Buy Crypto with Fiat in China: How to Navigate Restrictions and Find Legit Options

When you want to buy crypto with fiat in China, the process is tightly controlled by government policy and banking restrictions. Also known as fiat-to-crypto onboarding in China, it’s not banned outright—but the path is narrow, and most mainstream platforms are blocked. Unlike in India or Brazil, where UPI or Pix make deposits easy, China’s financial system locks down direct crypto purchases through banks and payment apps like WeChat Pay or Alipay.

The Chinese crypto regulations, enforced since 2021, prohibit domestic exchanges from offering fiat on-ramps. Also known as crypto trading bans in China, they target platforms that connect yuan directly to Bitcoin or USDT. But people still get crypto—just not through the obvious routes. Many use peer-to-peer (P2P) marketplaces, offshore exchanges with yuan support, or over-the-counter (OTC) brokers who operate under the radar. These aren’t illegal if you’re not running a business, but they carry risk: scams, frozen funds, and sudden policy shifts are real. The fiat to crypto China, system relies on trust between individuals, not regulated institutions. Also known as P2P crypto trading China, it’s how millions quietly hold Bitcoin or stablecoins despite the rules. Some use foreign bank accounts or crypto-friendly remittance services to move money out before buying. Others trade USDT on platforms like LocalBitcoins or Paxful, paying in cash or bank transfers through intermediaries. It’s messy, but it works.

What you won’t find are big names like Coinbase or Kraken offering CNY deposits. Even Binance’s China-facing services shut down years ago. What’s left are smaller, less visible players—some legitimate, many not. The key is verifying who you’re dealing with. Look for verified traders with long histories, high ratings, and clear communication. Avoid anyone asking for ID upfront or promising instant deposits with no paperwork. The crypto payment methods China, landscape is built on informal networks, not apps. Also known as cash-to-crypto China, it’s a system of whispers, not websites.

There’s no official guide, no step-by-step tutorial from the government. But people still do it—every day. Whether you’re sending money to family abroad, hedging against inflation, or just holding Bitcoin as a store of value, the tools exist. You just have to know where to look, who to trust, and how to protect yourself. Below, you’ll find real reviews, scam warnings, and honest breakdowns of what’s actually working in China right now—not what’s advertised, but what’s used.