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Attention international buyers: these are the top 8 Chinese shopping apps you need to know. We’ll break down each platform by its English-language features and international shipping capabilities to help you shop with confidence.
Top 8 China Shopping Apps
1. Taobao (淘宝)
Price: Mid-range with unmatched product variety
Logistics: Fast domestic delivery, often with free shipping
Best for: Everyday shoppers seeking variety and value (all age groups/budgets)
2. 1688
Price: Ultra-low wholesale/bulk pricing
Logistics: Shipping not included (requires third-party forwarders)
Best for: Resellers, small businesses, bulk buyers (not ideal for individuals)
3. Pinduoduo (拼多多)
Price: Lowest prices for small everyday items
Logistics: Quick nationwide delivery (slightly slower than JD)
Best for: Budget-conscious shoppers, younger users (group-buying deals)
4. JD.com (京东)
Price: Slightly higher (premium for quality/authenticity)
Logistics: Industry-leading speed (self-operated logistics)
Best for: Quality-focused buyers (electronics, premium goods)
5. Douyin (抖音)
Price: Competitive in live streams (higher in regular shops)
Logistics: Variable (third-party delivery)
Best for: Younger shoppers (live stream/flash sale entertainment)
6. Xianyu (闲鱼)
Price: Significantly lower (second-hand goods)
Logistics: Seller-managed domestic shipping
Best for: Bargain hunters, collectors (used electronics/unique items)
7. Xiaohongshu (小红书)
Price: Higher (premium beauty/fashion/lifestyle)
Logistics: Slower but acceptable nationwide delivery
Best for: Trendsetters, beauty lovers, fashion-forward younger users
8. Dewu (得物)
Price: Mid-to-high (matched with branded retail)
Logistics: Fast delivery with authentication (reliable returns/exchanges)
Best for: Sneakerheads, fashion collectors (verified limited-edition goods)
Quick Comparison Table
| App | Price Range | Logistics | Target Audience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taobao | Moderate | Fast (free shipping common) | Everyday shoppers |
| 1688 | Very low | Buyer-managed | Bulk buyers/resellers |
| Pinduoduo | Very low | Reasonably fast | Discount seekers |
| JD | Higher | Very fast (free shipping) | Quality-focused buyers |
| Douyin | Low (live streams) | Variable | Live stream shoppers |
| Xianyu | Very low (second-hand) | Flexible | Second-hand fans |
| Xiaohongshu | Higher | Slower | Trendy/beauty-focused users |
International Shipping Availability
The ability to ship internationally varies by platform—most cater primarily to domestic users:
Supports International Shipping
- Taobao: Canada, Australia, NZ, SE Asia, Japan (no direct US shipping)
- Pinduoduo: Japan, Korea, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Central Asia (limited)
- JD.com: Asia-Pacific, Europe, Middle East, North America (widest coverage)
- Xiaohongshu: US, Hong Kong, Macau (other regions need forwarders)
No International Shipping
- 1688, Douyin, Xianyu, Dewu (requires buying agents/forwarders for overseas buyers)
English Version Support
| App | English Version | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Taobao | ✅ | Available in select regions (Singapore) |
| 1688 | ✅ | Machine translation + Vietnamese/Kazakh |
| Xiaohongshu | ✅ | User-friendly English interface |
| JD.com | ❌ | Basic WeChat mini-program translation only |
| Pinduoduo | ❌ | Requires translation tools |
| Douyin/Xianyu/Dewu | ❌ | Chinese only (domestic-focused) |
Which China Online Shopping App is Best?
The best app depends on your specific needs:
✅ Overall Best (International Buyers): Taobao
- Widest product variety + competitive pricing
- Best international shipping support (excluding US)
- English version available in some regions
💰 Best for Budget: Pinduoduo / 1688
- Lowest prices (group deals/wholesale)
- No English support (Pinduoduo)
- 1688: Ultra-low wholesale (English version available)
🏆 Best for Quality: JD.com
- Authentic electronics + fastest delivery
- Widest international shipping coverage
- No English version (basic WeChat translation)
🎨 Best for Fashion/Trends: Xiaohongshu
- Trendy beauty/fashion + influencer reviews
- Limited international shipping (US/HK/Macau)
- User-friendly English version
🔍 Quick Decision Guide
| Your Priority | Best App | Key Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Lowest prices | Pinduoduo/1688 | Group deals/wholesale pricing |
| Fastest delivery | JD.com | Self-operated logistics system |
| International shipping | Taobao/JD.com | Widest global coverage |
| English interface | Taobao/Xiaohongshu | Best language support |
| Electronics | JD.com | Authentic products |
| Bulk purchases | 1688 | Wholesale pricing |
| Authentic sneakers | Dewu | Verified authentication |
Key Considerations for International Buyers:
- Only Taobao/Xiaohongshu/1688 offer English interfaces
- Most apps need freight forwarders for global shipping
- International payment methods may not work on all platforms
- Consider shopping agent services for language/payment/shipping support
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Which app has the best deals?
Pinduoduo offers the best discounts, especially for group-buying deals (perfect for budget shoppers).
Q2: Which app has the best international shipping?
Taobao (to most countries except US) and JD.com (widest global coverage) offer the best international shipping options.
Q3: What's the best app for international buyers?
Taobao (variety/price/accessibility) or 1688 (bulk wholesale) are top choices for international buyers.
Q4: Are Xianyu/Dewu safe for second-hand/limited-edition items?
- Xianyu: China's top secure second-hand platform (Alibaba-owned)
- Dewu: All items verified for authenticity (ideal for sneakers/streetwear)
Q5: What's the largest shopping platform in China?
Taobao and Pinduoduo are the most popular among Chinese consumers.
Q6: What's the cheapest Chinese shopping app?
Pinduoduo (retail) and 1688 (wholesale) are the cheapest, though quality varies by seller.
Q7: Is online shopping cheaper in China?
Yes—dense supply chains, fierce competition, and mega-sales (6.18/Double 11) make prices significantly lower than Western platforms.
Q8: Which app is best for buying clothes in China?
- Taobao/Tmall: Largest variety (budget to designer)
- Xiaohongshu: Trendy finds + user reviews
- Dewu: Authentic sneakers/streetwear