TLDR; Shopify performs poorly in China. In this post, we’ll show you a step-by-step guide on how to make your Shopify site perform better in China. Websites built with Shopify load in 80+ seconds and have broken images and videos in mainland China.
What is Shopify?
Shopify is a Canadian e-commerce store creation platform. Individuals without a technical background can easily create e-commerce websites through the visual interface provided by Shopify.
In addition, Shopify provides a rich rental library for store owners to use to improve their Shopify stores. For example, make it support multi-language, multi-currency support.
Before we dive into how to fix Shopify in China, let’s answer some frequently asked questions that our clients have asked us:
Is Shopify Blocked in China?
No, Shopify is not blocked in China, but most Shopify websites perform poorly in China because Shopify doesn’t have any Shopify CDNs or servers in mainland China. Even Shopify sites using “near China servers” are slow in China as we’ll see below in our case study.
Overcoming Shopify Site Testing Challenges in China
A major hurdle in optimizing your Shopify site for China is contending with the Great Firewall. Experiencing firsthand how your site fares for users within China is challenging without direct access to the country. Relying on descriptions from team members on the ground can often result in a lack of clarity, as verbal accounts may not capture the full extent of the user experience.
To bridge this gap, we’ve crafted a proprietary visual load test tool, designed to demystify how your site performs behind China’s Great Firewall — all without stepping foot in the country. For a tangible example of its efficacy, we applied this tool to gauge STEVEMADDEN.COM’s performance in China, capturing the insights in the following video demonstration:
Interested in testing your site’s performance in China? Contact us — we’re here to help.
Does Shopify have a Headquarters in China?
No, Shopify does not have headquarters in China.
In 2019, it was reported that Shopify was setting up a team in China with the goal of helping Chinese exporters that want to sell outside of China.
Fast forward to 2024. Linkedin Data shows that Shopify only has 14 of 16,355 employees based in China.
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Book a consultation with our legal experts to receive a tailored report outlining the necessary licenses and step-by-step operations for launching your website in China.
Book Your Free ConsultationCan Shopify be Used in China?
In short, no. Shopify sites face challenges in China due to external resources like JavaScript, CSS, and APIs performing poorly or being blocked. Optimizing these resources isn’t enough; you’ll also need an ICP filing and license for legal operation within China.
If you’re unfamiliar with the ICP filing and license process, we’ve got you covered. We offer a free session to guide you through making your Shopify site compliant with Chinese regulations and operational behind China’s Great Firewall. This step is crucial for ensuring long-term site stability.
While some services claim to speed up your site in China, these solutions are often temporary and can lead to blocks. Our goal is to assist you in successfully entering the Chinese market without the risk of sudden service interruptions.
Need assistance with selling in China and optimizing your store for Chinese consumers? Contact us for a free consultation on navigating the Chinese ecommerce landscape.
Accelerate Your Shopify Site in China Effortlessly
Making your Shopify site perform optimally in China doesn’t require technical expertise. We’ve streamlined the process into three straightforward steps:
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Hosting Infrastructure Evaluation: We begin with an in-depth analysis of your hosting setup to check its compatibility with China’s digital landscape. This initial assessment provides crucial insights into the accessibility of your hosting provider within China.
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Site Component Analysis: Our next step involves scanning your website for elements that load slowly or are blocked, including images, files, JavaScript, and APIs. Our user-friendly tool makes this process simple, requiring no technical knowledge on your part.
- Optimization Implementation: Based on our analysis, we optimize your website by substituting slow-loading elements with faster alternatives. This ensures quick loading times for users in China without altering your website’s performance elsewhere.
Start Now: Ready to see the difference? You can easily complete these steps in minutes. Begin the optimization process by signing up here.
Questions or Need Guidance? Dive into our FAQ below for more information. Or, if you prefer personalized assistance, contact us. Our experts are ready to help you navigate the nuances of enhancing your website’s performance in China.
Shopify China Optimization FAQ
1. My website won’t load due to a DNS error. Can you help?
Yes, this issue often arises when your hosting provider is blocked by China’s Great Firewall. Our service can quickly resolve these visibility issues for your website.
2. Is your service just a CDN?
No, our 21YB Optimizer goes beyond standard CDN acceleration. It targets and enhances the loading speed of your website’s slow-loading elements specifically for China through advanced caching and a high-speed cross-border network.
3. Can your solution work with Plugin [X] and CMS [Y]?
We support a wide range of plugins and many popular CMS platforms. Contact us to verify compatibility with your specific plugin or CMS.
4. Will customer information be compromised?
Absolutely not. Our optimization process mirrors your site’s functionality and appearance without accessing or storing customer data. Your main site handles all sensitive information securely.
5. How will this affect my ecommerce store or custom-coded website?
Our solution creates a fast, optimized version of your site, seamlessly integrating without affecting your original content or custom code. It improves loading times for critical elements and ensures real-time updates to inventory and content. Upon subscription, you’ll receive a custom domain to preview your optimized site, keeping your original setup undisturbed and enhancing performance without disruption.
Why Enterprises Prefer 21YunBox
At 21YunBox, we’re not just selective; we’re strategic about the enterprises we partner with. Our rigorous audit process guarantees that we align with businesses eager for enduring success in China, fully aligned with the nation’s stringent regulations.
The pathway to operating within China’s complex regulatory framework is fraught with challenges—from securing an ICP license to navigating the maze of required permits and licenses. This journey, often obscured by bureaucracy and red tape, is where 21YunBox excels. We’ve traversed this terrain ourselves, and our mission is to illuminate a clear, streamlined path to compliance and market success for our partners.
Promising a hassle-free transition is easy; delivering on that promise by providing unwavering support and guidance through the complexities of Chinese market entry is where we stand apart. Our commitment extends beyond mere words to action—fostering transparency, diligence, and a tailored approach to ensure your enterprise navigates the Chinese market with confidence and strategic insight.
If your enterprise demands the highest standards of quality and seeks a partner adept at transforming challenges into opportunities, reach out to 21YunBox. Discover the unparalleled value of our services and let us guide your successful foray into China, where clarity and precision pave the way for your success.
