As of 2025, China’s e-commerce ecosystem is still booming, led by a variety of shopping apps that not only dominate the local market but are also gaining international attention.
Let’s dive into the top 8 Chinese online shopping apps to see how they stack up in terms of pricing, logistics, and the types of shoppers they cater to. This guide will help you figure out which platform fits your needs best—whether you’re a casual browser or a serious reseller.
1. Taobao (淘宝)
Price: Mid-range, with an incredible variety across every category.
Logistics: Speedy domestic delivery, often with free shipping depending on the seller and product value.
Target Audience: Perfect for everyday shoppers seeking variety and value. Appeals to all age groups and budgets.
2. 1688
Price: Ultra-low prices, especially for wholesale and bulk purchases.
Logistics: Shipping is usually not included. Buyers often need to coordinate delivery through third-party freight forwarders.
Target Audience: Best suited for resellers, small businesses, or bulk buyers. Not the most user-friendly for individual shoppers.
3. Pinduoduo (拼多多)
Price: Among the lowest of all platforms, especially great for smaller, everyday items.
Logistics: Quick delivery across China, though slightly slower than JD. Minor delays may occur in remote regions.
Target Audience: Ideal for budget-conscious users, especially younger generations who enjoy deals and group-buying discounts.
4. JD.com (京东)
Price: Slightly higher than Taobao and Pinduoduo, but you're paying for quality and authenticity.
Logistics: Unmatched delivery speed thanks to JD’s self-operated logistics system. Free shipping is common for orders over a certain amount.
Target Audience: Great for shoppers who prioritize quality, genuine products, and fast delivery—especially for electronics and premium goods.
5. Douyin (抖音)
Price: Extremely competitive in live streams; regular shop listings may be priced higher.
Logistics: Delivery is handled by third-party logistics, with variable speeds depending on the seller.
Target Audience: Attracts younger shoppers who enjoy shopping as entertainment through livestreams and flash sales.
6. Xianyu (闲鱼)
Price: Often significantly lower since most products are second-hand.
Logistics: Shipping varies by seller but is usually handled domestically. Buyers should communicate directly with sellers for arrangements.
Target Audience: Excellent for bargain hunters and collectors looking for used goods, electronics, or unique items. Also great for selling unused stuff.
7. Xiaohongshu (小红书)
Price: Generally higher due to the platform's premium positioning in beauty, fashion, and lifestyle categories.
Logistics: Slower than other platforms, but still within acceptable timelines across China.
Target Audience: Appeals to trendsetters and beauty lovers, especially younger, fashion-forward users.
8. Dewu (得物)
Price: Mid-to-high range, typically consistent with branded retail stores.
Logistics: Fast delivery with reliable return and exchange options. Most items are authenticated before shipping.
Target Audience: Loved by sneakerheads and fashion collectors looking for limited-edition and verified goods.
Comparison: Price, Delivery, and Who It’s For
| App | Price | Logistics | Target Audience |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taobao | Moderate | Fast delivery, often with free shipping | Everyday shoppers |
| 1688 | Very low | Buyer handles shipping | Bulk buyers & resellers |
| Pinduoduo | Very low | Reasonably fast | Discount seekers |
| JD | Higher | Very fast, often free | Quality-focused buyers |
| Douyin | Low (in live streams) | Variable | Live stream shoppers |
| Xianyu | Very low (second-hand) | Flexible | Second-hand fans |
| Xiaohongshu | Higher | Slower delivery | Trendy, beauty-focused users |
Do Chinese Shopping Apps Ship Internationally?
If you're outside of China and curious whether you can order directly from popular Chinese shopping apps, the answer is: it depends on the platform. While a few apps have begun offering international shipping, many still cater primarily to domestic users.
We’ve also written in-depth articles to answer some of the most common questions, like:
Taobao
Taobao supports international shipping to many countries including the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Southeast Asia, Japan, and more. For unsupported regions, using a freight forwarder is your best bet.
Pinduoduo
Currently available in Japan, Korea, and Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Georgia, Tajikistan, Armenia, Mongolia, Laos. Other regions need a local agent or forwarding service.
JD.com
Ships to the Asia-Pacific region, Europe, the Middle East, and North America.
Xiaohongshu
Ships to the U.S., Hong Kong, and Macau. Other countries require a forwarder.
Not Yet Available for International Shipping
1688, Douyin, Xianyu, and Dewu currently do not support global shipping directly.
Do These Chinese Shopping Apps Offer English Versions?
Worried about language barriers while shopping on Chinese apps? Don’t worry—you’re not alone! Many international shoppers wonder whether these platforms are accessible for non-Chinese speakers. Here’s a closer look at the language support across popular Chinese shopping apps:
- Taobao: There is an English version available, but only for certain regions (like Southeast Asia). Even so, many international users still rely on translation tools or shopping agents for a smoother experience.
- JD.com: No official English site yet, but you can use its WeChat mini-program, which offers basic translation features. It’s functional—but not fully intuitive for first-time users.
- Xiaohongshu (RED): Yes! The app supports English and is relatively easy to navigate, especially if you're interested in fashion, beauty, or lifestyle products.
- Pinduoduo: Unfortunately, no English version is available at this time. The interface is entirely in Chinese, so you’ll likely need help navigating or translating.
- 1688: Good news! It does offer an English version, and even supports other languages like Vietnamese and Kazakh. That said, the product descriptions can still be machine-translated and a bit rough around the edges.
- Douyin: This app is only available in Chinese. It’s strictly for the domestic market, but its international counterpart—TikTok—shares a similar vibe (though without the shopping functions).
- Xianyu: No English interface. Since it’s mainly for second-hand goods within China, it’s built with local users in mind.
- Dewu (Poizon): Also Chinese-only. Despite its sleek interface and appeal to sneakerheads, there’s currently no English version.
If you don’t speak Chinese, the easiest solution is to use our Chinese shopping agent. We'll help you place orders, communicate with sellers, and handle shipping—so you can shop like a local without the stress!
Language Availability Overview
| App | English Version | Other Languages | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Taobao | ✅ | Chinese, Russian | Supports English interface in some areas like Singapore and Malaysia |
| JD.com | ❌ | Chinese only | Basic translation via WeChat mini-program |
| Xiaohongshu (RED) | ✅ | Chinese by default | English version is user-friendly for international users |
| Pinduoduo | ❌ | Chinese only | Requires translation tools or agent support |
| 1688 | ✅ | Vietnamese, Kazakh, others | Machine translation is available but not always accurate |
| Douyin | ❌ | Chinese only | Domestic app only; TikTok is the global version |
| Xianyu | ❌ | Chinese only | Focused on China’s second-hand market |
| Dewu (Poizon) | ❌ | Chinese only | Appeals to fashion and sneaker buyers in China |
FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1: Which is the best app for finding deals?
Pinduoduo is known for offering the best discounts, especially for group-buying deals. It's perfect for budget-conscious shoppers.
Q2: Which app has the best logistics?
JD.com has the most reliable and fast logistics system, with many items available for next-day delivery within mainland China.
Q3: Which is the best online shopping app in China for international buyers?
For international buyers, Taobao is often the top choice due to its wide product range, affordable prices, and support from third-party shipping agents. 1688 is great for bulk buying at wholesale prices, especially for business owners. If you're looking for trendy or unique items, Xiaohongshu (RED) and Douyin (TikTok China) also offer creative and fashion-forward finds.
Q4: Are apps like Xianyu and Dewu safe for second-hand or limited-edition items?
- Xianyu (by Alibaba) is China’s top second-hand app, perfect for buying used goods from real users — kind of like China's version of eBay.
- Dewu (Poizon) specializes in authentic streetwear and sneakers, and every item is verified for authenticity before reaching the buyer.
Q5: Can I buy second-hand items on these apps?
Yes! Xianyu is dedicated to second-hand items, while Taobao also has second-hand sellers.
Q6: What is the largest online shopping platform in China?
Taobao and Pinduoduo are the most popular shopping apps among Chinese consumers.
Q7: What is the most popular Chinese clothing app?
Taobao and Pinduoduo are among the most widely used Chinese clothing apps, offering a huge range of affordable fashion options. In recent years, Xiaohongshu (RED) has also become a go-to platform for trendy and influencer-endorsed clothing, especially among younger shoppers.
