On the OKX platform, domestic users can pay with Alipay QR codes; once the Chinese yuan (CNY) is received, it can be instantly exchanged for USDT. The complete workflow includes registration, KYC verification, selecting a C2C merchant, making the payment, and submitting the proof of payment (about 70 words).

In this article we break down, step by step, how mainland Chinese users can quickly buy USDT on the OKX platform using Alipay, and we analyse the core advantages and typical use‑cases of USDT as a stablecoin. With illustrated, picture‑rich guidance, even first‑timers can follow along with ease. Subsequent sections will also show you how to perform the same operation on OKX’s European interface, making this a worthwhile read.
Overview of the USDT Stablecoin
USDT (full name Tether) is a stablecoin pegged 1:1 to the US dollar. Every USDT token is backed by an equivalent amount of USD reserves, so its price stays around $1. In the crypto ecosystem it acts as a “bridge”, being widely used for exchange‑traded pairs, lending, and payments. Compared with highly volatile assets such as Bitcoin, USDT’s low‑volatility nature makes it a common tool for hedging and value preservation. As of 2026, USDT’s market capitalization has surpassed $100 billion, with daily trading volume reaching several hundred billion USD.
Why Choose USDT
- Low volatility: retains value during bear markets;
- Multi‑chain issuance: available on ERC‑20 (Ethereum), TRC‑20 (Tron), Solana and other major blockchains;
- DeFi ecosystem: serves as a core asset in liquidity pools, and can be staked to earn annual yields;
- Fiat on‑ramp: domestic users can purchase USDT via Alipay, providing a fast gateway into the global crypto market.
Tether Ltd. was founded in 2014. Although it has faced audit controversies, by 2026 its reserves are held by third‑party custodians and regulatory oversight has become more transparent, boosting market confidence. USDT’s historical price range has been tightly bounded between $0.99‑$1.01, essentially flat.
Snapshot of the OKX Exchange
OKX was launched in 2017 and is headquartered in the Seychelles. It ranks as the world’s second‑largest crypto exchange, offering spot, futures, options, and NFT trading. The platform serves over 50 million daily active users and processes more than $100 billion in daily volume. Its key strengths include:
| Advantage | Description |
|---|---|
| Low fees | Spot trading fee 0.1 % |
| High liquidity | Deep order books across many trading pairs |
| Multilingual support | Includes a fully localized Chinese interface |
| Regulatory compliance | Licensed in the EU and selected US states (US residents should use Binance.US for comparable services) |
| Security architecture | Cold‑hot wallet segregation, 2FA, insurance fund; fund safety rate 99.9 % |
For Chinese users, OKX supports Alipay, WeChat Pay, and bank‑card deposits, with stable and reliable funding channels. The platform also offers educational resources such as the OKX Academy to help newcomers get up to speed quickly.
Role of Alipay in Crypto Purchases
Alipay is China’s largest mobile‑payment tool, boasting over 1 billion users and providing real‑time settlement and cross‑border payment capabilities. In crypto contexts, Alipay is primarily used for fiat deposits, acting as the bridge from CNY to USDT. OKX supports Alipay QR‑code payments, eliminating the need to bind a bank card and simplifying the process.
- Security: funds arrive instantly and transactions are encrypted;
- Flexibility: supports small‑amount test purchases, ideal for beginners;
- Compliance: as of 2026 Alipay has strengthened anti‑money‑laundering monitoring while remaining friendly to legitimate crypto‑related transactions;
- Limits: standard accounts can transfer up to CNY 50,000 per transaction; limits can be raised after identity verification.
Before using Alipay, make sure you have completed its real‑name authentication and linked a bank card to increase deposit limits and enhance security.
How to Register an OKX Account
- Download and open the OKX app (official link: https://www.okx.com/zh‑hans/join/B2345).
- Tap Register → select Country (choose the country that matches the ID you will use) → check the Terms of Service and tap Confirm.
- Complete the image captcha, enter your mobile number (Mainland China +86), and input the SMS verification code you receive.
- Set a login password; registration is now complete. You can proceed to KYC verification immediately, or close the pop‑up in the upper‑right corner and verify later.



Detailed KYC Verification
Completing KYC (Know‑Your‑Customer) is a prerequisite for fiat‑currency trading; it also raises your deposit and withdrawal limits. Follow these steps:
- From the app’s home screen or any trading page, a verification prompt will appear;
- Open the menu in the upper‑left corner → Profile & Settings → Identity Verification;
- Tap Start Verification, choose the document type, upload clear photos of the ID, and complete facial recognition;
- After verification, the system may suggest a C2C video verification for large‑value trades—regular users can skip this step.
Note: Without completed KYC you cannot deposit fiat or purchase crypto, so finish it as soon as possible.


Steps to Purchase USDT with Alipay
1. Choose a C2C Merchant
- From the home screen, tap Deposit → select C2C Buy;
- You can use Quick Trade to auto‑match a merchant, or switch to the manual C2C interface to browse offers yourself;
- For first‑time purchases it’s advisable to fund a slightly larger amount (e.g., 100 USDT or more) to reduce the chance that repeated small transactions trigger Alipay’s risk controls.
Supported payment methods include WeChat Pay, Alipay, and bank cards. For high‑value trades the merchant may request a “verification document”; follow the prompts to upload it.

2. Pay via Alipay
- After selecting a merchant, the system displays the merchant’s Alipay account and the exact amount you need to transfer;
- Open your Alipay app, choose Transfer, input the merchant’s account, enter the amount, and confirm the payment;
- Save a screenshot of the successful transfer as proof.

3. Submit the Payment Proof
- Return to the OKX app, tap I have paid, and upload the screenshot you just captured;
- Once submitted, the system performs an automatic verification, usually within 5 minutes, after which you will receive a notification that the USDT has been credited to your account.
Example: Purchasing 1.35 USDT can be completed in just three simple steps.

Withdrawing and Storing USDT
Withdrawal Procedure
- Open the app’s home page → C2C Buy → Quick Trade → Sell;
- Enter the amount of USDT you wish to sell or the equivalent in CNY, then tap Select Payment Method and confirm the order;
- After the buyer pays, verify the received funds and tap I have received payment to finalize the transaction.

Safe Storage Recommendations
- Hardware wallet: e.g., Ledger, which stores private keys offline;
- Software wallet: e.g., Trust Wallet, which offers convenience for everyday use;
- Avoid leaving large balances on exchanges for extended periods to lower exposure to hacking risks;
- USDT can be withdrawn on multiple chains—choose a chain with low fees and minimal congestion (TRC‑20 is often the cheapest).
Closing Remarks
By following the steps outlined above, mainland Chinese users can effortlessly purchase USDT on OKX using Alipay, achieving a swift conversion from fiat to crypto assets. USDT serves as a convenient bridge for newcomers, and when paired with OKX’s stable and reliable trading environment, it enables safer participation in the digital economy. Always act rationally, keep learning about the ecosystem, and remember that crypto gains may be subject to taxation in your local jurisdiction—consult a tax professional for guidance.
For more in‑depth tutorials on buying USDT with Alipay, search for “Bitaigen” (比特根) or browse the related articles linked below. Thank you for your attention and support!
Related Reading
- Buy Bitcoin from Your Home Country: Step‑by‑Step Guide
- OKX Download Guide for Mainland China – Android & iOS
- China's Regulated Crypto Exchanges: Binance, OKX, HTX
💡 Register on Binance with referral code B2345 for the maximum trading fee discount. See Binance complete guide.