CN Domain Name Registration Guide
Venturing into China but unsure which domain extension to choose? Wondering if your company qualifies for a .cn domain but feeling uncertain? Struggling to acquire a .cn domain without success?
You've arrived at the right destination. While we may not have all the answers, we're dedicated to addressing your concerns as best as we can.
Do You Need a .cn Domain?
Before diving into the complexities, it's crucial to assess whether a .cn domain is truly necessary for your needs.
You might be skeptical at this suggestion, but allow us to elaborate.
Firstly, the .cn domain is the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) specifically for the People's Republic of China, or mainland China.
Considering the diverse Chinese-speaking regions, your target market could be in mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, or Singapore. Accordingly, you might need a .hk domain for Hong Kong, a .tw domain for Taiwan, or a .sg domain for Singapore, depending on where your audience is located.
Secondly, within mainland China itself, the prevalence of .cn domains faces competition from the globally recognized .com extension.
As of December 2023, according to The Internet Development Report of China by the China Internet Network Information Center, .cn domains represent about 58.4% of all registered domain names in China. Meanwhile, .com domains hold a significant market share of 26.2%. This highlights the importance of considering both local and global domain options based on your specific market and objectives.
If you are targeting two or more Chinese speaking countries and territories, below are our recommendations:
|
Country/Territory |
TLDs |
|---|---|
| China | .cn, or .com |
| Hong Kong | .hk, or .com.hk |
| Taiwan | com.tw |
| Singapore | .com.sg or .sg |
| Two or more of the regions above | .com |
The Challenges of Registering and Utilizing .cn Domains
The China Internet Network Information Center outlines that while registering a .cn domain is open to anyone, utilizing it for email services or as a website requires the registrant to undergo a verification process for their personal or business identity.
This verification necessitates the submission of either your personal identification, such as an ID card or passport, or your business license, to your domain registrar for validation.
Acquiring .cn Domains
Prominent domain registrars, including GoDaddy, provide services for registering .cn domains. Notably, GoDaddy had paused its .cn domain offerings in 2010 but resumed them in 2016, making it easier for individuals and businesses worldwide to register a .cn domain once again.
Looking for Assistance?
If you're navigating the complexities of CN domain registration or have any other inquiries, feel free to reach out to us. We're here to assist and often can do so at no cost to you!