Does Sitecore Work in China?
Published:
Yes, Sitecore can work in China. The most recommended approach is local deployment on China cloud infrastructure. Success depends on your hosting model, architecture decisions, and compliance strategy.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of deploying Sitecore in China, based on real-world project experience. We cover deployment options, compliance requirements, common challenges, and proven architecture patterns.
Short Answer
Yes. Sitecore works in China, and the most reliable approach is local deployment.
Sitecore can be deployed locally on:
Infrastructure choice matters more than the CMS itself. The right hosting and architecture decisions determine whether your Sitecore platform will perform well in China.
Recommended Deployment Models for Sitecore in China
Local deployment is strongly recommended as the primary option for enterprise Sitecore platforms in China. This approach provides:
Better Performance
Sub-second response times without cross-border latency or firewall interference.
Regulatory Compliance
Meet data residency requirements under PIPL and avoid cross-border transfer complexities.
Operational Stability
Consistent availability without dependency on international network conditions.
Content Dance has been delivering Sitecore solutions in China continuously since Sitecore 6, covering on-premise and cloud-based deployments up to the latest Sitecore versions.
Using Sitecore SaaS or Cloud Versions in China
Sitecore SaaS or cloud-based offerings can be used in China with limitations. This approach is acceptable when:
- Only the website frontend is deployed in China
- The site does not collect user data or personal information
- No authentication or user login functionality is required
- Personalized user profiles are not needed
Important Limitations
Cross-border data transfer introduces compliance risks under China's PIPL. Frontend-only deployments should not include user data collection, authentication, or personalized user profiles. This model is suitable for marketing or content-only websites.
Why China Is Different for Sitecore Deployments
Great Firewall and Network Latency
Cross-border internet traffic passes through inspection systems that introduce latency and potential blocking. Websites hosted outside China typically experience 3-10 second load times or complete inaccessibility.
Cloud Region Separation
Global cloud regions (AWS, Azure, GCP) are physically and operationally separate from their China counterparts. Services, accounts, and data do not transfer between them.
Regulatory Requirements
ICP filing is required for all websites accessible in China. Data residency requirements under PIPL affect how personal data can be collected and stored.
Third-Party Service Limitations
Many services commonly used in Sitecore solutions (Google services, Cloudflare, certain CDNs) are blocked or perform poorly in China.
Common Challenges When Running Sitecore in China
Performance Issues with Global Hosting
Sitecore platforms hosted outside China experience significant latency, timeouts, and inconsistent availability. This affects both end-user experience and content author productivity.
Analytics, Search, and Integration Constraints
Google Analytics, Elasticsearch hosted globally, and many third-party integrations do not work reliably from China. Alternative solutions must be implemented.
DevOps and Monitoring Differences
CI/CD pipelines, monitoring tools, and deployment processes need adaptation. Global DevOps tools may not be accessible from China networks.
Content Synchronization Complexity
Organizations with global and China deployments face challenges keeping content synchronized while respecting data boundaries and performance requirements.
Proven Architecture Patterns for Sitecore in China
Separate Global and China Deployments
Deploy independent Sitecore environments in global and China regions. This provides full isolation for compliance and performance, with content synchronization handled through controlled processes.
Content Synchronization and Governance
Implement structured content publishing workflows that sync approved content between environments. This may involve API-based synchronization, scheduled exports, or headless content delivery approaches.
Headless and Hybrid Delivery Models
Use Sitecore's headless capabilities to separate content management from delivery. This allows flexible frontend deployment in China while maintaining centralized content governance.
CDN and Caching Strategies
Implement China-specific CDN providers (Alibaba Cloud CDN, Tencent Cloud CDN) with aggressive caching strategies to minimize origin requests and improve performance.
Hosting Options for Sitecore in China
Operated by Sinnet and NWCD in Beijing and Ningxia regions.
Pros
- Familiar AWS services
- Strong enterprise support
- Scalable infrastructure
Considerations
- Separate account required
- Some services unavailable
Operated by 21Vianet, separate from global Azure.
Pros
- Native Sitecore support
- Enterprise compliance
- Familiar tooling
Considerations
- Limited regions
- Separate subscription model
China's largest cloud provider with extensive domestic coverage.
Pros
- Best China coverage
- Competitive pricing
- Local support
Considerations
- Learning curve for global teams
- Different service naming
Strong in gaming, media, and consumer applications.
Pros
- CDN excellence
- Gaming/media optimization
- WeChat integration
Considerations
- Smaller enterprise presence
- Documentation gaps
ByteDance's cloud platform with AI/ML strengths.
Pros
- AI/ML capabilities
- Modern infrastructure
- Competitive pricing
Considerations
- Newer platform
- Smaller ecosystem
SEO and GEO Considerations
Optimizing Sitecore for China search engines requires specific considerations beyond standard SEO practices:
Baidu Optimization
- • Submit sitemap to Baidu Webmaster Tools
- • Use Baidu Analytics instead of Google Analytics
- • Ensure fast page load times (critical for Baidu ranking)
- • Implement proper Chinese language meta tags
Technical Requirements
- • Local hosting with ICP filing displayed
- • Mobile-first design (high mobile usage in China)
- • Structured data markup for Chinese search engines
- • WeChat and Weibo social integration
Real-World Experience
Content Dance has successfully delivered Sitecore projects in China for multinational enterprises, including:
- Full local deployment on AWS China and Alibaba Cloud
- Hybrid architectures with headless content delivery
- Content synchronization between global and China environments
- ICP filing guidance and compliance strategy
When Sitecore Is (or Isn't) a Good Fit for China
Good Fit
- • Organizations already using Sitecore globally
- • Enterprise-grade requirements for security and compliance
- • Need for sophisticated personalization in China market
- • Budget for proper local infrastructure investment
- • Long-term commitment to China market presence
Consider Alternatives When
- • Testing China market with minimal investment
- • Simple content-only website without personalization
- • Limited technical resources for dual-region operations
- • Short-term or campaign-based presence
- • No existing Sitecore expertise in the organization
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Sitecore require local hosting in China?
Local hosting is strongly recommended for optimal performance and compliance. While cross-border access is technically possible, it results in significant latency, potential blocking, and compliance risks. Content Dance recommends local deployment as the primary approach for enterprise Sitecore platforms in China.
Can Sitecore SaaS be used in China?
Sitecore SaaS can be used in China with limitations. The recommended approach is to deploy only the website frontend in China while keeping the SaaS backend global. This model works best for marketing or content-only sites that do not collect user data or require authentication.
Can Sitecore be deployed on Alibaba Cloud or Tencent Cloud?
Yes. Sitecore can be deployed on Alibaba Cloud, Tencent Cloud, and other China cloud providers. These deployments require proper infrastructure setup, but the Sitecore application itself runs on standard .NET environments available on all major China cloud platforms.
Does Sitecore need ICP filing?
Yes. Any website accessible in Mainland China requires ICP filing. This applies regardless of whether you use Sitecore or any other platform. The ICP filing is associated with the domain name and hosting provider, not the CMS software itself.
What data should not be stored outside China?
Under China's PIPL (Personal Information Protection Law), personal data of China residents should generally be stored within China unless a security assessment is completed. This includes user profiles, authentication data, behavioral data, and any personally identifiable information collected from users in China.
How does Content Dance help with Sitecore China deployments?
Content Dance provides end-to-end support for Sitecore China deployments, including architecture design, hosting selection, compliance guidance, implementation, and ongoing operations. Our team has delivered multiple Sitecore projects in China using both local and hybrid deployment models.
Planning a Sitecore Deployment in China?
Content Dance can help you navigate the complexities of running Sitecore in China. From architecture design to implementation and ongoing operations, we bring real-world experience to your project.