Store loading speed globally for merchants in mainland China

Opening an online store targeting customers globally while being based in mainland China requires understanding how your store's loading speed may be affected. Here’s what to consider to ensure a smooth experience.

Server location and store access

Shoplazza stores are powered by Amazon Web Services (AWS), with primary servers located in the Western United States. This setup ensures optimal speed for customers in Europe and North America. However, access from mainland China may vary depending on how the store is accessed.

Store loading speed may differ for merchants outside of mainland China due to fewer network restrictions and additional optimizations. If you are a global merchant, refer to Store loading speed for global merchants for more details.

Ways to access your store from mainland China

1. Use the default domain: The default Shoplazza-provided domain (yourstorename.myshoplaza.com) has built-in optimizations for users in mainland China. This domain is officially registered, allowing faster and more reliable regional access.

2. Use a third-party domain: You can link your own purchased domain to Shoplazza, but loading speed in China may be affected due to network restrictions. Consider the following factors:

• Potential delays: If the domain is not registered for access in China, the store may load slowly or be inaccessible.
• VPN usage: Some users opt for a Virtual Private Network (VPN) based in the US to improve access. However, performance depends on the VPN provider and China’s network conditions, and we cannot guarantee a consistently smooth experience.

Improving store speed for users in China

1. Register your domain: Complete the official registration through the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) Government Service Platform   in China.

2. Enable CDN acceleration: After domain registration, consult your domain provider or a local Content Delivery Network (CDN) service to activate acceleration features for faster loading speeds.

Optimizing page content for faster loading

1. Optimize images: Compress images to maintain quality while reducing file size.

2. Limit videos: Use embedded links (e.g., YouTube, Vimeo) instead of uploading large video files directly.

3. Minimize external scripts: Excessive third-party apps and scripts can slow down loading times.

Balancing content quality and page speed is key to delivering the best user experience. Reducing unnecessary elements ensures faster performance while maintaining a visually appealing storefront.