This question weighs on many crypto enthusiasts in China. After Binance officially exited the mainland Chinese market in 2021, a lot of people aren't sure whether a mainland IP can still be used to register — and whether a registered account might get banned. This article lays out what's actually happening.
Registration through the Binance website is currently still possible via this link, which includes a trading-fee discount. You can also download the Binance App to install and use.
Binance and Mainland China
In 2021, tightening regulatory policies led Binance to announce it would no longer serve new users in mainland China and began gradually adjusting existing accounts.
What does this mean in practice?
- Binance does not actively market to mainland users
- Certain features may be restricted
- There is regulatory uncertainty at the compliance level
But real-world operations are more nuanced than the official statements suggest.
What Registration Actually Looks Like
Based on current user feedback, results vary by person and by timing when registering from a mainland Chinese IP. No guarantees here — just observed patterns:
Cases where registration works:
- Using an overseas email (e.g., Gmail) to sign up
- Completing KYC with a Chinese national ID or passport
- Some users report success registering with a mainland phone number as well
Possible limitations:
- The registration page may not be directly accessible and may require a special network setup
- KYC review may be stricter or slower compared to users from other regions
- Some features (such as certain fiat deposit channels) may be unavailable
About KYC Verification
Many people worry that using a Chinese national ID for KYC will result in rejection. In reality, Binance's KYC system is global and supports identification documents from many countries and regions. Chinese IDs and passports can technically pass verification.
That said, policies can change. Getting approved today doesn't guarantee the same tomorrow. If you plan to register:
- Fill in truthful information during registration
- Complete KYC as soon as possible — don't delay
- Stay informed about policy changes
What to Watch After Registration
If you've successfully registered a Binance account, pay special attention to the following:
Trading features
Spot trading and C2C trading typically work fine. However, advanced features like futures and margin trading may be limited depending on your verified region.
C2C trading
C2C (peer-to-peer) is the primary channel for mainland users to buy and sell crypto. Through C2C, you can exchange fiat currency for crypto with other individual users via Alipay, WeChat, or bank transfer. This feature still has a large Chinese-speaking user base on Binance.
Since C2C involves fiat transfers, there are a few things to be careful about:
- Choose counterparties with good reputations
- Never mention anything crypto-related in transfer notes
- Keep your payment receipts
Withdrawals
Withdrawing to a personal wallet address generally works without issues. Transferring to other exchanges is also fine. Just note that every withdrawal goes through a security verification process.
Network Access Issues
If you can't access the Binance website or app from mainland China, it's typically due to network-level restrictions rather than Binance actively blocking you.
Some possible solutions:
- Use Binance's alternate domain names (Binance periodically updates accessible domains)
- Use the Binance App instead of the website (the app sometimes connects more easily)
- Use special network tools (no specific recommendations here — you know the drill)
Will Your Account Get Banned?
This is what worries most people. Based on current observations:
- Normal users who trade normally very rarely report being banned without cause
- If you don't violate platform rules (wash trading, money laundering, etc.), the risk to your account is low
- However, the possibility of further policy tightening in the future can't be entirely ruled out
To reduce risk:
- Don't keep all your assets on Binance: Diversify — store some in your own hardware wallet
- Export trade records regularly: If you ever need to migrate to another platform, having records on hand is invaluable
- Know your alternatives: Familiarize yourself with other available exchanges beyond Binance, just in case
- Follow policy developments: Mainland China's crypto regulations are still evolving
Using a Passport vs. National ID
Some users opt to verify with a passport rather than a national ID. As an internationally recognized document, passports tend to have better compatibility on global platforms.
If you have a passport and are concerned about potential restrictions tied to a national ID, a passport is a reasonable alternative. Regardless of which document you use, all information must be truthful — using fake information for KYC will result in permanent account suspension if discovered.
Takeaway
Registering for Binance from a mainland Chinese IP is not entirely impossible — in fact, a large number of Chinese users are using the platform. But there are genuine uncertainties and potential risks.
Core advice:
- Implement strong security measures and protect your account
- Don't put all your eggs in one basket
- Stay on top of policy and platform-rule changes
- Use the platform's services legally and responsibly
The regulatory landscape for cryptocurrency is constantly evolving, and today's situation doesn't predict the future. Stay rational, have a backup plan, and you'll be well-positioned no matter what changes come.