Crypto Payments in China: What’s Allowed, What’s Banned, and How People Get Around It

When it comes to crypto payments in China, the use of Bitcoin, Ethereum, or any decentralized currency for buying goods or services is strictly prohibited by law. Also known as cryptocurrency transactions in China, these activities are treated as financial violations—not just discouraged, but actively blocked by the government. Since 2021, banks, payment processors, and exchanges have been ordered to cut off all links to crypto services. There are no legal crypto ATMs, no crypto debit cards, and no merchant acceptance of Bitcoin—even if you’re willing to pay in it.

This isn’t just about control. The Chinese government launched the digital yuan, a state-backed digital currency that gives the central bank full visibility into every transaction. Also known as e-CNY, it’s designed to replace cash and eliminate the anonymity that crypto offers. Unlike Bitcoin, where you can send money without revealing your identity, the digital yuan tracks every purchase, location, and time stamp. That’s why the state pushes it so hard: it’s not just money—it’s surveillance. Meanwhile, VPN usage for crypto access in China, a common workaround for accessing foreign exchanges like Binance or Kraken. Also known as Great Firewall circumvention, it’s a legal gray zone that’s becoming more dangerous. In 2025, using a VPN to trade crypto can lead to fines, account freezes, or even asset seizures. The government’s AI-powered monitoring tools now flag crypto-related traffic with 99% accuracy—even if you’re just checking prices on a mobile app.

People still find ways to move value, though. Some use peer-to-peer trading through local WeChat groups, exchanging USDT for cash in person. Others mine crypto in remote provinces where electricity is cheap and oversight is loose—though even that’s shrinking as the government shuts down mining farms. The truth is, crypto payments in China aren’t dead—they’re underground. But they’re risky, slow, and far from convenient. What you won’t find here are miracle solutions or legal loopholes. What you will find are real stories from traders, miners, and everyday users who’ve learned to live inside the rules—or risk breaking them.

Below, you’ll see posts that dig into exactly how these systems work—the scams, the workarounds, the legal traps, and the quiet shift toward the digital yuan. No hype. No promises. Just what’s actually happening on the ground in China today.

Are Crypto Payments Allowed in China? 2025 Regulations Explained

As of 2025, crypto payments are completely illegal in mainland China. The government bans all cryptocurrency transactions, trading, and ownership, favoring its own digital currency, the e-CNY, for domestic payments. Cross-border blockchain projects like mBridge are allowed, but only under strict state control.

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