You can buy Chinese companies four ways: directly on the Hong Kong exchange (HKEX) in Hong Kong dollars, as US-listed ADRs in US dollars, as mainland A-shares through Stock Connect or a qualified program, or through funds and ETFs. Hong Kong and ADRs are the simplest for most foreign investors. Mainland A-shares on the Shanghai and Shenzhen exchanges have extra access rules.
China has some of the world's largest companies, but its market is split across several exchanges with different access rules. This guide explains the four ways to buy Chinese stocks from outside China, what each costs and risks, and how to check prices.
Rules on foreign access change, so check current requirements with your broker and the exchanges before you invest.
The three main Chinese exchanges
| Exchange | Location | Currency | Foreign access |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong Exchange (HKEX) | Hong Kong | Hong Kong dollar | Open to international investors through most global brokers |
| Shanghai Stock Exchange (SSE) | Shanghai | Chinese yuan (renminbi) | Restricted: Stock Connect or a qualified program |
| Shenzhen Stock Exchange (SZSE) | Shenzhen | Chinese yuan (renminbi) | Restricted: Stock Connect or a qualified program |
Many Chinese companies are also listed outside China, particularly in New York as American Depositary Receipts.
Way 1: Hong Kong shares
The most direct route for most foreign investors. Many large Chinese companies, including major technology, banking and consumer groups, are listed in Hong Kong. These are often called H-shares when they are mainland companies listed there.
- How: open an account with a broker that offers Hong Kong, then buy by ticker.
- Currency: Hong Kong dollars. The dollar is pegged to the US dollar in a narrow band, so currency risk against the US dollar is small.
- Board lots: Hong Kong stocks usually trade in fixed lot sizes, which differ by company, so a single lot can cost more than one share.
- Costs: commission, stamp duty and exchange fees. Hong Kong has a stamp duty on trades, so check your broker's all-in cost.
- Hours: morning and afternoon sessions with a lunch break, in Hong Kong time. Check HKEX for current hours.
Browse Hong Kong stocks today for prices and daily movers.
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Score a Setup Free →Way 2: Mainland A-shares through Stock Connect
Stock Connect lets investors outside mainland China buy eligible Shanghai and Shenzhen stocks through Hong Kong. There is a program for Shanghai and one for Shenzhen.
- How: use a broker that offers Stock Connect access. Not all do.
- Currency: Chinese yuan, which has currency-conversion costs and rules.
- Limits: only eligible stocks are available, there are daily quotas, and trading follows mainland holidays.
- Other routes: institutional investors can use qualified foreign investor programs.
See Shanghai stocks and Shenzhen stocks to look at the mainland market.
Way 3: US-listed ADRs
An American Depositary Receipt is a US-listed certificate that represents shares of a foreign company. Several large Chinese companies have US listings.
- How: buy it like any US stock through a US broker, in US dollars.
- Pros: easy, familiar, regulated by US rules.
- Cons: limited choice; fees can apply to ADR holders; and an ADR price can differ slightly from the home-market price. Regulatory and audit rules for Chinese US listings have changed in the past, so check current status.
Read ADRs and GDRs explained.
Way 4: Funds and ETFs
A fund spreads your money across many Chinese stocks. You can choose a China-only ETF, a broader emerging-markets fund, or an Asia fund. This is the simplest way to avoid betting on one company. Compare expense ratios and what the fund actually holds. See expense ratios and fees.
Risks specific to China
- Regulatory risk. Government policy can change quickly for whole sectors.
- Currency risk. Yuan and Hong Kong dollar moves change your return in your own currency. See currency risk in foreign stocks.
- Information and disclosure differences compared with US or UK companies.
- Liquidity and holidays. Mainland and Hong Kong calendars differ. See exchange holidays and trading days.
- Taxes: dividends and gains may face withholding or local tax. See tax on foreign stock gains.
Step by step
- Decide the route: Hong Kong, A-shares, ADRs or a fund.
- Choose a regulated broker that offers the market, and check fees, currency conversion and custody.
- Check the stock's page: price, daily range, 52-week range and volume.
- Size the position so one stock cannot do serious damage. See position sizing.
- Use limit orders in thinner stocks. See slippage in trading.
- Keep records for tax and review. See how to journal your trades.
FAQ
Can foreigners buy Chinese stocks?
Yes. Foreigners can buy Hong Kong-listed shares and US-listed ADRs through most global brokers. Mainland A-shares need Stock Connect or a qualified program.
What is the easiest way to buy Chinese stocks?
For most people, a Hong Kong-listed share or a US-listed ADR through a broker they already use, or a China-focused ETF for diversification.
What are H-shares?
Shares of mainland Chinese companies that are listed on the Hong Kong exchange and trade in Hong Kong dollars.
What is Stock Connect?
A link between the Hong Kong and mainland Chinese exchanges that lets investors outside the mainland buy eligible Shanghai and Shenzhen stocks through Hong Kong.
Where can I check Chinese stock prices?
On Tradzy Markets: Hong Kong, Shanghai and Shenzhen. Prices may be delayed, so confirm with your broker before trading.
Put This Into Practice
- Score your next setup 0–100 with the Void Engine before entering
- Log the trade and tag the setup in the TradLog
- Review weekly: keep what pays, cut what doesn't
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Educational content, not financial advice. Trading involves substantial risk of loss.