Simplified Chinese Website Localization

Chinese is a group of languages spoken by the Han Chinese majority population and many minority ethnic groups in China.

The linguistic diversity in China encompasses over 200 dialects across different regions. Putonghua, or Mandarin, remains the primary official language, which more than 70% of Chinese residents use as a medium of communication.

Shanghainese is prevalent in Shanghai, while Cantonese dominates in Guangdong and Hong Kong. Businesses need to recognize the diversity of languages in China and create region-specific communication strategies for broader reach.

Simplified Chinese is the written form used in the Chinese mainland, while Traditional Chinese remains dominant in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Macau.

When entering the Chinese market, your business needs an efficient Chinese (Simplified) website localization strategy to win. With over 1 billion Chinese internet users, search engine integration such as Baidu should be adopted to successfully connect with Chinese customers.

Understanding Chinese (Simplified) Website Localization

Simplified Chinese website localization is the process of adapting the language, appearance, and functionality of a website for Chinese-speaking markets.

Simplified Chinese website localization projects should be executed by experienced teams of localization professionals who will work hand in hand with your website designers, adhering to proven best practices for website design and development.

If you are interested in localizing your website for Chinese-speaking markets, you should allow your company’s localized printed documentation to be available as PDFs. They can also be available in multimedia products such as FLASH presentations, or web applications such as online calculators or surveys.

It is important that all components are correctly localized to offer a complete web experience to potential users.

Key Requirements for Successful Chinese (Simplified) Website Localization

Whether your project is simple (such as a straight HTML-based website) or complex (such as a dynamic, database-driven web application), your localization company should have solid experience and a comprehensive process that includes at a minimum:

Chinese glossary and terminology development.
Chinese cultural correctness assessment.
Chinese translation, editing, and proofreading.
Chinese localization of graphics.
Chinese online quality assurance.
Chinese usability testing and Chinese localization testing.
Client review and approval.

So, when searching for a company to translate your website to Chinese (Simplified), ensure they are ISO certified. GPI’s quick facts on the Chinese Translation Company can get you started.

Chinese (Simplified) Website Localization Kits

You will need to provide your localization company with the following information, collectively referred to as a “Localization toolkit.” This information allows them to analyze your website and determine its Simplified Chinese localization requirements. This kit includes:

Your current site URL.
Summary of site architecture.
Summary of any technologies and/or development tools used to develop your site.
All files that make up your site are in their original folder/file structure.
All original graphics used in your site (artwork, background, and navigation buttons).
All application source files (Word, FrameMaker, Quark, etc.) for any documentation available via your site.
All application source files (Flash, Director, Authorware, etc.) for any multimedia available via your site.

Challenges of Chinese (Simplified) Website Localization

Cultural nuances and content adaptation

Chinese culture is rich and diverse, with diverse social practices and audience preferences that impact how people communicate.

Western content usually does not meet the expectations of Chinese users when it comes to colors, symbols, and cultural expressions. Culture-based elements that Westerners understand may create problems of alienation and confusion for Chinese users.

Language complexities

The Chinese language is highly challenging due to differences between Simplified and Traditional Chinese used in different geographical areas.

The Chinese Mainland uses Simplified variations while Traditional Chinese remains dominant in Taiwan, Macau, and Hong Kong. Failure to select the correct variant can limit the website’s accessibility and reach.

Search engine optimization (SEO) for Baidu

The most popular search engine in China is Baidu, which implements different SEO approaches from Google. Baidu search ranking methods do not respond positively to traditional Western SEO strategies, including backlink creation, content length requirements, and keyword positioning rules.

Compliance with Chinese internet regulations

The internet regulations and censorship laws implemented by China operate under the name of the Great Firewall. All websites operating in China are expected to fulfill local mandates regarding content rules and hosting standards.

If you fail to comply with Chinese internet requirements, your site may become inaccessible within the country.

Technical compatibility and fonts

Different Western websites encounter problems showing Chinese characters accurately because they do not support the correct fonts or character encoding, or run on incompatible platforms.

Best Practices for Chinese Website Localization

Translate your website into Simplified Chinese

Native Chinese speakers should be involved in the localization process. When conducting language translation and cultural adaptation work, it is essential to work with professionals who are native to the language or local agencies.

Optimize for Chinese Search Engines

China operates three distinct search engines, including Baidu, Bing, and Sogou.

Baidu currently dominates Chinese online search services with its market share exceeding 70 percent. Baidu represents the primary search platform for Chinese users, with over one billion daily inquiries on its platform.

Bing operates in second place while providing search capabilities across Hong Kong and Taiwan territories.

Exploring and optimizing for these search engines helps your website and business gain better regional and user group visibility.

Prioritize Mobile Compatibility

Statistics obtained from Statista indicate that mobile usage in China has reached exceptional heights since smartphone users there have beyond 1 billion.

Businesses should design a mobile-friendly website or, better yet, a responsive one that works smoothly on different devices and screen sizes.

Professional process for Chinese website localization

Step 1: Project analysis and planning

Define your Audience: Your first step will be to define your target audience. Decide whether your target audience is Mainland China’s population or Hong Kong residents, Taiwan residents, or other Chinese-speaking regions for Simplified or Traditional Chinese decisions.
Audit your website structure: Check your website structure by finding which parts need localization among text elements, images, multimedia content, and SEO components.
Evaluate technical requirements: Ensure technical evaluation to maintain Chinese internet compliance with hosting solutions that fulfill Baidu SEO requirements.

Step 2: Linguistic and cultural adaptation

Translate with precision: Your translations must be exact and culturally appropriate through native linguists who specialize in Simplified Chinese.

Adapt cultural elements: Align brand colors, imagery, and symbols to customer preferences and avoid content that offends Chinese cultural values.
Adjust style and tone: Select an appropriate style with formal choice for professional users, and a casual style for younger audiences.

Step 3: Technical adjustments

Ensure character compatibility: Use UTF-8, which enables the correct display of Chinese characters through its character compatibility feature.
Adapt layouts: The design of website layouts must be adapted to accommodate Chinese text normalization because of its length and density characteristics.

GPI’s Expertise in Chinese (Simplified) Website Localization

GPI exists to supply business clients with high-quality localization services that foster digital expansion in China. Our services include:

Professional translation and adaptation of website content.
SEO optimization for Chinese search engines like Baidu.
User interface changes serve to meet the specific requirements Chinese customers have when they browse the internet.
Compliance support for website regulations in Mainland China.

Legal and Regulatory Compliance in Chinese Website Localization

Localizing a website for the Chinese market necessitates strict adherence to the country’s legal and regulatory framework. Key compliance areas include:

Internet Content Provider (ICP) License

Every site requiring Chinese server hosting requires an ICP license to function in the country. According to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT), a website needs authorization to operate legally within Chinese territory. There are two primary types:

ICP Filing: Required for non-commercial websites, such as informational or personal blogs.
ICP Commercial License: Websites running commercial operations with online sales need the ICP Commercial License for legal operation in China.

Misusing Chinese internet space by operating without an ICP license will result in site shutdowns with substantial penalties, including financial penalties.

Data Localization Requirements

Certain personal and critical information, according to China’s cybersecurity laws, is mandated to be stored within the Chinese borders. Key aspects include:

The operators of Critical Information Infrastructure (CII) must keep all personal and important data collected in China inside its national borders.
Data transfer outside the country requires security evaluations together with government approvals from relevant authorities.

Content Regulations and Censorship

China uses rigid content restrictions to achieve both social and national security stability. Prohibited content includes:

Any material that goes against constitutional principles becomes unlawful.
The online content regulations prevent materials that threaten national unity and territorial integrity and endanger sovereignty from being published.
Information about obscenity, gambling activities, violent content, along materials that encourage criminal actions, is forbidden under Chinese regulations.
Websites should establish systems that enable the quick elimination of forbidden material because it serves as a requirement to comply with current laws.

Compliance with the Great Firewall

Many foreign websites and their services become inaccessible to users because of the Great Firewall implementation. Internet accessibility and functionality remain accessible in China through the following conditions:

You should prevent your system from integrating APIs from blocked platforms like Google services.
Websites should replace Google Maps with the domestic option, Baidu Maps.
A website must have built-in capabilities that allow it to operate correctly on China’s internet infrastructure for optimal performance and regulatory compliance.

Chinese (Simplified)Website Localization (FAQs)

Why is Chinese (Simplified) Website Localization important?

The localization of your website ensures cultural suitability as well as compliance with Chinese regulations, which leads to better market engagement and conversion rates.

Can I use Google for SEO in China?

No, China restricts access to Google from its territory. Online platforms should focus their search engine optimization efforts on Baidu and other Chinese search engines to improve visibility.

Do I need separate websites for Hong Kong and Mainland China?

Yes, the language Hong Kong uses is Traditional Chinese, and it operates under different specific regulations. Local strategic approaches in different regions create better market access.

How can I start my website localization project?

Start website localization for China by requesting a free quote on our website for GPI’s professional translation services.

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