Resources/How-to guide

Succeeding with localization in China

The Chinese market represents 1.4 billion consumers and the world's largest e-commerce. This Asiatis guide details the critical steps for successful localization.

By Asiatis • Asia translation experts since 2000

Step 1: Define your target market

Critical mistake: “Chinese” does not exist as a single language. Simplified Mandarin (China), Traditional (Taiwan) and Cantonese (Hong Kong) are distinct choices.

Mainland China (1.4 bn people): Mandarin with simplified characters (简体字). Mandatory for any Tmall or JD.com e-commerce and official documentation. 60% of China's GDP.

Hong Kong / Macau: Cantonese with traditional characters (繁體字). Financial hub, luxury market, diaspora. 80 million speakers.

Taiwan: Mandarin with traditional characters. Advanced tech market, 24 million people with high purchasing power.

Step 2: Adapt to the digital ecosystem

Google, Facebook and YouTube are blocked in mainland China. Your strategy must target:

  • Baidu: 70% of search. Specific SEO (short meta descriptions, .cn hosting recommended).
  • WeChat: 1.3 bn users. Mini-programs, WeChat Pay, built-in CRM.
  • Tmall/JD.com: dominant marketplaces. Localized product listings are mandatory.
  • Douyin: the Chinese TikTok. Social commerce booming (+200% 2024-2025).

Step 3: Master the DTP constraints

Chinese characters (汉字 hànzì) pose unique technical challenges that Asiatis has mastered over 25+ years:

Expansion/contraction

Chinese is 30-40% more compact than French. InDesign layouts must anticipate these variations.

CJK fonts

Noto Sans CJK and Source Han Sans recommended. Avoid default system fonts (rendering discrepancies).

Bilingual PDFs

PDF/X-4 export with embedded fonts is mandatory. Print tests in China before production.

UI testing

Validation on Chinese devices (Xiaomi, Huawei) with local system fonts.

To go further into our DTP methodologies, see our technical translation service.

Step 4: Comply with regulations

  • ICP licence: mandatory for any site hosted in China (.cn).
  • 2019 E-commerce Law: legal notices, 7-day return policy, data protection.
  • Cosmetics: NMPA registration required before sale.
  • Food products: CIQ certification + full Chinese labelling.

Ready to win the Chinese market?

Asiatis has supported companies entering China since 2000. Our native translators and DTP experts guarantee flawless localization.