Chinese Website Design: How much of what you know is accurate?

You may assume that web design is similar in different countries. This is not entirely correct as people have found quite a few differences between western and eastern websites. When it comes to Chinese website design, there are a lot of myths and misinformation that people believe to be true.

Over time, there have been a lot of changes in graphics, structure, and even features. As consumer behavior and preferences change, designers and brand owners need to adapt quickly.

This brings us to the question, what do people actually know about and think of Chinese web design? Do you see any differences in the websites? Do you believe that designers follow different rules for it? If yes, then let’s talk about how accurate some of the things that you know about Chinese web design are.

What Do You Know About Chinese Web Design?

When it comes to Chinese websites, many people may assume that the features, structure, or layout need to follow different guidelines from Western platforms. Now, this might be slightly true as most of the webpages are created and optimized according to their own search engines. However, they are very much on-trend with the rise of the on-demand brand design industry.

So, you may see that websites like Taobao or AliExpress have a busier appearance or display fewer options than Amazon for example. Despite that, Chinese web designers are adapting to the new trends and targeting a younger demographic of consumers as well. Here are a few common assumptions about Chinese web design.

– Complex Navigation

Some people might find the websites difficult to navigate and understand at first look. You could still come across some platforms that are cluttered with information, visuals, or pop-ups. While it may seem like the audience prefers a busy home page, it also complicates the navigation.

This also includes the placement of visual brand elements such as the logo design. Due to the appearance, a lot of people believe that Chinese websites are not user-friendly and could confuse visitors.

– Disruptive Pop-Ups

Previously, if you visited certain websites or eCommerce platforms, you might have found some pop-ups or banner ads flashing every few seconds. It’s why the audiences in the West assume that Chinese web design includes space for disruptive features.

Mostly, all web pages include promotional content, as it helps them boost organic traffic to landing pages or their website, and generate revenue too. In China, this might seem slightly different because of the language and placement of ads.

– Bright Colors

It is also believed that Chinese web design features a lot of bright colors to attract more visitors. Websites such as Lenovo or TMall have chosen a prominent color scheme that can immediately catch the eye of the audience.

While you may find the colorful imagery overwhelming, many visitors might prefer to browse through the visuals and purchase different items accordingly.

– Different Links

If you look through any other website, you may notice a certain number of links on the home page or landing pages as well. In Chinese web design, people assume that it’s confusing to find a category or information due to a high number of links on the main page. This is mainly because of the separate search engines in China and differences in internet speed.

Now, these are some of the things that you may know about Chinese web design, but are they accurate? Let’s find out!

Is It Accurate?

In the past few years, web design has transformed across the world. Designers and business owners are frequently making updates to their websites and incorporating new features according to the requirements of the audiences.

This also applies to Chinese websites, particularly eCommerce platforms that are looking to attract a younger demographic of consumers. So, let’s talk about whether everything you assume about web design is accurate or not.

– Navigation

Surprisingly, the websites in China are easy to follow for their audience and have all the relevant information on the home page. Take the example of an eCommerce platform like Taobao.

It is popular among the Chinese audience because people can find most of the products without browsing through the website. Similarly, most web pages also offer good functionality and a smooth user experience. So, a busier web design does not mean that it’s difficult to navigate.

– Ads

With modern layouts and minimalism taking over the world of web design, you might be able to see the changes in Chinese websites as well. According to a study by Nielsen Group, the audience also prefers minimalist web pages that are highly responsive. So, most of the websites have been updated to feature less disruptive ads and keep the focus on the visuals or information.

– Colors

In web design, colors play a huge role in influencing visitors. It’s why designers opt for bright ones to highlight CTAs and important information on the website too.

While you may believe that Chinese websites have a lot of colors to draw the attention of the visitor, it’s not entirely accurate. Most eCommerce platforms feature ample white space or go with a light and dark contrast as well. You can take the examples of TMall or Suning that feature orange and white contrast.

– Links

This might not exactly be accurate anymore as designers have made upgrades to the websites to improve user experience. According to a report, the number of smartphone users in China is expected to increase to 1.3 billion by 2026.

This means that it’s important to focus on the responsiveness of web design and make it easier for people to browse on their mobile devices. If there are more links on the home page, it may be easier for visitors to make a purchase or find what they are looking for quickly.

Is What You Know About Chinese Web Design Accurate?

Surprisingly, most of what you think about Chinese websites may not be true anymore. You can browse through popular eCommerce platforms such as Alibaba or any of the websites mentioned above. This will give you an idea of how most of the websites are designed according to the preferences and interests of the audience in the country. Some may even seem similar to Western web pages in functionality and appearance.

If you want to know more about web design in China and how to best design for the market, get in touch with us.