For a recent project of mine, I was exploring a possibility of getting a .cn (China specific TLD) domain name. Here are some of the facts I could gather - 

1. Chinese domain names are regulated by China Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC)
2. Chinese domain names are not available for individuals and can only be registered by organizations having presence in China.
3. Chinese domain names can be registered through CNNIC Accredited CDN Domestic Registrars. CNNIC also provides a list of international official registrars CNNIC Accredited CDN Oversea Registrars (There are just three available)
4. For a reason that is beyond me, Chinese domain names can be operational for a maximum period of 10 years only! Here is the official quote –
   Q. Registration Period
   A. The registration period refers to the actual usage period of a registered Domain Name. Since Mar. 17, 2005 20:10, the upper limit of the registration period for Chinese Domain Name was extended from 5 years to 10 years. The actual operation period of a domain name shall not exceed 10 years.
5. In case you do have presence in China make sure you satisfy these conditions (gathered from ipmirror – one of the CNNIC accredited registrars)
   1. Registration is open to the followings:
   a) foreign multi-national entities with a branch office in China. Branch office refers to international companies, enterprises, and organizations establish within mainland China (PRC), a wholly owned or share controlling entity: including a branch, a subsidiary or a representative office which is having the same “name” as the parent entity. The local entity must register with the relevant Chinese authorities. For example, IBM should assign IBM China to register for ibm.cn.
   b) Hong Kong registered commercial entities  

   2. If applicant is a China-registered entity, the following documents have to be submitted to the Registrar for Registry’s auditing purpose within 3 days from domain application date:
   a) a copy of registrant’s business license;
   b) a copy of registrant’s certificate of organization code;
   c) If registrant does not have the certificate of organization code, a copy of the business licence will be sufficient. However, if registrant has a copy of the certificate of organization code and this document is not submitted, the application will not be accepted;
   d) a copy of contact person’s proof of identity. Contact Person must be a Chinese citizen with a valid PRC personal ID;
   e) if Registrant is not registered in China’s MIIT ICP Recording system, domain name will be on "serverhold" status till Registrant is able to provide Registrar with the MIIT ICP Record Number. Domain status will then be changed to "ok" and be resolvable.
   f) the requirement of submitting MIIT ICP recording number can be exempted under the circumstances below:
   i) for non website usage purpose. Applicant needs to submit “the letter of commitment of the usage of domain name for non website purpose”.
   ii) for website server not located in Mainland China. Customer needs to submit “the letter of commitment of the usage of domain name for website whose server is not based in mainland China”.

   3. If applicant is a Hong Kong registered commerical entity, a copy of the registrant’s business certificate is to be submitted to the Registrar for Regsitry’s auditing purpose within 3 days from domain application date.

   4. Effective 25 June 2010, irregardless of domain registration date, all registrants will receive an email sent directly by CNNIC with the request
   to confirm their registration information. If Registrant did not confirm the domain name registration information within 15 days from receipt of email, domain name will be processed according to CNNIC’s relevant provisions of the Registry. This means that domain name may be suspended or cancelled for non-compliance.

6. In case you wish to change a nameserver you need to first sign a form and shell out some “application fee”!

With all these restrictions in place, I think most of us would be better off having a domain name like cn.reviewofweb.com or reviewofweb.com/cn

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