Bitaigen Research How to Purchase Bitcoin in China? How to Buy Bitcoin? How to Buy Bitcoin (BTC) on Binance and OKX?
In China, users can use Binance or OKX and other compliant overseas exchanges to first deposit fiat currency to purchase USDT, and then exchange USDT for Bitcoin, completing a safe and compliant buying process. The holdings and transaction history can be viewed in real‑time within the app. Multiple payment methods such as WeChat Pay and Alipay are supported for rapid fund deposits.
Bitcoin is the world’s first decentralized digital currency. Since its inception in 2009 it has become a focal point of the global market. Although China explicitly prohibited domestic cryptocurrency mining activities in 2021, users can still purchase Bitcoin through certain platforms.
Below, the Bitaigen editorial team combines the latest policies and market developments to provide a detailed walkthrough of the legal and safe way to buy Bitcoin in China, along with the necessary precautions. Please conduct your own thorough research on the most recent regulations and fully assess the risks before proceeding.
This article adopts a compliance‑oriented perspective, outlining the end‑to‑end steps for using Binance, OKX and similar platforms in China to complete fiat‑to‑USDT deposits, USDT‑to‑Bitcoin conversions, and highlighting regulatory considerations and risk‑mitigation measures. Continue reading for the full details.
Main Ways to Purchase Bitcoin Domestically
At present, Chinese users mainly acquire Bitcoin through the following cryptocurrency exchanges:
List of Mainstream Exchanges
- Binance (global) – The world’s largest exchange, supporting a wide range of payment methods.
- Huobi Global – A veteran platform with a user‑friendly Chinese interface.
- OKX – Offers a rich suite of trading products and tools.
- Gate.io – Over 3,600 listed assets, suitable for retail investors.
Detailed Procedure
1. Choose a compliant overseas exchange (crucial)
- Research the platform: Understand the exchange’s corporate background, registration jurisdiction, regulatory licences (e.g., FinCEN/MSB, MAS, FSA, FINMA, etc.), security measures (cold storage, 2FA, insurance), user reviews, supported fiat currencies and crypto assets, fee structure, and UI friendliness.
- Typical references (examples, not endorsements): Binance (global entity with multiple compliant subsidiaries) and OKX (originally OKEx, registered in jurisdictions such as Seychelles).
Binance Bitcoin Purchase Tutorial (USDT → BTC Flow)
If you have not yet created a Binance account, you can use the referral link below to register and download the official mobile app (both Android and iOS).
Exchange | Referral Code | Official Site | Official App Download | Tutorial
Binance `B2345` | Go to Binance China portal | Download the official Binance app | Android tutorial — iOS tutorial
Important for U.S. residents: U.S. users must use Binance.US (or another U.S.-registered exchange) instead of the global Binance platform.
Funding Your Account
- Open the Binance app, go to the Trade tab, and tap Add Funds.
- Select a fiat currency (e.g., CNY or USD) and choose C2C Buy.
- At the top of the screen, pick a purchase method; the “Quick Zone” is recommended for speed.
- Tap Buy, select USDT, enter the amount you wish to purchase, and then choose a payment method.
- Common domestic payment options include WeChat Pay, Alipay, debit cards, and QQ Wallet. WeChat Pay is currently the most convenient; the prevailing exchange rate is roughly 7 CNY = 1 USD. After filling in the details, click Preview Order.
- The preview page will display platform‑recommended counterparties (all of which have passed “Shield” verification). Confirm the details and click Place Order.
- On the payment screen, you will see the seller’s receipt information. Copy the details or scan the QR code to complete the transfer, then upload a screenshot of the payment receipt.
Buying Bitcoin
- After the USDT deposit is confirmed, tap the Trade button located in the centre of the bottom navigation bar.
- In the search bar, type BTC and select the corresponding market.
- Choose an order type (Limit, Market, etc.). Beginners are usually advised to start with a Limit or Market order.
- Fill in the order
- Price: If BTC is currently around ¥70,000, you may set a target price such as ¥68,000.
- Quantity or Amount: To purchase the USD‑equivalent of $100, enter 100 USDT in the “Quote Amount” field.
- Fees: Fees are lower when you do not use advanced features such as Take‑Profit/Stop‑Loss. Users with fee‑discount tiers enjoy even lower rates.
- If you wish to set a Take‑Profit or Stop‑Loss, click Advanced; beginners can skip this step for now.
- After confirming that all details are correct, tap Buy BTC to place the order.
- Order status can be monitored on the Trade page; if the order remains unfilled you may cancel it manually.
OKX (formerly OKEx) BTC Purchase Guide
Similarly, users who have not yet registered on OKX can sign up via the link below and download the official app.
Exchange | Referral Code | Official Site | Official App Download | Tutorial
OKX `B2345` | Go to OKX China portal | Download the official OKX app | Android tutorial — iOS tutorial
Funding Your Account
- Open the OKX app and tap C2C Buy.
- Enter the amount you wish to purchase and select a payment method.
- The Chinese version of OKX supports Alipay, WeChat Pay, and bank cards. After choosing, tap Preview Order.
- Verify the merchant information and click Confirm.
- After the order is generated, tap Get Payment Details, copy the seller’s account information, and complete the payment through the chosen channel.
- Once payment is completed, press I have paid, upload the payment screenshot, and wait for the counter‑party to confirm.
Spot Purchase of Bitcoin (OKX App)
- In the OKX app, select BTC to enter the trading interface.
- Choose Spot trading, then tap Limit Order (you can also select Market Order).
Limit Order vs. Market Order
- Limit Order: You set a specific price; the system automatically executes the trade when the market reaches that price.
*Example*: BTC is currently trading at 52,900 USDT. You place a limit buy at 52,800 USDT; the order will fill once the price drops to ≤ 52,800 USDT.
- Market Order: The trade is executed instantly at the best available price, which is ideal for rapid entry or exit.
*Example*: You want to buy 40 USDT worth of BTC right now; the system will fill the order at the prevailing market price, which may be slightly higher or lower than 52,900 USDT.
Key Differences
- A limit order requires you to manually input a target price; a market order does not.
- The maximum single market order size is 100,000 USDT.
- Limit orders do not lock up fees until they are filled; market orders lock the fee amount immediately.
