What Xianyu is and why you might create an account
Xianyu is a secondhand marketplace app owned by Alibaba, a major Chinese e-commerce company. It works like Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace — you can list items you want to sell, browse things other people are selling, and message buyers or sellers directly. The app is free to read and use, though Xianyu takes a small cut if you sell something.
You create a Xianyu account if you want to buy or sell used goods in China, or if you're outside China but want to access the platform. The account links to your Alibaba ID, so if you already have one from shopping on Taobao or Alibaba.com, you can use that instead of starting fresh.
Most people create an account because they want to declutter by selling items locally, or because they're looking for cheaper secondhand versions of things they need. Some use it to resell items they've bought elsewhere.
Key Takeaways
- You create a Xianyu account through the Xianyu app or website by linking an existing Alibaba account or creating a new one with your phone number and email.
- The account setup takes about five minutes and requires you to verify your phone number through a code Xianyu sends by text or call.
- You'll need to add a real name and ID information to your account before you can sell items, though you can browse and message as a buyer with less information.
- Xianyu is primarily available in mainland China, and access outside China may be limited depending on your location and network.
read the app and open it for the first time
Start by downloading the Xianyu app from your phone's app store. On iPhone, search for "Xianyu" in the Apple App Store. On Android, search for "Xianyu" in Google Play or the app store your phone uses in your region.
Once the app is installed, open it. The first screen will show you options to log in or create an account. You'll see buttons for "Log In" and "Create Account" or similar language depending on your phone's language settings.
If you already have an Alibaba account (from Taobao, Alipay, or Alibaba.com), tap "Log In" and enter those credentials. Xianyu will recognize your Alibaba ID and link automatically. If you don't have an Alibaba account, tap "Create Account" to start fresh.
Create a new account with your phone number
If you're creating a new account, the app will ask for a phone number. Enter a mobile number that you can access right now — Xianyu will send a verification code to it within seconds.
You'll receive a text message or notification with a six-digit code. Enter this code in the app within the time limit (usually 10 minutes). This step proves you own the phone number and prevents someone else from creating an account in your name.
After you verify the code, the app will ask you to create a password. Make it at least eight characters long and include a mix of letters and numbers if possible. Write it down somewhere safe — you'll need it to log back in later.
Add your real name and identity information
Once your account is created, Xianyu will ask you to add your real name and ID details. This step is required before you can sell anything, though you can browse and message as a buyer without completing it when ready.
You'll need to provide your full legal name as it appears on your government ID. Xianyu may also ask for your ID number (in China, this is your national ID card number). Some regions require you to upload a photo of your ID or take a selfie to verify your identity — follow the app's instructions if it asks for this.
This information is used to prevent fraud and to comply with Chinese regulations on secondhand sales. Xianyu does not publicly display your ID number or full name to other users — they see only a username you create.
Set up your username and profile
After identity verification, create a username that other buyers and sellers will see. This can be anything — it doesn't have to be your real name. You might use something like "BookLover2024" or "LocalSeller_Beijing". Usernames are permanent, so choose one you're comfortable with.
Add a profile photo if you want. This is optional but helps other users trust you — accounts with photos tend to get more responses. You can use any image, not necessarily a photo of yourself.
Write a short bio or description if the app prompts you. This is where you can mention what you usually sell or buy, or just leave it blank. Again, this is optional.
Link a payment method and shipping address
Before you sell your first item, add a payment method so buyers can pay you. Xianyu accepts Alipay (Alibaba's payment app) and WeChat Pay, the two most common payment systems in China. If you don't have either, you'll need to set one up — both require a Chinese bank account or linked international card.
You'll also need to add a shipping address where you'll receive returns or refunds. This is the address buyers will see when they check your seller profile. You can use your home address or a business address if you prefer.
If you're only buying and not selling, you can skip this step for now. You'll be prompted to add payment and shipping information when you make your first purchase.
What to do if you're outside mainland China
Xianyu is designed for users in mainland China, and access from outside the country may be limited or blocked. If you're trying to create an account from outside China, you may not be able to read the app or verify your phone number.
Some users outside China use a VPN (a tool that masks your location) to access Xianyu, but this violates Xianyu's terms of service and may result in your account being suspended. If you need to buy or sell items in China, consider asking a friend or family member in China to help, or use an international secondhand marketplace like eBay or Mercari instead.
If you're a Chinese citizen or resident living abroad temporarily, contact Xianyu's customer service through the app to ask about international access options.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an Alibaba account to create a Xianyu account?
No. You can create a Xianyu account with just a phone number and email. However, if you already have an Alibaba account, linking it is faster because your information carries over automatically.
Can I use a different phone number than the one I verified with?
You can change your phone number in your account settings after you've verified the first one. Go to Settings, find "Phone Number" or "Account Security", and follow the prompts to add a new number. You'll need to verify the new number the same way you verified the first one.
What happens if I forget my password?
Tap "Forgot Password" on the login screen. Xianyu will send a reset code to the phone number or email linked to your account. Enter the code and create a new password. Make sure you have access to that phone number or email before you try to reset.
Can I create multiple Xianyu accounts?
Technically yes, but Xianyu's terms of service discourage it. Multiple accounts from the same person can be suspended if Xianyu detects fraud or rule-breaking. If you need a separate account for business purposes, contact customer service first to ask permission.
Is my personal information safe on Xianyu?
Xianyu uses encryption to protect your data, and your ID number is not shown to other users. However, like any online platform, there is some risk. Never share your password, and be cautious about what information you include in your profile or messages to other users.