Binance is the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, founded in 2017 by Changpeng Zhao. While it operates globally, many users in China are interested in accessing Binance for its wide range of digital assets, low fees, and advanced trading features. However, due to regulatory restrictions, Binance.com is officially blocked in mainland China. This does not mean Chinese users cannot participate—many still access the platform through private methods. This guide explains what Binance is and how users in China can get started.

What is Binance?
Binance is not a Chinese government-regulated exchange. Originally founded in Shanghai, it later moved its headquarters to various jurisdictions, including Malta and the Cayman Islands. It offers spot trading, futures, staking, NFTs, and a native token (BNB). For Chinese users, the key appeal is access to hundreds of altcoins unavailable on domestic exchanges like OKX or Huobi. However, because Binance does not hold a Chinese license, mainland users must use workarounds to connect.

How to use Binance from China: Key steps
1. Access the website or app: Since Binance.com is blocked by China’s Great Firewall, you cannot visit it directly without a VPN (Virtual Private Network). Choose a reliable VPN service that works in China, such as ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or Astrill. Install it on your phone or computer, then connect to a server outside China (typically Hong Kong, Singapore, or the US). After connecting, register on Binance.com using your email or phone number.
2. Complete verification: Binance requires identity verification (KYC) for most features. You will need your passport or Chinese national ID. Upload a clear photo and a selfie. Verification typically takes a few hours to a day.
3. Fund your account: Chinese banks do not directly allow deposits to Binance. The easiest method is to buy cryptocurrency (like USDT or BTC) from a peer-to-peer (P2P) platform. On Binance’s P2P market, you can buy USDT from Chinese sellers using Alipay, WeChat Pay, or bank transfer. Sellers release crypto after payment is confirmed.
4. Start trading: Once you have USDT or other assets, you can trade on Binance’s spot market (e.g., BTC/USDT, ETH/USDT) or explore futures (advanced risk). For beginners, the “Classic” interface is simpler. Watch tutorials on Binance Academy to avoid common mistakes.
5. Security measures: Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) using Google Authenticator or SMS. Do not share your login details. Also, be cautious of phishing sites—always check the URL is Binance.com.

Why use Binance when China has local exchanges?
Chinese exchanges like OKX, Huobi, and Gate.io remain accessible, but Binance often offers deeper liquidity, lower fees, and more cryptocurrency pairs. However, since Binance is not regulated in China, users face higher risks: no legal protection if the platform fails, and authorities could theoretically pursue users for illegal foreign exchange trading. Many choose Binance for altcoins with higher potential growth, like Solana, Chainlink, or Polygon, which are not widely supported on Chinese platforms.

Common problems and solutions
• VPN disconnection: Some Chinese ISPs (China Telecom, China Unicom) throttle VPN traffic. Use a VPN with obfuscation (e.g., Shadowsocks protocol) or switch to a dedicated China-optimized VPN.
• P2P payment issues: Chinese banks may freeze accounts for frequent crypto-related transfers. Keep payments small (under 5,000 RMB per transaction) and use different payment methods.
• App not available on Chinese app stores: Download the Binance APK from the official website or use a side-loading tool like APKPure. iOS users can switch their Apple ID to the Taiwan or Hong Kong store to download.
• Regulatory risk: China has banned crypto exchanges since 2021. While individual use is rarely prosecuted, using Binance for large transactions or withdrawals to bank accounts could flag financial regulators. Consider using a crypto wallet (e.g., Trust Wallet) to hold assets off-exchange.

Final tips for Chinese users
• Start small: Deposit only what you can afford to lose. The volatility of crypto plus the risks of using a VPN and bypassing laws make it a high-risk activity.
• Keep records: If you trade actively, track your buy/sell prices (in USDT or USD) to calculate tax, even though China does not currently tax crypto gains.
• Stay updated: Binance may change its terms for users in restricted regions. Follow its official announcements or join Telegram groups for Chinese users to get tips.
• Consider alternatives: If Binance access becomes too difficult, OKX has a feature called “Web3 Wallet” that mimics some DeFi features. But for pure trading volume, Binance remains the top choice.

In summary, Binance offers Chinese users a gateway to global crypto markets—demanding a VPN, careful KYC, P2P funding, and a vigilant approach to security. While not officially legal, millions of Chinese users navigate these steps daily. Follow this guide carefully, and you will be trading on Binance within 24 hours.