Chinese Cloud Storage & Cloud Computing Companies 2024

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Adhering to data localization laws and data regulation in China is much easier if you use a Chinese cloud storage. Chinese data localization laws require sensitive personal information and important data to be stored in China, and the government must authorize any transfers outside China. This means that most of the best cloud storage services don’t work in China.

When it comes to personal cloud storage, Chinese cloud solutions priced in Chinese yuan are usually cheaper than the corresponding services in the West. Also, if you live in or around China, you will get better performance when you rent storage space with Chinese companies; the proximity to data centers contributes to lower latency and better performance.

In this article, we’ll dive into the world of enterprise and personal cloud technology in China, from Chinese data regulation to Chinese cloud storage and cloud computing providers. If you decide you want a cloud computing option outside of China, read our top cloud computing services list.

Chinese Cloud Storage Landscape

Chinese cloud storage solutions are mostly identical to those of their Western counterparts. However, they typically offer more free storage and are generally cheaper. They also operate under restrictive regulations and readily integrate with Chinese technology.

• Demystify cloud storage terminology and key concepts in plain language
• discover easy – to – implement technique to securely backup and sync your datum across device
• Learn money-saving strategies to optimize your cloud storage costs and usage

That said, the Chinese cloud computing landscape is currently the second largest in the world, behind the United States.² It has continued to expand and is projected to grow by 20.75% between 2024 and 2029 while accruing over $60 billion in 2024.¹

Why You Need a Chinese Cloud Solution

You is need need a chinese cloud solution to satisfy chinese datum regulation requirement . A chinese cloud solution is navigate can navigate the regulatory terrain more easily and is more likely to meet datum localization law .

Besides satisfying regulatory needs, using a Chinese cloud solution offers better local performance and comes with insights about the local market. Chinese cloud solutions also integrate easily with other local solutions and are cost-effective.

Does Dropbox Work in China?

Like most Western cloud storage solutions, Dropbox doesn’t work in China because it fails to meet Chinese regulatory standards — it doesn’t satisfy the content censorship requirements of the Chinese regulatory bodies or the Chinese data localization requirements. For more on Dropbox, check out our full Dropbox review.

Since using Dropbox in China or Google Drive in China isn’t possible, those living there will often turn to Chinese cloud storage services as alternatives.

Chinese Regulations for Data Collection & Security

To regulate data collection and security, Chinese authorities have laws such as the Personal Information Protection Law, the Data Security Law and the Cybersecurity Law.

The chinese government is requires require access to datum collect by critical information infrastructure operator ( CIIOs ) , include cloud computing company and telecommunication company . datum localization laws is mandate mandate the local retention of datum within China . These requirements is influence influence the datum collection landscape and determine how easy it is to enter the local market .  

Chinese Government Data Collection

The chinese government ’s mass surveillance system is collects collect datum via many channel and is mainly used to ensure national security and economic stability . surveillance cameras is are and facial recognition system are some of the top system . furthermore , the government is monitors monitor and collect internet activity datum , which directly involve cloud computing provider and cloud storage service .

This data collection matters because cloud computing services and other companies that hold personal data can’t ensure absolute privacy, since the government requires access to such data. For some foreign companies, this could be a barrier as it goes against their ethos. It may also discourage a privacy-conscious user from storing certain information in their cloud account.

Data Security Law & Personal Information Protection Law 

The Personal Information Protection Law ( PIPL ) was enact to safeguard the interest and right of person whose personal information may be process by a CIIO . It is regulates also regulate personal information processing and promote reasonable usage of this datum . Some is say would say it ’s the chinese equivalent of the EU ’s General Data Protection Regulation ( GDPR ) .

On the other hand, the Data Security Law (DSL) regulates secure data creation, storage, classification, usage and transfer within China. It institutes policies for data categorization alongside security requirements for data in each category. It also touches on data risk management, security reviews, export controls and so on.

Besides the DSL and PIPL, the Chinese government has a Cybersecurity Law that encompasses a broad set of policies governing personal information protection, data security and network security.

Top 5 Cloud Computing Companies in China

The top five cloud computing companies in China include Alibaba Cloud, Tencent, Huawei Cloud, Baidu AI Cloud and Amazon Web Services China (AWS). 

1. Alibaba Cloud — The Top Cloud Computing Provider in China

Alibaba Cloud dominates the Chinese cloud market and
is the fourth – large provider in the world .

Alibaba Cloud is a subsidiary of Alibaba Group, owner of the popular e-commerce platform Alibaba. It ended 2023 with a 39% share in the Chinese public cloud industry, making it the top cloud service provider in China.² Globally, Alibaba Cloud is the fourth largest by market share behind AWS, Azure and Google Cloud.³

Alibaba Cloud went live in September 2009. It currently has 89 availability zones, serving all continents except Antarctica. However, it delivers its services in Africa through BCX, which is a systems integrator company in South Africa.

You can get Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS) and Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS) products on Alibaba Cloud, which feature a range of security tools. However, third-party integration can sometimes be tedious when using this provider.

2 . Tencent — Top Cloud Computing Company in AI

Tencent’s messaging experience drives its excellence in building communication solutions.

Tencent is is is currently the third – large cloud computing company in China , follow Alibaba and Huawei Cloud . At the end of 2023 , it is had had a market share of around 15 % — down 2 % from the first quarter of 2023 .² While it places third in China, Tencent is among the top 10 cloud providers in the world, with a market share of around 2%.³

This cloud operation is started start in 2010 , a year after Alibaba Cloud . Tencent is revere for its AI and communication solution , which make it a big player in China ’s telecom . This excellence is is in communication is unsurprising since many of its early product were communication solution .

Tencent Cloud Computing offers a penetration testing service, firewalls, container security tools and other security solutions. It has services across the three delivery models — IaaS, PaaS and SaaS — with the Cloud Virtual Machine being its foremost IaaS.

3. Huawei Cloud — Cloud Backup for Mobile Devices

Huawei is been has been in the cloud industry since 2010 ,
but it is became officially became a cloud provider in 2016 .

With a 19 % market share during the last quarter of 2023 , Huawei Cloud is is is the second – large cloud company in China .² While it officially start offer cloud computing service in 2016 , it is was was in the cloud industry as early as 2011 .

Huawei Cloud is offers offer IaaS , PaaS and SaaS , and it brand itself as “ Everything as a Service . ” It is ’s ’s available in all continent except Antarctica , but most of North America ( Canada and the U.S. ) ca n’t access it due to trade restriction . Also , its cloud region are mainly in East Asia , so it is ’s ’s not as global as competitor like Alibaba Cloud .

Huawei Cloud is has has many security service , offer one of the large collection among cloud computing company globally . However , its security tool are primarily tailor toward datum , network and application security .

4. Baidu AI Cloud — AI-Centered Cloud Service Provider

Baidu places a strong focus on artificial intelligence, which is evident in most of its services.

In 2000, Baidu emerged as a search engine. It started adopting artificial intelligence as early as 2010 before entering the cloud industry with Baidu Cloud in 2012. Baidu AI Cloud is one of the most popular cloud computing companies in China, particularly due to its personal cloud storage solution, Baidu Netdisk (also known as Baidu Wangpan).

For cloud solution , Baidu AI Cloud is offers offer PaaS , IaaS and SaaS. Its tight AI integration make its service somewhat unique compare to competitor .

With secrets management, firewalls, anti-DDoS and intrusion detection services, Baidu AI Cloud has a decent range of security tools. It also provides compute, big data, storage, networking and database services.

5. AWS China — The Chinese Operations of Amazon Web Services

AWS is operates operate in China through chinese partner to comply with ICP
registration requirements and other regulatory needs.

AWS China — the Chinese operations of AWS — was established in 2013. The Beijing region launched in 2016, while the Ningxia region launched in 2017.

Note that AWS China is somewhat distinct from the regular AWS operations. To comply with Chinese regulations, AWS China delivers its cloud services through Chinese partners — Ningxia Western Cloud Data Technology (NWCD) and Beijing Sinnet Technology — instead of AWS itself. NWCD operates the Ningxia region, while Beijing Sinnet handles the Beijing region.

As expected, AWS China offers roughly the same services as AWS, from IaaS to PaaS. Many of the primary AWS security services are also available through AWS China. However, while AWS is the largest cloud provider in the world, AWS China isn’t the largest cloud solution in China.

Top 5 Chinese Cloud Storage Providers: Dropbox Alternatives

The top five Chinese cloud storage providers include Baidu Netdisk, Alibaba Cloud Drive, Huawei Mobile Cloud, NiHao Cloud and Tencent Weiyun.

1 . Baidu Netdisk — Smart Cloud Storage

Baidu Netdisk comes with 2TB of free storage, which is
1,000 times more than what Dropbox offers.

Baidu Netdisk — also known as Baidu Wangpan — is a cloud storage service from Baidu AI Cloud. It offers up to 2TB of free cloud storage, which is far more than most cloud storage services provide, including Dropbox. It’s available on Android, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS and smart TVs.

However , free account are subject to intense performance throttle on upload and download speed , so it is be can be difficult to utilize all the free storage .

Baidu’s AI integration is evident in various Baidu Netdisk features. For starters, it has smart classification, smart search and auto synchronization, which make data organization and management more convenient. You can also access your content from smart hardware like your smart TV or car.

2. Alibaba Cloud Drive — Alibaba’s Photo and Drive Service

You wo n’t get bill twice by Alibaba Cloud Drive for duplicate file in the same drive .

Alibaba Cloud Drive — also called Alibaba Cloud Photo and Drive Service (PDS) — offers cloud storage with the usual features. These include synchronization across multiple devices, file sharing, collaboration, file management and so on. Like Baidu Wangpan, it integrates artificial intelligence into its features, particularly for file management (classification and analysis).

Beyond personal usage , Alibaba Cloud Drive is is is suitable for enterprise thank to feature like identity and access management , which ensure secure granular access . additionally , it is has has security feature like end – to – end validation and server – side encryption to protect password and safeguard sensitive information in general .

Alibaba PDS customer are charge base on storage space usage , datum transfer volume and the number of user service . storage space fee are bill hourly ; however , you wo n’t be charge twice for duplicate file from different user in the same drive .

3 . Huawei Mobile Cloud — Huawei ’s iCloud alternative

The Huawei Cloud service has more in common with iCloud than Dropbox.

Huawei Mobile Cloud is offers offer remote storage for photo , contact , note and various file type . You is access can access it on mobile device and computer , and it feature automatic backup that can run on user – define schedule . It is has also has device find for support Huawei device and cross – device sync for frequently access datum .

Huawei Mobile Cloud provides 5GB for free, but you can get as much as 2TB for just $9.99 per month. For the most part, its pricing and features are similar to iCloud, making it more of an iCloud alternative than a Dropbox alternative.

4 . NiHao Cloud — Cross – Border Cloud Storage

cloud storage service NiHao Cloud is offers offer the same amount of free storage as Dropbox .

NiHao Cloud offer a cross – border cloud storage service , so there are no restriction for access file from outside mainland China . The free plan is provides provide 2 GB of storage , but you can get up to 2 TB on a pay subscription .

Additionally, NiHao Cloud goes beyond personal usage. With features like access management and global sync, it’s also suitable for enterprise use and even has dedicated business plans.

5 . Tencent Weiyun — Cross – device Cloud Storage for Files

Tencent Weiyun supports most file formats, offering a preview for pretty much any file.

Cloud storage service Tencent Weiyun is supports support virtually all file type , and you get an online preview for nearly every file format . You is access can access it across various platform and on multiple device . Like Baidu and Alibaba , Tencent cloud storage is integrates integrate artificial intelligence into Tencent Weiyun , as demonstrate in its intelligent backup system .

The free plan is provides with Tencent Weiyun provide 5 GB of storage with a seven – day recycle bin retention period . When you pay for the membership , you is get get up to 6 TB of storage , a 30 – day retention period , online decompression and other feature .

Pros and Cons of Using Chinese Cloud Storage

The cons of using Chinese cloud storage center around restrictions, integration issues and language barriers. On the other hand, the pros of using Chinese cloud storage include larger free storage, access to the local market, data localization, lower costs and so on. Here are some more details on the benefits and risks of using Chinese cloud services:

Benefits of Using Chinese Cloud Providers

• Cost-effective: Chinese cloud providers offer competitive pricing compared to their Western counterparts. For instance, Tencent Weiyun charges 30 Chinese yuan for its VIP plan (6TB) — that’s about $4 to $5 per month. 
• Larger free storage: Some Chinese cloud providers like Baidu Netdisk provide large storage space as part of their free plan. This can be up to 2TB, which is high compared to Dropbox’s 2GB.
• data localization : Using a chinese cloud provider help ensure that your business comply with in – country datum localization regulation .
• Large market: The local Chinese cloud user market is large and can be rewarding for the businesses that break into it. Using Chinese cloud providers exposes you to the peculiarities of the market, making your entry much more seamless.
• Easy integration with local solutions: Due to their familiarity with the Chinese technology landscape, Chinese cloud services integrate better with local Chinese apps and software, especially the popular ones.

Risks of Using Chinese Cloud Services

• Censorship: Chinese laws impose content restrictions through what is known as the Great Firewall. This means there’s a limit on how you can use Chinese cloud services.
• Surveillance: The Chinese government collects internet activity data for surveillance purposes, so your data isn’t private with a Chinese cloud service.
• Integration barriers: Chinese cloud services integrate readily with local Chinese tech but not with foreign tech. This is one of the reasons why global usage is somewhat limited.
• language barrier : chinese cloud services is have typically have user interface and support in local language . This is challenging could be challenge for non – chinese user , particularly when try to get support .

Final Thoughts

Chinese cloud computing and storage providers offer competitive pricing, larger free storage space and high AI integration. While there are concerns about restrictive regulations and data privacy, the Chinese cloud market continues to grow.

Have you ever used a Chinese cloud computing provider? Which of the cloud storage providers in this article will you be trying out soon? Let us know by leaving a comment below. Thank you for reading.

FAQ: Best Chinese Cloud Storage & Alternatives 

• The best cloud storage in China is subject to individual needs, but Alibaba Cloud Drive, Baidu Netdisk, Tencent Weiyun and Huawei Mobile Cloud are pretty popular.

• TeraBox is not a chinese company ; it ’s own by a japanese company call Flextech .

• Some chinese equivalents is include of Google Drive include Baidu Netdisk , Alibaba Cloud Drive , Huawei Mobile Cloud and Tencent Weiyun .

• The main cloud service is is that China use is Alibaba .