The world of digital currency continues to expand at a rapid pace, with Bitcoin leading the charge as the most recognized and widely traded cryptocurrency. As adoption grows, so does the importance of reliable, secure, and user-friendly exchanges. While regulatory changes have reshaped the crypto landscape in China, many global platforms with strong roots in the region continue to serve users through international operations and localized services.
This guide explores the top 10 Bitcoin exchanges historically associated with China or widely used by Chinese-speaking investors. These platforms have earned their reputation through innovation, robust security, diverse trading options, and strong community trust.
1. Binance
Binance stands as one of the largest and most influential cryptocurrency exchanges globally. Founded by Changpeng Zhao, it quickly gained traction in China before expanding internationally. Binance offers an extensive range of trading pairs, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, and thousands of altcoins.
The platform is known for its high liquidity, low trading fees, and advanced trading tools. It also features a secure wallet system, two-factor authentication, and a dedicated anti-phishing mechanism.
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2. Huobi (now HTX)
Huobi, rebranded as HTX in recent years, is one of the earliest and most respected names in the Chinese crypto space. Established in 2013, it has weathered market fluctuations and regulatory shifts while maintaining a strong presence in Asia and beyond.
Huobi provides spot trading, margin trading, and derivatives such as futures and options. The exchange also supports staking, savings products, and blockchain innovation initiatives.
Its commitment to compliance and technology has made it a go-to choice for both retail and institutional investors.
3. OKX
OKX (formerly OKEx) is a major player in the global cryptocurrency market and a leader in derivatives trading. It is especially popular among Chinese-speaking traders for its comprehensive suite of financial products.
The platform offers Bitcoin futures, perpetual swaps, options, and more, with deep liquidity and sophisticated charting tools powered by TradingView.
Security is a top priority at OKX, which uses cold storage, multi-signature wallets, and regular third-party audits to protect user funds.
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4. Binance China (Now Defunct – Historical Note)
While Binance originally had strong ties to China, Binance China was phased out following China’s regulatory crackdown on domestic crypto exchanges in 2017. Today, Binance operates as a global entity without a formal Chinese subsidiary.
However, many Chinese-speaking users still access Binance through its international website and mobile app, which support Mandarin and local payment methods via peer-to-peer (P2P) trading.
5. BitZ
BitZ is a global digital asset exchange that gained popularity in China due to its user-friendly interface and innovative features like social trading and community-driven listings.
It supports multiple Bitcoin trading pairs and emphasizes transparency and fairness in price discovery. BitZ also offers API access for algorithmic traders and high-frequency trading bots.
Despite being less prominent today than in its peak years, BitZ remains a recognized name among early Chinese crypto adopters.
6. Gate.io
Gate.io is a long-standing cryptocurrency exchange founded in 2013, originally based in China before relocating its operations overseas. It is known for listing emerging projects early and supporting niche tokens alongside major coins like Bitcoin and Ethereum.
The platform offers spot trading, margin trading, futures, and even NFT marketplace integration. Gate.io also runs regular trading competitions and rewards programs to engage its community.
With strong security protocols and responsive customer support, it continues to attract users from Chinese-speaking regions.
7. CoinEx
Launched in 2017 by the ViaBTC Group, CoinEx is a global exchange with deep roots in the Chinese crypto mining and trading community. It supports hundreds of cryptocurrencies and emphasizes fast execution speeds and low fees.
CoinEx offers spot trading, margin trading, and automated investment products. It also launched its own blockchain—CoinEx Smart Chain—to support decentralized applications (dApps).
Its transparent reserve audits and focus on decentralization have helped build long-term trust.
8. ZB.com
ZB.com (formerly Zhaobi) is one of the oldest exchanges originating from China. Once among the top volume leaders globally, it has since scaled back but remains operational with a loyal user base.
The exchange provides spot trading, futures, leveraged tokens, and financial products like savings accounts for crypto holders.
ZB.com places heavy emphasis on fund security and system stability, utilizing multi-layered verification systems and cold wallet storage.
9. BKEX
BKEX (formerly BitKingdom) is a Seychelles-based exchange that gained popularity in Chinese-speaking markets due to its aggressive listing strategy and strong community engagement.
It supports a wide variety of altcoins and offers spot, futures, margin, and staking services. BKEX also runs educational campaigns and incentive programs for new traders.
While not headquartered in China, its interface supports Mandarin, making it accessible to Chinese users.
10. Bithumb
Although Bithumb is based in South Korea, it has been widely used by Chinese investors due to its high liquidity and ease of use. It ranks among Asia’s top exchanges by volume and supports direct Korean won (KRW) pairs.
Bithumb offers Bitcoin spot trading, institutional-grade custody solutions, and regular security upgrades following past incidents.
Its strict KYC procedures align with regional regulations, offering peace of mind for compliant trading.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: Are cryptocurrency exchanges legal in China?
A: As of current regulations, cryptocurrency exchanges are not permitted to operate within mainland China. The government banned domestic crypto trading platforms in 2017 and reinforced restrictions in later years. However, Chinese citizens may still access international exchanges through offshore platforms.
Q: Can I trade Bitcoin safely from China?
A: Yes, many users access global exchanges via P2P trading or offshore platforms that support international access. It's crucial to use strong security practices—such as two-factor authentication and hardware wallets—to protect your assets.
Q: Which exchange has the highest Bitcoin trading volume?
A: Among platforms historically linked to China, Binance, OKX, and Huobi consistently rank among the top in global Bitcoin trading volume. These exchanges serve millions of users worldwide with deep liquidity pools.
Q: Do these exchanges support Mandarin language?
A: Most of the listed platforms—including Binance, OKX, Huobi, Gate.io, and BKEX—offer full Mandarin support in their apps and websites, making them accessible to Chinese-speaking users.
Q: What should I look for when choosing a Bitcoin exchange?
A: Key factors include security measures (like cold storage and audit transparency), trading fees, available trading pairs, customer support quality, regulatory compliance, and ease of deposit/withdrawal methods.
Q: Is futures trading available on these platforms?
A: Yes—OKX, Binance, Huobi, Gate.io, ZB.com, and BKEX all offer Bitcoin futures and perpetual contracts with varying leverage options for experienced traders.
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Whether you're new to Bitcoin or an experienced trader looking for advanced features, the right exchange can make all the difference. While domestic operations in China are restricted, international platforms with origins or strong user bases in the region continue to provide reliable access to the global cryptocurrency market. Always prioritize security, conduct thorough research, and stay informed about evolving regulations.