A Guide to Baidu Cloud in China

Learn how to deploy and manage Baidu Cloud services within mainland China, including licensing requirements, compliance regulations, and performance optimisation strategies for seamless operations.

Introduction to Baidu Cloud

Baidu Cloud (百度云) is one of China’s leading cloud service providers, holding an 8% market share. Considered to be the “Google of China”, Baidu leverages its expertise in search engine technology and artificial intelligence (AI) to offer robust cloud solutions tailored to the Chinese market. Baidu Cloud provides Infrastructure-as-a-Service (IaaS), Platform-as-a-Service (PaaS), and Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) solutions, with a strong focus on AI, big data, and cloud storage. Its services are particularly popular in industries such as media, education, finance, and smart cities, where AI-driven applications are in high demand.

This guide covers everything you need to know about deploying Baidu Cloud in China, from account setup and regulatory compliance to performance optimisation and integration with China’s unique digital ecosystem.

Is Baidu Cloud Available in China?

Yes, Baidu Cloud is fully available in mainland China and is specifically designed to operate within the country’s regulatory and internet environment. Baidu Cloud’s infrastructure ensures compliance with China’s data residency laws and provides low-latency performance behind the Great Firewall. International companies can access Baidu Cloud services through a China-based account, often with the assistance of local legal entities like AppInChina to navigate licensing and compliance requirements.

Baidu Cloud is headquartered in Beijing but has multiple data centres across China:

• China North (Beijing)
• China North (Baoding)
• China East (Shanghai)
• China South (Guangzhou)

Why Choose Baidu Cloud?

Baidu Cloud stands out for its deep integration with AI and big data technologies, making it an ideal choice for businesses looking to leverage advanced analytics and machine learning in China. Key advantages include:

• AI and Machine Learning Expertise: Baidu Cloud offers cutting-edge AI services, including natural language processing, computer vision, and deep learning frameworks, powered by Baidu’s extensive AI research.
• Optimised Performance in China: Hosting on Baidu Cloud ensures low latency and high reliability within the Great Firewall, with data centres located across mainland China.
• Comprehensive Cloud Storage: Baidu Cloud provides scalable cloud storage solutions with robust file management and third-party integration capabilities, ideal for media- and content-heavy applications.
• Localised Ecosystem Integration: Integrate with Baidu’s ecosystem, including Baidu Search, iQIYI (video streaming), and Baidu Maps, to enhance user engagement.
• Simplified Compliance: Baidu Cloud offers tools and support for navigating China’s regulatory requirements, such as ICP Filing and data residency laws.

Key Features of Baidu Cloud

Baidu Cloud offers a wide range of services designed to meet the needs of businesses operating in China:

• Cloud Storage: Secure and scalable storage solutions with features like file management, resource sharing, and client software integration.
• AI and Big Data: Advanced AI platforms for machine learning, image recognition, and natural language processing, supported by Baidu’s proprietary AI technologies such as Deepseek and Ernie Bot (文心一言).
• Compute Services: Elastic Compute Service (ECS), virtual machines, and container services for flexible and scalable computing.
• Content Delivery Network (CDN): A robust CDN network for fast and reliable content delivery, critical for media streaming and web applications.
• Database Services: Support for MySQL, Redis, and other databases, optimised for high-performance applications.
• Security Services: Anti-DDoS protection, Web Application Firewall (WAF), and compliance tools to meet China’s cybersecurity standards.

Regulatory Compliance for Baidu Cloud in China

Operating cloud services in mainland China requires strict adherence to local regulations. Baidu Cloud aligns with Chinese government policies to ensure compliance, including:

• ICP Filing (ICP备案): Mandatory for all websites and applications hosted in China. An ICP Filing or Commercial ICP License is required, which can be obtained through a Chinese business license (e.g., Wholly Foreign-Owned Enterprise, joint venture, or domestic company). AppInChina can assist with the ICP Filing process for businesses without a local entity.
• Data Residency Requirements: Under China’s Cybersecurity Law and Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL), personal and sensitive data must be stored and processed within China unless explicitly approved for export. Baidu Cloud’s infrastructure ensures compliance with these data localisation rules.
• Public Security Bureau Filing (PSB Filing): An additional local-level registration required for certain applications to ensure compliance with public security regulations.

Baidu Cloud provides dedicated support for navigating these requirements, including compliance tools and documentation in Chinese. For international businesses, partnering with an authorised agency like AppInChina can streamline account setup and regulatory processes.

Setting Up a Baidu Cloud Account

To deploy Baidu Cloud services in China, international companies must follow these steps:

1. Create a Baidu Cloud China Account: Register on Baidu Cloud’s domestic platform. A Chinese business licence is typically required, but AppInChina can assist foreign entities without a local legal entity to open an account.
2. Account Verification: Verify the account using a China-based legal entity or through an authorised partner. This process may require valid contact information and business documentation. AppInChina can aid companies that do not have a local legal entity in completing this step.
3. ICP Filing Application: Apply for an ICP Filing to host websites or applications in China. Baidu Cloud offers tools to simplify this process, and AppInChina can manage the application end-to-end.
4. Configure Services: Once the account is active, configure compute, storage, AI, or other services via Baidu Cloud’s management console, which supports Chinese-language documentation and APIs.

The account setup process typically takes 3-5 days, excluding ICP Filing, which takes an average of 20 business days depending on regulatory requirements.

What is the Pricing?

Baidu Cloud offers flexible billing models, including pay-as-you-go and reserved instances, with pricing varying by region and service type. Visit Baidu Cloud’s official pricing page for the latest details.

Incentives for using Baidu Cloud 

Additional incentives include:

• Free Trial Tiers: Free usage tiers for services like cloud storage, compute, and AI for development and evaluation purposes.
• Startup Credits: Eligible startups may receive cloud credits through Baidu Cloud’s startup programmes, offering up to USD 5,000 in some cases.
• Migration Support: Technical assistance for migrating workloads from global cloud providers to Baidu Cloud China.

Note that local VAT and service delivery taxes apply, as Baidu Cloud’s operations are based in China.

Performance Optimization in China

Hosting on Baidu Cloud ensures optimal performance within China’s unique internet environment. Key strategies include:

• Leverage Baidu’s CDN: Utilise Baidu’s extensive CDN network for fast content delivery, especially for media streaming and web applications.
• Choose the Right Region: Baidu Cloud operates data centres in regions such as China North, China East, and China South. Select a region closest to your target audience to minimise latency.
• Optimise for the Great Firewall: Baidu Cloud’s infrastructure is designed to perform reliably behind the Great Firewall, ensuring low latency and high uptime.
• Integrate AI Services: Enhance applications with Baidu’s AI tools, such as speech recognition and image analysis, to deliver personalised user experiences.

Getting Started with Baidu Cloud

Ready to launch your services on Baidu Cloud? AppInChina can help you:

• Register and verify a Baidu Cloud China account, even without a Chinese entity.
• Handle ICP Filing and PSB Filing applications to ensure full compliance.
• Optimise your cloud infrastructure for performance and scalability within China.
• Integrate Baidu Cloud services with your applications for maximum impact.

Contact us today to deploy Baidu Cloud in China — from regulatory compliance to technical support and local performance optimisation.