Affiliate marketing in China is fundamentally different from the West. Due to unique digital ecosystems and government regulations, success relies on bypassing Western platforms (like Google and Facebook) and focusing on partners that provide international access to China’s dominant e-commerce and wholesale giants.
The “best” programs fall into two main categories: Cross-Border E-commerce (for global audiences buying Chinese goods) and Digital Tools (for specialized, high-commission offers).
🚀 Category 1: Cross-Border E-Commerce Giants (For Global Audiences)
These programs are ideal for international affiliates (bloggers, YouTubers, drop-shippers) whose audience wants to buy products made or sold in China.
| Program Name | Focus | Commission Rate | Why It’s Top-Tier |
| AliExpress Affiliate Program | B2C Retail (Goods & Electronics) | 3%–9% (varies by product) | The largest and most recognized platform for individuals globally to buy Chinese goods; huge product selection. |
| Banggood Affiliate Program | Electronics, Gadgets, RC Toys | 7%–14% | Higher commission rates than AliExpress for specific electronics/gadget niches; strong international logistics. |
| DHGate Affiliate Program | B2B Wholesale/Retail | 3%–15% | Excellent for attracting business buyers or power consumers looking for bulk/wholesale prices directly from manufacturers. |
| Supplyia Affiliate Program | Sourcing & Manufacturing | 3%–15% | Specialized for affiliates whose audience is mostly small-to-medium businesses (SMBs) looking to source products directly from Chinese factories. |
💻 Category 2: Digital & High-Value Products (International & High-Payout)
These programs are high-paying globally and have a strong user base within China, making them profitable if you can reach Chinese audiences through local channels (WeChat, Douyin).
| Program Name | Focus | Commission Structure | Best for the Chinese Market |
| Trip.com Affiliate Program | Online Travel Agency (Flights/Hotels) | 1%–8% (varies) | Trip.com is a major global player originating in China, giving it instant trust and a massive inventory for Chinese travelers. |
| Udemy Affiliate Program | Online Courses/E-Learning | 15% per course sale | High demand in China for online professional upskilling and career development courses. |
| Farfetch Affiliate Program | Luxury Fashion Retail | 1%–13% | Appeals to the high-spending Chinese luxury consumer base for cross-border fashion and high-end goods. |
| Visme Affiliate Program | Data Visualization Software | 30% Recurring | Promotes a necessary, high-value tool in the B2B/professional space (infographics, presentations). |
🔗 The Affiliate Gateway: Networks and Payment
The biggest challenge for global affiliates in China is traffic generation and payment. You must use specialized networks to overcome these hurdles.
Top China-Focused Affiliate Networks
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GANet (formerly CHANet/JaNet): A major multinational network focusing on China and Japan, providing access to localized offers and compliance support.
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Affiliate.com (formerly Linktech): One of the largest domestic Chinese networks, essential for getting approved for true local campaigns (if you have local traffic).
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Admitad (CN Branch): An international network with a strong presence in the Chinese-speaking markets, often connecting local offers to international affiliates.
Critical Success Factors for China
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Localization is Key: If you’re targeting a Chinese audience inside China, your promotion must be in Chinese and utilize local platforms like WeChat (Weixin), Douyin (China’s TikTok), and Weibo. Forget trying to rank on Google or run Facebook ads.
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Mobile-First is Mandatory: China is a mobile-first market. Your landing pages and promotional materials must be perfectly optimized for mobile devices and load instantly.
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QR Codes: QR codes are used heavily in Chinese commerce and marketing. Always include them in your creatives to facilitate easy scanning and conversion, as it streamlines the purchase process.
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11.11 (Singles’ Day): Maximize efforts around the world’s largest shopping festival (November 11th) and the mid-year 6.18 sales event. These periods generate peak consumer spending and conversion rates globally for Chinese retailers.