China Cloud Deployment and Management Services

Operating a website, app, or SaaS platform in Mainland China often requires separate cloud accounts, local verification, and changes to the services your application uses, as many of them may be blocked due to the Great Firewall. International companies also need to decide who will hold the account, arrange required filings, and manage communication with the cloud provider.

AppInChina helps companies establish and operate their China cloud environment, with support covering account opening, regulatory requirements, technical localisation, migration, billing and ongoing coordination.

Why Do You Need a Separate Cloud Deployment in China?

A service hosted outside Mainland China may load slowly or inconsistently for Chinese users. The problem can affect the website itself or individual functions such as login, file uploads, payments and requests to overseas APIs. To test if your website works in China, use the AppInChina website tester. 

Hosting selected components locally can improve delivery and make it easier to integrate Chinese services. Companies can keep their existing global environment while running a China deployment for local users.

Some providers also maintain distinct China environments. AWS China and Azure China use separate accounts and operational arrangements from their global platforms, so an existing international deployment cannot simply be treated as another region within the same account. 

The appropriate approach depends on your application, users and regulatory requirements. A full migration isn’t always necessary. Our cloud hosting in China guide explains how to assess the options.

What Are the Local Requirements for Cloud Deployment in China?

Before purchasing infrastructure, confirm the account holder, verification documents, filing arrangements and payment method for the intended deployment.

Do You Need a Chinese Business Licence to Open a Cloud Account?

Requirements depend on the provider and the account being opened. For example, AWS China requires companies to provide a valid Chinese business licence and contact information. Other providers distinguish between their China and international accounts, with different enterprise-verification procedures.

For a company without its own Chinese entity, a local partner, such as AppInChina, can provide an account arrangement where the provider and intended service permit it. AppInChina offers account setup under its Chinese entity.

The arrangement should establish:

• Which company holds the cloud account and contracts with the provider; this will typically be the local partner if you do not have a Chinese business license. 
• What administrator and developer access your team receives.
• Which entity is responsible for applicable filings.
• Who pays cloud charges and receives invoices.
• How account changes, data access and any future handover will be handled.

What Filings and Compliance Requirements Apply?

Depending on what you’re deploying in China, there are several compliance requirements that you need to be aware of:

• A public-facing website hosted in Mainland China needs an ICP Filing. 
• Any business that generates revenue through internet-based information services in China, including SaaS platforms, apps, e-commerce services, subscription platforms, and paid content websites, requires an ICP License. 
• An app published in China must also obtain a Mobile App Filing. 

Account verification and filing are separate processes. For example, Alibaba Cloud’s international accounts cannot submit ICP Filing applications; the filing process must be completed separately.

Data storage and cross-border transfers also need assessment. Requirements depend on the data, the organisation and the processing activities. Hosting in China does not automatically resolve these obligations, and not every transfer requires the same approval process. 

AppInChina’s compliance assessment identifies what filings and licenses you need to obtain to be fully compliant with local rules and regulations. 

What Should Be Agreed Before Cloud Deployment in China?

Area	What needs to be established
Account and entity	Account holder, verification documents and operating arrangement
Access	Permissions for your developers and the local support team
Filings	Applicable requirements, responsible entity and supporting materials
Billing	Payment route, invoice recipient and responsibility for ongoing charges
Technical scope	Components to migrate, replace or retain overseas
Ongoing operations	Responsibility for changes, support requests and provider communication

Which Cloud Providers Can AppInChina Help You Use?

AppInChina’s provider guides explain the account arrangements, services and deployment considerations for each platform:

Cloud provider	Further information
AWS China	AWS China guide
Microsoft Azure China	Azure China guide
Alibaba Cloud	Alibaba Cloud in China guide
Tencent Cloud	Tencent Cloud in China guide
Huawei Cloud	Huawei Cloud in China guide
Baidu Cloud	Baidu Cloud in China guide

For a broader view of providers and their market position, see the AppInChina Cloud Provider Index.

What Cloud Services Can AppInChina Provide?

AppInChina supports international companies across account setup, deployment and ongoing cloud operations. AppInChina’s cloud services include:

• Cloud account opening and management: Register and verify accounts, including under our Chinese entity, and coordinate account access and provider requirements.
• Compliance assessment and filing support: Identify applicable requirements and assist with ICP Filing, PSB Filing and other necessary licences and certificates.
• Technical assessment and localisation: Review your technology stack, identify unsuitable dependencies and help integrate local alternatives, including WeChat and Alipay.
• Cloud setup and migration: Configure your China cloud environment and assist with migration, integration and testing.
• Billing and payment coordination: Coordinate local cloud-provider payments and arrange invoicing for your company.
• Connectivity and CDN configuration: Support CDN setup and Direct Connect implementation, including coordination with cloud providers and licensed carriers.
• Ongoing technical support: Provide technical guidance, coordinate provider issues and assist with agreed infrastructure changes.

Contact us to get started with your cloud deployment in China.