What is .cn?
The .cn domain is China's country code top-level domain, managed by the China Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC). With over 20 million registrations, it is one of the largest ccTLDs in the world of domains, reflecting China's massive internet economy.
A Brief History
The .cn domain was established on November 28, 1990, making China one of the earlier Asian countries to adopt a ccTLD. Growth was initially slow, but exploded in the 2000s as China's internet population surged past 1 billion users. CNNIC has managed the domain since its inception.
Why Choose .cn?
- Access to China's market — Essential for businesses targeting Chinese consumers, the world's largest e-commerce market.
- Local SEO benefits — Chinese search engines like Baidu favor .cn domains for local results.
- Credibility in China — Chinese consumers trust .cn domains more than foreign extensions.
- Massive user base — China has over 1 billion internet users, more than any other country.
Who Uses .cn?
Chinese businesses, international companies operating in China, government agencies, educational institutions, and individuals. Major companies like Alibaba (alibaba.cn), Baidu (baidu.cn), and Tencent maintain .cn domains as their primary or secondary web presence.
Did You Know?
- As of 2026, over 20 million .cn domains are registered, making it the largest ccTLD in Asia.
- China has over 1 billion internet users — more than the US, EU, and Japan combined.
- Registration requires a valid Chinese business license or individual ID for Chinese residents.
- The .cn namespace includes regional second-level domains like .com.cn, .net.cn, and .org.cn.
Registration & Pricing
New .cn domains typically cost between $8-15 per year. Registration requirements include Chinese documentation. DomainWorld offers .cn registration — you can get a domain up and running in minutes.
The Future of .cn
As China's digital economy continues to lead global growth, .cn will remain one of the most important country codes in the world of domains. For any business with Chinese ambitions, .cn is not optional — it's essential.