How to Make Your Web3 Project Stand Out in the Chinese Market in 2025
If you have an outstanding Web3 project and are considering expanding into the Chinese market, you’re on the right track. China boasts a massive tech-savvy user base with a strong interest in digital innovation — making it a potential “goldmine” for Web3 and crypto projects. According to data from CAICT, blockchain investments reached $4.2 billion in 2022. However, achieving success in China is no easy feat. You’ll need a precise strategy, a deep localization plan, and a clear understanding of China’s unique regulatory environment.
This guide is designed to help Western and global Web3 project teams successfully enter and thrive in China’s blockchain ecosystem. We’ll cover marketing strategies, how to collaborate with local partners, and how to capture the attention of China’s crypto community.
Additionally, we’ll support our insights with real data and case studies to give you strong evidence for your decision. Let’s dive in!
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Why is the Chinese market so important?
First, the Chinese market is massive. With over 1.4 billion people, China has the largest number of active internet users in the world, presenting huge opportunities for Web3 and crypto projects. By 2024, it’s estimated that China will have over 300 million blockchain and cryptocurrency users, which is significant even in a tightly regulated environment. To put that into perspective, 300 million users are nearly equivalent to the entire population of the United States.
China’s demand for Web3 is real.
Despite strict government controls on direct cryptocurrency trading, blockchain technology and blockchain-based applications — especially decentralized applications (dApps) and NFTs — continue to thrive. According to Statista, nearly 40% of Chinese citizens had engaged in some form of digital currency or crypto-related activity by 2023.
While the government has cracked down on crypto trading, the Web3 space, including NFTs and blockchain applications, remains robust in China. Major Chinese tech giants like Alibaba and Tencent are actively investing in blockchain technology, further proving the strong demand in the market.
A prime example is Conflux, the only public blockchain platform in China that has received government support. Conflux not only aligns with China’s blockchain policies but has also successfully partnered with multiple local enterprises to develop blockchain applications, proving that there is significant growth potential for Web3 projects in China within regulatory frameworks.
Key Strategies for Entering the Chinese Market
When entering the Chinese market, Web3 projects need to develop an effective localization strategy and collaborate closely with Chinese KOLs (key opinion leaders) and communities. This will help projects better integrate into the market, gain user trust, and quickly expand their influence. Here are some critical strategies to consider:
1. Localization Is the First Step
Language and Cultural Adaptation
Success in China hinges on thorough language and cultural localization. Make sure your website, product descriptions, white papers, and all marketing materials are presented in Simplified Chinese and fit Chinese reading and comprehension habits. Additionally, it’s essential to understand and respect Chinese cultural norms. For example, launching festive promotions during major holidays like Chinese New Year or National Day can significantly boost user engagement and goodwill.
Integration with Local Payment Systems
Payment methods in China are vastly different from those in Western markets. WeChat Pay and Alipay dominate the mobile payment landscape. Integrating these localized payment platforms will dramatically improve user experience and conversion rates, helping you quickly establish user loyalty.
User Support and Services
In the Chinese market, providing localized customer support is essential. Compared to Western users, Chinese users are more inclined to seek help through social media or instant messaging platforms like WeChat. Therefore, establishing a 24/7 local language support team can significantly enhance user satisfaction and build brand trust.
2. Collaborating with Chinese KOLs and Communities
KOLs (Key Opinion Leaders) play a crucial role in boosting brand awareness and user engagement in China. By collaborating with local KOLs and social media influencers, you can quickly expand your brand’s visibility. Leveraging the influence of these KOLs can help your project reach target audiences faster. According to a report by iResearch, KOL marketing in China can increase brand awareness by more than 30%. You can immediately explore a list of Chinese influencers.
Community Promotion and Events
China has a large blockchain and cryptocurrency community, and building relationships with these communities is vital. Hosting online and offline community events, such as AMAs (Ask Me Anything), blockchain seminars, and product demos, can increase your project’s visibility and user engagement. For instance, Binance boosted community participation in China through a series of offline meetups, helping it build a loyal user base.
3. Social Media Marketing and Online Advertising
Leveraging Popular Chinese Social Media Platforms
Social media usage is exceptionally high in China, with platforms like WeChat, Weibo, and Douyin (TikTok’s Chinese version) boasting massive user bases. Advertising on these platforms can effectively boost brand awareness and user engagement.
- WeChat: With over 1.1 billion active users, WeChat covers nearly the entire Chinese internet user base. Many blockchain projects use WeChat’s public accounts for content distribution and engage users through WeChat mini-programs.
- Douyin: As the king of short video platforms in China, Douyin had over 700 million users in 2023. Posting short video ads or collaborating with KOLs on Douyin can quickly attract the attention of younger users.
Binance’s success in China serves as a great example for many Web3 projects. By collaborating with local KOLs, social media platforms, and communities, Binance was able to build a substantial user base. Additionally, Binance localized its interface, supported local payment methods, and tailored its activities to Chinese users, helping it quickly capture the market.
Conclusion
Entering the Chinese market isn’t easy, but with the right localization strategy, close collaboration with KOLs and communities, and effective social media marketing and educational outreach, Web3 projects can rapidly expand their influence.
While China’s regulatory environment is complex, if you adopt compliant strategies and thoroughly understand local needs and culture, your Web3 project can achieve significant growth in this vast market. If you’re unsure where to start, contact a professional team to help you craft a tailored plan for entering the Chinese market. Schedule a meeting with us.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1,Can I use cryptocurrency ads to attract Chinese users?
Due to China’s strict regulations on cryptocurrency trading, using ads that directly promote crypto trading may cross legal boundaries. However, you can promote blockchain technology, NFTs, and digital collectibles instead. China’s appetite for blockchain and NFTs is growing, so focus your marketing on the value of tech applications.
Working with local social platforms and collaborating with KOLs to offer educational content and blockchain solution showcases can attract Chinese users’ interest.
Q2,How can I understand the cultural differences in the Chinese market?
Cultural differences are a crucial factor when entering the Chinese market. In China, users highly value brand trust and a localized experience. Your project should have marketing materials in simplified Chinese, including websites, whitepapers, and promotional videos. Additionally, incorporating Chinese cultural elements (such as holidays and traditions) into your ads and promotions can help build stronger emotional connections with local users.
Chinese users also place significant importance on brand reputation. Partnering with trustworthy local KOLs to promote your project can enhance user trust in your brand.
Q3,How do I find suitable KOLs for the Chinese market?
Finding the right KOL is vital for boosting project visibility and brand influence. A great approach is collaborating with influential KOLs who can promote your project on their social media channels, share product demo videos, and host online activities (like Q&As and live streams) to increase exposure and user engagement. If you want to connect with them quickly, you can check a list of KOLs and establish contact for a fast response.