Guide to Buying Books from China Online
- 8 hours ago
- 3 min read
If you’re searching for rare Chinese books, academic titles, out-of-print editions, manhua, historical archives, or collector’s books that are only available in China — you’ve probably discovered one thing:
Most Chinese websites don’t accept international payments or ship overseas.
This guide explains:
Where to buy books in China online
Why international buyers face payment and shipping barriers
How to use CNXtrans to purchase and ship books worldwide
Step-by-step instructions to get your books delivered to your home
🌏 Best Chinese Websites to Buy Books
📘 Kongfz (孔夫子旧书网)
孔夫子旧书网
Website: https://www.kongfz.com
Kongfz is China’s largest marketplace for:
Used books
Rare and antique editions
Out-of-print academic works
Collectible and historical materials
It’s ideal for serious collectors and researchers. Many sellers list unique copies you won’t find anywhere else.
Important: Sellers typically only ship within mainland China.
📗 Dangdang (当当网)
当当网
Website: https://www.dangdang.com
Dangdang is one of China’s largest online bookstores. It specializes in:
New book releases
Fiction & literature
Children’s books
Textbooks
Art books and boxed editions
Think of it as China’s major online book retailer for brand-new publications.
Limitation: International cards are usually not accepted, and shipping is domestic only.
📙 JD.com (京东)
京东
Website: https://www.jd.com
JD is one of China’s biggest e-commerce platforms. Its book section includes:
Bestsellers
Academic titles
Imported books
Publisher-direct inventory
JD often provides fast domestic shipping within China.
Limitation: International payment methods are generally not supported, and most sellers ship only within China.
📕 7788 (7788收藏)
7788收藏
Website: http://www.7788.com
7788 is a collectibles marketplace focused on:
Rare books
Vintage publications
Cultural memorabilia
Historical print materials
It’s especially useful for niche or hard-to-find printed works.
Limitation: Domestic payment systems only. No direct international shipping.
❗ Why You Can’t Order Directly from These Sites
Most Chinese book websites:
Accept Alipay, WeChat Pay, or Chinese bank cards only
Require a mainland China shipping address
Do not support overseas checkout
Do not provide English-language customer support
This creates two main obstacles:
You can’t pay with your international credit/debit card
You can’t ship directly to your country
✅ The Solution: Use CNXtrans to Buy & Ship for You
If you’re outside China, the simplest way to purchase books is by using CNXtrans.
CNXtrans acts as:
Your purchasing agent in China
Your local payment processor
Your warehouse receiver
Your international shipping provider
🛒 How to Buy Books from China Using CNXtrans
Step 1: Find Your Books
Search for your books on:
Kongfz
Dangdang
JD
7788
Use ISBN numbers for accuracy when possible.
Step 2: Copy the Product URLs
Copy the full product page links of each book you want to order.
Examples:
Step 3: Submit Your Links to CNXtrans
Go to:
Submit:
All book URLs
Quantity details
Special instructions (edition, condition, seller notes)
Your international shipping address
Step 4: CNXtrans Purchases the Books
CNXtrans will:
Contact sellers if needed
Complete the purchase using Chinese payment methods
Receive your books at the CNXtrans China warehouse
Step 5: Warehouse Consolidation
If you ordered from multiple websites or sellers:
All books arrive at the CNXtrans warehouse
Orders are consolidated into one shipment
You save significantly on international shipping
Step 6: International Shipping to Your Address
CNXtrans ships your consolidated package to your country.
Shipping options may include:
Express courier (DHL / FedEx / UPS)
Standard international shipping
Economy options for large bulk orders
Your shipment is delivered directly to your home address.
📦 Shipping, Customs & Import Notes
Many countries allow books to enter duty-free.
Some countries may charge VAT/GST.
CNXtrans can assist with proper customs declaration.
Consolidation reduces paperwork and shipping costs.
If you are ordering large quantities (research libraries, academic institutions, collectors), consolidation becomes especially valuable.
📚 What Types of Books Can You Buy?
Using this method, you can purchase:
Rare Chinese historical books
Out-of-print academic research
University press titles
Art books and exhibition catalogs
Manga and manhua
Cultural Revolution publications
Genealogy records
Antique and collectible editions
As long as the book is listed online and available for domestic sale in China, CNXtrans can typically purchase it for you.
🌍 Final Thoughts
Chinese book marketplaces like:
Kongfz
Dangdang
JD
7788
Offer incredible access to titles that are unavailable anywhere else in the world.
However, because they do not accept international payment methods or provide overseas shipping, international buyers need a trusted intermediary.
By submitting your product URLs to:
CNXtrans will:
✔ Purchase your books in China
✔ Receive them at their warehouse
✔ Consolidate multiple orders
✔ Ship everything together internationally
✔ Deliver directly to your address anywhere in the world
If you’re serious about accessing China’s book market from abroad, this is the most straightforward and reliable method available.
Need help buying from Kongfz.com and shipping internationally to you?
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