What happens if you try to use Amazon in China
Amazon does not work reliably from mainland China — the site and app fail to load or stall at login and checkout on local networks. There is also almost no local fallback: Amazon closed its Chinese marketplace in 2019 and shut the China Kindle store in 2023. For shopping inside China, locals use Taobao and JD.com for everything.
What works
- Amazon over a VPN or on international roaming data
- Kindle books already downloaded to your device (reading works offline)
- Prime Video titles downloaded before the trip
What doesn't work
- Browsing and ordering on local networks
- Prime Video streaming — geo-restricted in China even when the site loads
- Kindle store purchases and library sync
- Delivery to mainland addresses for most items
Best alternatives in China
Do you need a VPN?
Yes, a VPN helps
A VPN restores Amazon access for managing orders back home or buying Kindle books. For physical goods while you are in China, a VPN does not solve delivery — buying through Taobao or JD.com (or just a local shop) is faster and far cheaper than trying to ship anything in.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Expecting to shop on Amazon in China without a VPN.
- Planning to buy Kindle books during the trip — download your reading list before you fly, then everything works offline.
- Counting on Prime Video for hotel evenings. Streaming is geo-blocked in China regardless of connection; download episodes at home first.
Frequently asked questions
Is Amazon blocked in China?
Amazon.com is unreliable to inaccessible on Chinese networks without a VPN, and Amazon no longer runs a consumer marketplace in China — it closed in 2019. Treat it as unavailable unless you have a VPN or roaming data.
Can I read my Kindle books in China?
Yes — anything already downloaded to your Kindle or the Kindle app works fine offline. Buying new books or syncing your library needs a VPN or roaming data, so load up before you travel.
What do people use instead of Amazon in China?
Taobao and Tmall (Alibaba) and JD.com cover essentially all online shopping in China. Both work with Alipay, which accepts foreign cards — useful if you need something delivered to your hotel.