How to Play Genshin Impact on the Chinese Mainland Server

Whether you want to play Genshin with friends in China, access Mainland China-specific activities, or simply experience the server where Genshin Impact was originally developed, the setup is slightly different from playing on an international server. If you are confused about the different account system, game client, etc., don’t worry. This guide explains what you need to know before switching, how to register and download the Mainland China version through official channels, and how to improve your connection if you are playing from overseas.

How to Register a Genshin Impact Chinese Server Account?

This is the part where you should pay the most attention. The Mainland China version uses the miHoYo Pass account system, which is separate from the global HoYoverse account environment. Mainland China account system is not interconnected with the global account system. Follow these steps:

1. Prepare a Mainland China Mobile Number

You need a Mainland China mobile number that can receive SMS verification codes. The number must already be registered with real-name information.

2. Sign In Through the Official Genshin Impact China Website

• Go to the official Mainland China Genshin Impact website: https://ys.mihoyo.com/main/
• Click Log In (登录) in the top-right corner.
• Enter your Mainland China mobile number and complete the SMS verification. If this number has not been registered with a miHoYo account before, an account will be created automatically during sign-in.
• After logging in, confirm that your account can access the website normally.

3. Keep Your Account Secure

Do not share your password or SMS verification codes with anyone. Only sign in through the official Genshin Impact website, official client, or official miHoYo account pages.

How to Download and Install Genshin Impact Chinese Server?

The Mainland China version uses a separate client from the international version. Changing the server or signing in with a different account in the global client will not give you access to the Mainland China server.

Open the official Mainland China Genshin Impact website: https://ys.mihoyo.com/main/

The download section includes PS5下载, App Store下载, 鸿蒙下载, 安卓下载, 扫码下载, PC下载, and TapTap下载.

Download on PS5, iPhone, iPad, or HarmonyOS

For PS5, Apple devices, and HarmonyOS devices, use your device’s own app store. You do not need to download the game package from the official website.

Search for 原神, the Chinese title of Genshin Impact.

• PS5下载: Search 原神 in the PlayStation Store.
• App Store下载: Search 原神 in Apple’s App Store.
• 鸿蒙下载: Search 原神 in the HarmonyOS app store.

Download and install the official listing, then sign in with your Mainland China miHoYo account.

Download on Android

Choose 安卓下载 on the official website to download the Android APK package.

You can also use 扫码下载 to scan the official QR code with your Android device. This provides the APK package as well.

After the download finishes, open the APK and follow the Android installation prompt. Once installed, open the game and sign in with your Mainland China miHoYo account.

Download and Install on PC

PC installation has one extra step. You first download and install the miHoYo Launcher, then use it to download Genshin Impact.

1. On the official website, click PC下载. The button also shows 米哈游启动器, meaning miHoYo Launcher.
2. Download and run the launcher installation package.
3. Choose an installation option: 快速安装 means Quick Install and uses the default installation location. 自定义安装 means Custom Install and lets you choose the installation folder.
   
4. Read and accept the service agreement and privacy policy.
5. Open miHoYo Launcher after installation.
6. Select Genshin Impact in the launcher, then download the full game client and required resources.
   
7. Launch the game after the download is complete. On the game’s main menu, sign in with the Mainland China mobile number registered to your miHoYo account.

What Is TapTap Download?

TapTap下载 refers to TapTap, a Mainland China game distribution platform. It is another channel where players can find and download games.

This guide does not recommend it as the primary download method. Using the official Genshin Impact website, your device’s official app store, or miHoYo Launcher makes it easier to confirm that you are installing the correct Mainland China client.

Change the Language on the Chinese Server

The Mainland China client starts in Simplified Chinese, but you can change the game text language after entering the game. Text language and voice-over language are separate settings.

Change the Game Text Language

1. Open the Paimon Menu. On PC, press Esc.
2. Select the gear icon to open 设置, which means Settings.
3. Select 语言, which means Language.
4. Find 游戏语言, meaning Game Language.
5. Select your preferred text language, such as 英语 for English, 日语 for Japanese, or 韩语 for Korean.
6. Confirm the change. Restart the game if prompted.

Game text can be changed directly. You do not need to download a separate text language pack.

Change the Voice-Over Language

Voice-over languages are managed separately. Chinese, English, Japanese, and Korean voice-over options are available.

1. Go to 设置 > 语言.
2. Select 管理语音文件, meaning Manage Voice-Over Files.
3. Download the voice-over package you want.
4. Return to the Language menu and select it under 语音语言, meaning Voice-Over Language.

Downloaded voice-over packs use additional storage space. You can remove voice packs you no longer use from 管理语音文件.

Note: Changing the language only changes the game's interface and localized content. It does not change your server, account region, or game progress. You can therefore use the Chinese Mainland server while playing with an English interface.

Playing the Chinese Server From Overseas With GearUP

If you live far from Mainland China, connecting to the Chinese server can involve long and unstable network routes. This may cause slow logins, high ping, delayed Co-Op synchronization, rubber-banding, or occasional disconnections, even during solo play.

GearUP helps optimize the connection route between your device and Genshin Impact’s Mainland China services. It is available for PC, consoles, and mobile devices, so you can improve connection stability regardless of where you play.

On PC, you can use its desktop client:

On consoles, you can use a router plugin, which means you don't need to install anything on the console and can control it directly via the mobile app:

• ASUS partner router user guide
• ZTE partner router user guide
• Tenda partner router user guide
• OpenWrt router installation guide
• Keenetic/Netcraze router installation guide
• Steam Hardware Plugin Installation Guide

And for mobile devices, of course, there's GearUP Mobile:

This is especially useful when your account and Chinese client are working normally, but the overseas connection remains slow or unstable. GearUP improves the game’s network path; it does not create a Mainland China account or replace the required mobile-number registration process.

What’s So Different About Genshin Impact on the Chinese Mainland Server?

The Chinese Mainland version of Genshin Impact isn't just another server you can switch to from an international account. It operates as a separate game service, with its own account and server environment. In this server, you can get:

• Access to Mainland China-specific activities.
• Access to the Mainland China community and services, including 米游社 (Miyoushe).
• A large number of Mainland China players to play along with.

Genshin Impact Chinese Server FAQ

Q1: Can I transfer my Europe server progress to the Chinese server?

No. Genshin Impact server data is separated. Your characters, weapons, quests, Primogems, and other progression on one server do not simply move to another server.

Q2: Do I need a Chinese IP address to play?

Not necessarily. The bigger issue for an overseas player is usually connection quality, rather than simply whether the IP address is located in Mainland China. With a network optimizer like GearUP, you can enjoy the game with lower latency and fewer disconnection.

Q3: Can Chinese-server players play Co-Op with Europe-server players?

No. Players need to be on compatible servers to enter each other's worlds. Different server environments have separate player data. If you want to play with a friend in Mainland China, make sure you are using the same server environment.