
In April 2025, Chinese cross-border e-commerce app DHgate made headlines by climbing to second place on the US App Store free app rankings — surpassing major social platforms and trailing only ChatGPT.
Founded in 2004, DHgate takes its name from Dunhuang, a historic hub along China’s ancient Silk Road. Just as the Silk Road once connected Eastern and Western civilizations, DHgate now links international buyers with Chinese manufacturers. Over two decades, the platform has grown into a global giant, serving over 77 million registered users across more than 230 countries and regions. Arnold Ma, a UK-based e-commerce expert, notes, “While Alibaba dominated business-to-business (B2B) markets, DHgate carved its niche by helping small businesses worldwide access Chinese goods efficiently.”
The app’s recent popularity surge stems from viral TikTok content. Videos revealing that many luxury-brand suppliers operate in Chinese factories attracted millions of views. One clip by user “lunasourcingchina” showcasing Guangzhou workshops producing items for global fashion brands gained 3.5 million views in three days. Such content highlighted a key advantage: shoppers can purchase high-quality, non-branded alternatives of luxury items at a much lower cost. “There’s nothing Chinese factories can’t make,” remarked a TikTok user, fueling curiosity about DHgate.
DHgate offers a smooth shopping experience. Users can browse over 73,000 product categories, from electronics to fashion, with large-quantity purchase discounts available — a nod to its B2B roots. Safety is put first through a buyer protection program and a payment system that withholds funds until delivery confirmation. Ma stresses, “With proper research, buyers find products matching luxury quality standards at fair prices.”
The app’s success means more than commercial growth. Downloads jumped by 56% globally and 98% in the US within one week, proving its appeal. TechCrunch reports note its role in changing views of “Made in China”, showcasing innovation and craftsmanship. As DHgate rises, it carries forward the Silk Road spirit, promoting trust and cooperation in global trade.
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