smart to take a few extra steps for security. Here are some warm tips:
- First, make sure you’re using official Chinese shopping apps or websites – avoid clicking on suspicious links.
- Always check seller ratings and customer reviews, especially on platforms like Taobao and Pinduoduo.
- Use secure payment methods like Alipay or WeChat Pay.
To protect your privacy and online transactions, it’s highly recommended to use a trusted VPN like LightningX VPN. It encrypts your connection and shields your personal data from potential threats on public or unsecured networks – perfect for when you’re shopping while using hotel or café Wi-Fi in China. With LightningX VPN, your shopping stays fast, safe, and private.
Final Words
This article mainly introduces 12 well-known Chinese shopping sites for you. If you prefer offline purchase, go ahead and enjoy the refund policy. Use LightningX VPN to protect your online transaction.
