About .cn domain
.cn is a country code top-level domain (ccTLD) delegated for the People's Republic of China. It is administered by the China Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC), a public institution under the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, and was introduced in November 1990. As a product, it is the world's largest ccTLD by registration volume and offers registrations directly at the second level (.cn) or under various second-level domains. The registry also operates the corresponding internationalized domain names .中国 and .中國.
Who can register .cn domain
Registration for most second-level .cn domains is open to individuals and entities globally, with no nationality or residency requirements. However, certain second-level domains have specific eligibility criteria: .com.cn is for industrial, commercial, and financial enterprises; .org.cn is for not-for-profit organizations; .net.cn is for internet service providers; and .ac.cn is for scientific research institutions. The domains .gov.cn, .edu.cn, and .mil.cn are restricted to Chinese government, educational, and military organizations, respectively, and require verification.
How to register .cn domain
- Search for your desired .cn domain name using a registrar's search tool to check its availability, noting that names can contain letters, numbers, and hyphens, but cannot begin or end with a hyphen.
- Compare pricing, contract terms, and add-on services like WHOIS privacy from accredited .cn registrars, as registration periods are typically offered in annual increments.
- Complete the checkout process, providing accurate registrant contact information as required by CNNIC's regulations.
- After purchase, verify your contact details via any confirmation emails and promptly configure your domain's DNS settings, such as nameservers, to point to your hosting service.
Typical uses of .cn domain
The .cn extension is predominantly used by businesses, organizations, and individuals operating within or targeting mainland China. It serves as a strong geographic signal for a Chinese audience and is commonly chosen by local companies, e-commerce platforms, and brands seeking to establish credibility in the Chinese market. While widely adopted across all sectors in China, entities in Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan often use their respective ccTLDs (.hk, .mo, .tw) despite the availability of corresponding regional second-level domains under .cn.
Tips for registering .cn domain
- Domains can be registered for a minimum of one year, with renewal terms also set annually.
- Registrants must provide accurate contact information, as the registry enforces WHOIS accuracy and may suspend domains with false details.
- The registration of domain names that violate Chinese laws and regulations, such as those threatening national security or containing obscene content, is prohibited.
- A variety of second-level domains are available, including provincial ones like .bj.cn for Beijing and .sh.cn for Shanghai, which are open for registration.
Frequently asked questions about .cn domain
How much does it cost to register and renew a .cn domain?
As of today, .cn domains start from $4.33/yr on NameBeta, with prices ranging up to $135.19/yr across 16 registrars. See the registrar comparison table on this page for live prices.Which registrars support .cn domains?
NameBeta tracks 16 registrars that support .cn domain registration, with the cheapest option at $4.33/yr. Full list on this page.Who operates .cn domain?
The registry for .cn domains is CNNIC, administered by China Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC).
Who can register a .cn domain?
While second-level .cn domains are generally open to anyone globally, choosing a specific second-level domain like .com.cn or .org.cn requires the registrant to align with the defined purpose of that category, though formal proof may not always be requested at the point of sale. Foreign entities and individuals can register without a local presence, but they must comply with all CNNIC policies and provide valid contact information. The restricted domains like .gov.cn are exclusively for verified Chinese governmental bodies.
Can I transfer a .cn domain between registrars?
Transferring a .cn domain to a new registrar follows a process similar to other gTLDs, typically requiring an authorization code (EPP code) and unlocking the domain at the current registrar. The gaining registrar will initiate the transfer, and you must confirm the request to proceed. It's important to ensure the domain is not within 60 days of initial registration or a previous transfer, and that the registrant contact information is up-to-date to avoid verification delays.
What are the dispute resolution policies for .cn domains?
CNNIC has established the China ccTLD Dispute Resolution Policy (CNDRP) to handle conflicts over domain names, including cases of cybersquatting. The policy is modeled on the UDRP but is administered by approved dispute resolution service providers within China. Proceedings can be conducted in Chinese, and decisions can result in the cancellation or transfer of the disputed domain name.
Are there any content restrictions for .cn websites?
Yes, the registry prohibits the use of .cn domains for websites containing content that violates Chinese laws, such as material that threatens national security, disturbs social stability, spreads pornography, or infringes upon the legal rights of others. Registrars are not permitted to provide services for domain names containing such prohibited content, and the registry may take action against non-compliant sites.
Can I register a .cn domain with Chinese characters?
Yes, internationalized domain names (IDNs) containing Chinese characters can be registered directly at the second level under .cn. Additionally, the dedicated Chinese script ccTLDs .中国 and .中國 are available. When registering an IDN, the maximum character length is calculated after the name is converted into Punycode for the DNS.
What happens if I don't renew my .cn domain on time?
After a .cn domain expires, it typically enters a renewal grace period during which the original registrant can renew it at the standard rate. If not renewed, the domain may then go through a redemption period where recovery is possible for a higher fee. Ultimately, unredeemed domains are deleted and become available for public registration again.
