By CloudX – Helping global companies land smoothly in AWS China

Expanding into China is an exciting move. The market is massive, the opportunities are huge, and AWS is there to help you scale. But here’s the catch: AWS China isn’t just another AWS region you can spin up overnight. It’s a different world—different rules, different systems, and a few roadblocks you probably won’t expect. At CloudX, we’ve helped companies navigate this exact path. So if you’re thinking about launching your business on AWS China, here’s what you should know (and how to avoid the common headaches).

1. Establishing an AWS China Presence Requires Local Legitimacy

AWS in China is entirely separate from the global AWS network. To create an AWS China account, you must be a Chinese-registered legal entity. This requirement isn’t just bureaucratic—it’s mandatory.

2. AWS China Operates as a Unique, Isolated Ecosystem

AWS China runs in two regions managed by local partners—Sinnet (Beijing) and NWCD (Ningxia). One AWS China account covers both regions, but the console URL (console.amazonaws.cn) is different from the global AWS console (aws.amazon.com/console/).

Importantly, integration with global AWS accounts through consolidated billing, IAM federation, or cross-region replication is not possible.

3. You Can’t Go Live Without an ICP License

If your site or app will be publicly accessible in China, you need an ICP recordal or license (short for Internet Content Provider). Without it, your website simply won’t load.

There are two types:

• ICP Recordal – for informational/non-commercial sites.
• ICP License – for commercial sites.

The process requires paperwork and local approvals. Skipping it means your launch never gets off the ground. At CloudX, we help you navigate ICP filings and ensure you’re eligible from day one.

4. Connectivity, Performance, and the Great Firewall

There is no direct network connectivity between AWS Global and AWS China. That means no VPC peering, no S3 cross-region replication, and no shared managed VPN between your global and China account. You must implement customized cross-border connectivity strategies (e.g., via Direct Connect or local carriers) and plan for higher latency and firewall interference.

China’s Great Firewall is highly effective at detecting VPN traffic—even if it’s HTTPS/SSL. If violations are found, traffic may be blocked or blacklisted, and in some cases regulators may even suspend your business.

5. Compliance Goes Beyond ICP

China enforces strict data laws such as the PIPL (Personal Information Protection Law), the Cybersecurity Law, and MLPS requirements. These dictate where data can reside, how it must be protected, and how it can move across borders.

It’s not enough to “make it work”—you need to make it legal.

6. Handling Blocked Resources Requires Planning

Global repositories such as Docker Hub, GitHub, npm, PyPI, and GCR may be slow, blocked, or otherwise inaccessible within China. Many teams set up mirrors or private registries to keep development and deployment pipelines running smoothly.

Additionally, certain services like SES, Google Firebase, and others are unavailable in AWS China. You’ll need alternative solutions to fill those gaps.

How CloudX Helps You Succeed

At CloudX, we’ve built our Global Company Landing on AWS China Solution to take the pain out of expansion. Here’s what we do:

• Guide you through ICP filings and account setup.
• Solve connectivity issues with local mirrors, Direct Connect, and CDN integration.
• Map your global architecture to what actually works in AWS China.
• Ensure compliance with Chinese regulations from day one.

The result? You can launch confidently in China without endless trial and error.

Final Thoughts

Deploying in AWS China can feel overwhelming—but it doesn’t have to. With the right plan (and the right partner), you can navigate the differences, stay compliant, and deliver a fast, reliable experience for your users in China.

CloudX is here to make AWS China simple, so you can focus on growing your business.

What happens if I don’t have a legal entity in China?
There are several possible solutions for you. Click here to schedule a call with us, and we’ll walk you through your options.