Binance is currently the world’s largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume. However, due to regulatory restrictions in mainland China, Binance’s official website (binance.com) is blocked and its app has been removed from domestic app stores. Many Chinese users are eager to know: how to register for Binance in China and how to use Binance for trading. This guide will provide a step-by-step overview to help you overcome these barriers and start using Binance safely.
Step 1: Accessing Binance from China
Since binance.com is blocked, you cannot directly access it. The most common method is to use a reliable VPN (Virtual Private Network). After connecting to a VPN, choose a node outside of China (such as Japan, Singapore, or the United States). Then, enter binance.com in your browser to access the official website. Alternatively, you can access Binance’s decentralized exchange or use a mirror site, but for security, the official site with a VPN is the safest option.
Step 2: Registering a Binance Account
Once you are on the Binance website, click “Register” in the top right corner. You can register using an email address or a mobile phone number. Chinese users often prefer email registration to avoid SMS verification issues. After entering your email and setting a strong password (at least 8 characters, including uppercase, lowercase, and numbers), you will receive a verification code via email. Enter the code to complete registration. Please note: Binance does not ask for your ID card or real name during this initial step – that comes later.
Step 3: Identity Verification (KYC)
To increase your withdrawal limits and fully use Binance’s features, you need to complete KYC (Know Your Customer) verification. From the main menu, go to “Account” > “Identification”. Chinese users can use their ID card (身份证) for verification. Follow the prompts to upload the front and back of your ID card, and take a live selfie. The verification usually takes a few minutes to a few hours. Once approved, your daily withdrawal limit will be significantly higher.
Step 4: Depositing Funds
After registration and verification, you need to deposit funds. Binance does not directly accept Chinese Yuan (CNY) deposits via bank transfer or Alipay. The typical approach for Chinese users is to buy USDT (Tether, a stablecoin) from a peer-to-peer (P2P) platform or from another exchange (like OKX or Huobi), then transfer that USDT to your Binance wallet. To do P2P: go to “Buy Crypto” > “P2P Trading”. Select USDT, choose a seller who accepts Alipay or WeChat Pay, and complete the transaction. Once you receive USDT, it will be in your Spot Wallet.
Step 5: How to Use Binance for Trading
Now that you have USDT, you can start trading. Go to “Markets” to view all trading pairs. For beginners, the “Spot” trading (cash trading) is recommended. For example, if you want to buy Bitcoin, open the BTC/USDT trading pair. You can place a “Market Order” (buy at current market price) or a “Limit Order” (set a specific price and wait for a match). After placing the order, your Bitcoin will appear in your Spot Wallet. You can also explore “Futures” and “Margin” trading, but these involve higher risks and are not recommended for beginners.
Step 6: Security Tips for Chinese Users
1. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) using Google Authenticator – never use SMS-based 2FA as it is less secure.
2. Do not share your login password or API keys with anyone.
3. Always use the official Binance app (downloaded from trusted sources like APKMirror or via the official website’s QR code) – avoid fake apps from third-party stores.
4. For large amounts, consider moving your crypto to a hardware wallet like Ledger or Trezor.
Step 7: Additional Features – Binance Earn & Staking
Once comfortable with trading, you can explore Binance’s earning products. Go to “Earn” to deposit your idle USDT or crypto into “Flexible Savings” or “Locked Savings” to earn interest. Staking (holding certain coins to support network operations) also generates rewards. These are relatively safe ways to grow your assets without active trading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is Binance illegal in China?
A: Binance itself is not licensed in mainland China. The Chinese government prohibits domestic trading platforms but does not directly punish individual users who trade on overseas exchanges. However, you must use a VPN and accept the risks associated with regulatory uncertainty.
Q: Can I withdraw Chinese Yuan from Binance?
A: No. You can only withdraw cryptocurrencies (like USDT, BTC) to other wallets or exchanges. To convert back to CNY, you must sell your crypto via P2P or to another exchange that supports CNY withdrawal.
In summary, registering and using Binance from China requires a VPN and some extra steps, but once set up, the platform offers powerful trading tools, high liquidity, and a wide variety of coins. For best results, start with small amounts, familiarize yourself with the interface, and always prioritize security. By following this guide, you can successfully register Binance in China and start using the exchange to trade, earn, and manage your cryptocurrency portfolio.