China Internet Network Information Center

What is the CNNIC and what does it do?

The China Internet Network Information Center (CNNIC) was founded on June 3, 1997. It is the official registry responsible for the operation and management of the .cn extension, the official country code top-level-domain (ccTLD) of China.

China Internet Network Information Center is operated by the Chinese Academy of Sciences under the control of the Ministry of Information Industry. As such, the Computer Network Information Center of Chinese Academy of Sciences oversees the administration and management of the CNNIC.

In addition to domain name registry services, CNNIC manages items such as the IP Address and AS Number (Autonomous System Number) Allocation Service, the Catalogue Database Service, the Internet Survey and Relevant Information Services, services for the Secretariat of the Internet Policy and Resource Committee and the ISC (Internet Society of China), Technical Researches on Internet Addressing, and International Liaison and Policy Research.

The process for registering a .cn domain name is handled by registrars who are accredited with the CNNIC. The China Internet Network Information Center, in cooperation with Neulevel, provides domain registration services for Internet users residing outside China.

In addition to English based .cn domain names, the CNNIC offers domain names in Chinese characters. These domains are .com (for commercial entities) .net (network), and .china. However, it is important to note that these domains are not yet approved by ICANN; they can only be acquired through domestic registrars. There are specific rules and policies that the CNNIC requires to keep the registration process fair and accurate.

Potential domain name registrants can receive detailed information about procedures for registering a .cn domain name, terms and conditions, FAQs, .CN domain name transactions, and the functions that CNNIC (China Internet Network Information Center) performs, on the CNNIC’s official website: www.cnnic.net.cn/. A list of authorized registrars who are eligible to offer .cn registration services is also available on the official website.