Have you ever asked yourself where you can buy a certain product for the lowest price?
Often, the answer is: from Chinese sellers.
You might think of local Chinese stores, but have you considered online Chinese shopping sites?
While local stores offer a variety of products, the internet provides a much wider selection and better deals.
If you want to buy products cheaply, whether in small or large quantities, websites like AliExpress are the go-to option.
AliExpress is often the first platform that comes to mind when thinking about Chinese online shopping, as it is one of the largest and most popular platforms of its kind. But are these the only Chinese online shopping websites?
Of course not. Here, we will introduce you to some other popular Chinese online stores.
Let’s explore other Chinese online shopping platforms.
In the table below, you can find 20 of the most significant Chinese online shopping websites at the time (2011, when this text was originally written) that offer English-language interfaces. Keep in mind that not all sellers ship to every country, so check shipping options before purchasing.
20 Chinese Online Shopping Sites (2011)
Updated website status as of 2025- ✅ AliExpress – The largest active platform for global online shopping from China.
- ✅ DHgate – Popular among wholesale and retail buyers, still active.
- ❌ Gearbest – Closed in 2023, domain no longer active.
- ❌ DealExtreme (DX.com) – Previously popular, now inactive (domain inactive since 2022).
- ✅ Banggood – Active e-commerce site similar to AliExpress.
- ⚠️ FastTech – Partially active, limited offerings and occasional order issues.
- ❌ CESDeals – Inactive, domain closed.
- ❌ NewFrog – Closed, domain no longer exists.
- ✅ LightInTheBox – Active international online store.
- ✅ MiniInTheBox – Sister platform of LightInTheBox, still operational.
- ❌ Tmart – Inactive, closed around 2021.
- ❌ BuyInCoins – Closed, no longer exists.
- ⚠️ TomTop – Active but with slow shipping and unstable website.
- ❌ FocalPrice – Closed, domain redirects to unrelated sites.
- ❌ Lightake – Closed, no longer exists.
- ✅ GeekBuying – Active e-commerce store focused on electronics.
- ⚠️ SheInside (now SHEIN) – Rebranded as SHEIN, very active.
- ⚠️ Chinavasion – Active but with outdated design and limited product range.
- ✅ Sunsky Online – Active B2B platform, frequently used by EU traders.
- ✅ TVC Mall – Active, specialized in mobile accessories and electronics.
Note: Many older major sites like Gearbest or FocalPrice no longer operate because they couldn’t compete with large platforms such as AliExpress, Temu, and SHEIN.
Temu – The New Era of Chinese Online Shopping
Temu – Shop Like a BillionaireTemu was launched in September 2022 by Colin Huang, a Chinese entrepreneur and founder of the e-commerce platform Pinduoduo.
Pinduoduo
Pinduoduo is a social commerce platform that combines online shopping with social networking. Users invite friends to make joint purchases, called “team purchases,” to get lower prices. It quickly became one of China’s fastest-growing e-commerce startups, competing with giants like Alibaba and JD.com.
Temu
Temu is the global expansion of Pinduoduo’s business model. While Pinduoduo dominates the Chinese market, Temu targets the U.S. and international customers. The platform maintains direct-from-manufacturer sales and low prices, adapted for global standards, international logistics, and mobile shopping.
How Temu Works
- Direct-from-manufacturer sales: Products come straight from Chinese factories without intermediaries.
- Global logistics: Efficient postal and courier services deliver products worldwide.
- Bulk purchases and promotions: High order volumes and frequent promotions reduce prices.
- Social and gamified shopping: Users earn discounts through team purchases and sharing.
Temu connects international buyers with Chinese sellers. Products are shipped directly to customers, often with free shipping.
Wide Product Selection
- Clothing and footwear
- Electronics and mobile accessories
- Home appliances and décor
- Toys and children’s products
- Cosmetics and beauty items
Why Prices Are So Low
- Direct-from-factory sales: No intermediaries.
- High sales volume: Mass production lowers costs.
- Minimal operating costs: Online-only platform reduces overhead.
- Frequent promotions: Special offers and coupons further reduce prices.
Note: Low prices may come with longer delivery times and occasional quality variations. Temu provides returns and buyer protection, making international shopping safe.
Conclusion: Temu combines social commerce, direct-from-manufacturer sales, and global logistics to offer low prices and a wide selection, making it a top choice for international buyers seeking value.
Shein – China’s Fashion Giant
Shein – Affordable Fast Fashion WorldwideShein was founded in 2008 by Chris Xu (Xu Yangtze) in China. It quickly gained popularity thanks to its wide range of fashion products at affordable prices.
Initially focused on the Chinese market, Shein started international expansion around 2015, targeting primarily the U.S. and Europe. It became popular among young consumers worldwide due to its trendy products and low prices.
Shein specializes in fast fashion, mainly targeting women and young audiences. Its business model includes:
- Direct collaboration with Chinese manufacturers
- Mass production of trending products
- Online promotions and major sales events
How Shein Works
- Direct-from-manufacturer sales: Products are purchased directly from factories and shipped worldwide.
- Fast production: New items are designed and launched quickly to follow trends.
- Global logistics: Efficient international courier services ensure delivery.
- Promotions and discounts: Frequent sales further reduce prices.
Shein offers a wide range of products, including:
- Women’s and men’s clothing
- Footwear and fashion accessories
- Sports and home items
- Cosmetics and beauty products
- Toys and children’s products
Note: Low prices sometimes come with longer shipping times and variable quality. Shein offers returns and buyer protection for safer online shopping.
Conclusion: Shein combines direct sales, fast fashion, and global logistics to provide a wide selection at affordable prices, especially appealing to young consumers and trend followers.
Comparison: Temu vs Shein
Conclusion
Both platforms offer low prices thanks to direct sales, mass production, minimal operating costs, and promotions. The main difference lies in product focus and shopping model: Temu provides a wider range of products with team purchase options, while Shein specializes in fashion trends for a younger global audience.
Finally, always pay attention to the following when shopping online:
- Prices that seem too good to be true.
- Be cautious with certain product types and brand-name items.
- Only work with trustworthy suppliers, even if it requires extra research.
- Use secure payment methods to avoid fraud.
- Read product and seller reviews carefully.
- Understand return and refund policies.
- Never accept payment requests outside the official website.
