China Internet Users
Individuals using the Internet IT.NET.USER.ZS
China's internet users was 98.70% in 2025, ranked 29th globally. This represents a 7.3% increase from 2024. Data from World Bank, covering 1990–2025.
Overview
China's internet users stood at 98.70% in 2025, a rise of +6.70% from 2024. Based on recent trends, this figure is projected to reach 98.70% by 2025. China ranked 29th globally.
China’s share of internet users rose from virtually zero in 1990 to 98.70 percent in 2025, placing the country at rank 29 globally and matching its all‑time peak in the same year. This rapid diffusion, achieved over a 34‑year span, reflects sustained investment in broadband infrastructure, mobile connectivity and digital services, which has narrowed the gap with the United Kingdom’s 98.84 percent and the West Bank and Gaza’s 98.69 percent. The near‑universal penetration mirrors the broader Asian trend of mobile‑first adoption, yet the modest difference from Hong Kong SAR’s 98.43 percent suggests remaining pockets of limited access, particularly in remote or less‑developed regions. As the population ages and urbanisation slows, future growth will depend on expanding high‑speed coverage in rural areas and addressing affordability, factors that could modestly temper the upward trajectory while still keeping China close to full saturation.
Data & projection
| Year | Internet Users | YoY change | Rank |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027* trend | 110.98% | - | - |
| 2026* trend | 104.84% | - | - |
| 2025* trend | 98.70% | - | - |
| 2025 | 98.70% | +6.70% | #29 |
| 2024 | 92.00% | +1.40% | #21 |
| 2023 | 90.60% | +14.99% | #45 |
| 2022 | 75.61% | +2.56% | #103 |
| 2021 | 73.05% | +3.00% | #104 |
| 2020 | 70.05% | +5.97% | #100 |
| 2019 | 64.08% | +4.88% | #101 |
| 2018 | 59.20% | +4.90% | #96 |
| 2017 | 54.30% | +1.10% | #114 |
| 2016 | 53.20% | +2.90% | #105 |
| 2015 | 50.30% | +2.40% | #99 |
| 2014 | 47.90% | +2.10% | #97 |
| 2013 | 45.80% | +3.50% | #91 |
| 2012 | 42.30% | +4.00% | #91 |
| 2011 | 38.30% | +4.00% | #92 |
Detected Pattern
Analysis
China matched the Export Boom Cycle pattern in 2013. Historically, 71% of countries showing this pattern (546 out of 768) saw internet users improve within 24 months. View full analysis →
Frequently Asked Questions
China's internet users was 98.70% in 2025. Ranked 29th globally. This represents a 7.3% increase from the previous year.
China's internet users peaked at 98.70% in 2025.
The lowest internet users in China was 0.00% in 1990.
China ranks 29th globally in internet users as of 2025.
The World Bank indicator code is IT.NET.USER.ZS. Data sourced from World Bank.
China's internet users is projected to reach 98.70% by 2025 based on trend extrapolation.
The internet users of China in 2025 was 98.70%. This ranks 29th in the world.
Cite this page
@misc{historysaid_china_internet-users,
title = {China Internet Users},
url = {https://historysaid.com/china/internet-users/},
publisher = {HistorySaid},
year = {2026}
}