How to Buy and Sell Crypto on Chinese Exchanges in 2025

How to Buy and Sell Crypto on Chinese Exchanges in 2025

As of 2025, buying and selling cryptocurrencies on Chinese exchanges has become more complex due to shifting government regulations and the evolving landscape of digital assets in China. With the Chinese government’s stance on cryptocurrencies oscillating between stringent crackdowns and cautious tolerance, navigating these exchanges requires a clear understanding of the current legal environment, user-friendly platforms, and security considerations. The year 2025 will likely present a mix of opportunities for those seeking to invest in or trade cryptocurrencies while adhering to China’s regulations. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to buy and sell crypto on Chinese exchanges in 2025, outlining key steps, available platforms, and essential tips for traders and investors.

Understanding the Legal Landscape of Crypto in China

China has historically taken a hardline approach to cryptocurrencies, including banning Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) and prohibiting financial institutions from facilitating crypto transactions. However, as of 2025, the country has implemented more nuanced policies. While the People’s Bank of China (PBOC) has maintained strict regulations on financial institutions dealing with crypto, certain private exchanges and digital asset platforms have continued to operate in a limited capacity. The Chinese government has shown interest in blockchain technology, which is a positive sign for the overall cryptocurrency ecosystem in the country.

In the early part of 2025, China has adopted a hybrid approach: stricter regulations on crypto trading platforms and an emphasis on the development of the digital yuan (CBDC). This has led to a complicated landscape for users wishing to buy or sell cryptocurrencies. Cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin and Ethereum remain popular among Chinese traders, but accessing them often requires using overseas platforms or peer-to-peer (P2P) trading methods. Thus, it’s crucial for traders to understand the legal framework and be cautious of potential risks, such as transaction limitations and potential government crackdowns on crypto activities.

Choosing the Right Chinese Crypto Exchange in 2025

In 2025, the options for crypto exchanges that operate within China are fewer than before due to the increasing regulations imposed by the government. However, several platforms remain popular for their relative compliance with Chinese regulations and their ability to facilitate crypto transactions in a secure environment. When choosing a Chinese crypto exchange, it’s essential to consider factors such as user security, ease of use, supported cryptocurrencies, liquidity, and withdrawal limits.

Some of the leading exchanges that have continued to operate within or serve the Chinese market include:

• Huobi: Originally founded in China, Huobi has continued to serve the global market while adjusting its operations to comply with Chinese laws. While its mainland China operations are limited, Huobi has expanded its presence in other jurisdictions and remains a viable option for Chinese crypto users.
• OKX: Another exchange that started in China and has since shifted its operations internationally. OKX allows Chinese users to trade cryptocurrencies through P2P methods and offshore services.
• Gate.io: Known for its broad selection of cryptocurrencies, Gate.io offers both spot trading and derivatives. It continues to provide services to Chinese traders, particularly through decentralized finance (DeFi) solutions.

Many of these exchanges operate with limited functions within mainland China, offering services primarily to international users. As a result, Chinese traders often have to rely on VPNs or other methods to access these platforms securely. Additionally, some platforms offer P2P trading features that facilitate the exchange of cryptocurrencies directly between users, bypassing regulatory restrictions.

Steps to Buy Crypto on Chinese Exchanges in 2025

To buy cryptocurrencies on Chinese exchanges in 2025, users will need to follow several steps that include setting up accounts, securing wallets, verifying identities, and adhering to compliance measures. Below are the key steps to follow:

1. Registering an Account on a Crypto Exchange

The first step to buying crypto on a Chinese exchange is to create an account on a platform that suits your needs. This usually involves providing your email address, setting a strong password, and agreeing to the platform’s terms and conditions. However, since cryptocurrency exchanges in China face heightened scrutiny, they typically require further verification processes for users.

2. Verifying Your Identity

In line with Chinese regulations on financial transactions, exchanges typically require users to complete identity verification, known as KYC (Know Your Customer). The process involves submitting personal information such as your name, national ID, passport, and sometimes a selfie to verify your identity. While this process is standard for exchanges globally, it is particularly rigorous in China due to the government’s efforts to combat money laundering and other illicit activities.

3. Deposit Funds into Your Account

Once your account is set up and verified, the next step is to deposit funds into your exchange account. Most Chinese exchanges support a variety of deposit methods, such as bank transfers, credit/debit cards, or P2P transfers. However, the availability of these deposit methods can vary depending on the exchange and its regulatory environment. Some exchanges may even offer the option to deposit digital yuan (eCNY), China’s official central bank digital currency.

4. Selecting Cryptocurrencies to Buy

After depositing funds, you can select the cryptocurrencies you wish to purchase. Chinese exchanges typically support popular cryptocurrencies such as Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), and Tether (USDT), as well as a variety of altcoins. Traders should ensure that they are selecting reputable coins to avoid scams or low-quality tokens. Always check the current exchange rates and market liquidity before making a purchase.

5. Placing a Buy Order

Once you’ve selected your desired cryptocurrency, the next step is placing a buy order. Most exchanges allow you to place different types of orders, including market orders (where the purchase is executed at the current market price) and limit orders (where the purchase is executed when the price hits a specified level). The buy order will be processed once a matching sell order is found. Depending on the exchange and market conditions, this could take a few seconds to a few minutes.

6. Securely Storing Your Crypto

After purchasing your cryptocurrency, it’s important to securely store it. Many Chinese exchanges offer integrated wallets for storing your crypto directly on their platforms. However, for enhanced security, it’s advisable to transfer your assets to a private wallet. Hardware wallets such as Ledger or Trezor provide a more secure method for storing your assets offline, reducing the risk of hacking and theft.

How to Sell Crypto on Chinese Exchanges in 2025

Selling cryptocurrencies on Chinese exchanges follows a similar process to buying, but with additional considerations due to potential withdrawal restrictions and evolving compliance requirements. The steps are outlined below:

1. Choose a Selling Platform

The first step to selling crypto on a Chinese exchange is selecting a platform that allows crypto-to-fiat trading. Some exchanges may have restrictions on withdrawals or limit trading pairs for Chinese users. If you intend to sell a specific cryptocurrency for Chinese yuan (CNY), make sure the platform supports such a transaction.

2. Verify Your Account (if not already done)

If you have not already verified your identity during the buying process, you will need to complete KYC verification before you can sell. This ensures that the exchange adheres to anti-money laundering (AML) and counter-terrorism financing (CTF) regulations, which are strictly enforced by the Chinese government.

3. Initiate the Sale

Once your account is verified, you can initiate the sale of your crypto. This involves selecting the crypto you wish to sell, entering the amount, and choosing whether to place a market or limit order. Like buying, selling on Chinese exchanges can be done either through direct exchange or via P2P trading services where users sell to each other.

4. Withdrawal to Your Bank Account

Once your sale is complete, you can withdraw the proceeds to your bank account. However, withdrawal limits and fees vary depending on the exchange. If you’re selling cryptocurrency for CNY, ensure that your bank account can accept CNY transfers. Chinese exchanges are increasingly integrating eCNY for withdrawals, which may simplify the process for users who prefer to receive payments in the digital yuan.

Important Considerations for Crypto Traders in China in 2025

When trading crypto in China in 2025, there are several important factors to keep in mind:

• Regulatory Compliance: Always ensure that the exchange you use complies with the latest regulations to avoid legal trouble. While some exchanges may operate in grey areas, others may be fully compliant with local regulations.
• Security: Given the increasing number of hacking incidents in the crypto space, securing your assets with multi-factor authentication (MFA) and using a hardware wallet is essential.
• P2P Trading: Since direct crypto-to-fiat trading may be restricted, P2P trading platforms are becoming more popular. These platforms facilitate transactions between buyers and sellers without requiring a third-party exchange.
• Market Volatility: The crypto market remains volatile, so ensure that you understand the risks involved before making significant investments.

FAQs on Buying and Selling Crypto in China

1. Is cryptocurrency illegal in China in 2025?

While cryptocurrency trading is not fully illegal in China, the government has imposed strict regulations that limit the operation of crypto exchanges. However, certain exchanges continue to function, either through P2P platforms or by operating offshore.

2. How can I access crypto exchanges if they are blocked in China?

Many users in China use Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to access crypto exchanges that may be blocked within the country. This allows them to circumvent government-imposed restrictions.

3. Can I use digital yuan (eCNY) for crypto transactions?

While the digital yuan is being developed as China’s official central bank digital currency, most exchanges do not yet support eCNY for crypto purchases. However, some exchanges allow users to deposit and withdraw CNY, which can be exchanged for crypto.

4. What is the safest way to store my cryptocurrency in China?

The safest way to store crypto is by using a hardware wallet, which stores your private keys offline and reduces the risk of hacking. Avoid leaving large amounts of crypto in exchange wallets.

Conclusion

Buying and selling cryptocurrency on Chinese exchanges in 2025 requires understanding the complex regulatory environment, selecting the right exchange, and following secure trading practices. While China’s crypto policies remain cautious, opportunities to engage with cryptocurrencies still exist. By choosing reputable exchanges, securing your digital assets, and adhering to legal requirements, you can successfully navigate the crypto landscape in China. However, always be aware of the potential risks involved and stay updated with the latest regulatory developments to ensure safe and legal trading practices.