Litecoin (LTC) was designed to enable cheaper, faster transactions, making it more suitable for everyday use compared to Bitcoin (BTC), which is often viewed as a long-term store of value. With a maximum supply four times that of Bitcoin and a block generation time four times faster, Litecoin offers quicker confirmations and lower fees—ideal for frequent, smaller-scale transactions. Like Bitcoin, Litecoin operates on blockchain technology, allowing peer-to-peer transfers without intermediaries while maintaining a transparent public ledger.
But many investors still ask: Can you trade Litecoin in China? The short answer is yes—through international cryptocurrency exchanges that support Chinese users. This guide will walk you through how to securely buy Litecoin using one of the world’s leading platforms, OKX, while highlighting key differences between Litecoin and Bitcoin.
👉 Discover how to start trading Litecoin safely and efficiently today.
Is Litecoin (LTC) Legal to Trade in China?
While China has imposed strict regulations on cryptocurrency trading and banned domestic exchanges since 2017, individuals are not prohibited from owning or using cryptocurrencies like Litecoin. As long as users access offshore platforms that comply with global standards, they can legally participate in crypto markets.
Platforms such as OKX serve international users—including those from mainland China—and offer secure, compliant ways to buy, sell, and manage digital assets like Litecoin. These services operate outside Chinese jurisdiction, allowing users to engage in crypto trading while adhering to personal responsibility for compliance with local laws.
Therefore, yes, Litecoin can be traded by Chinese users via international exchanges, provided they follow proper procedures for account setup, verification, and fund management.
How to Buy Litecoin (LTC) on OKX: A Step-by-Step Guide
Buying Litecoin on OKX is simple and secure. Follow these steps to get started:
Step 1: Register an Account
Visit the OKX website and click "Register" at the top right. Use your mobile number for faster verification—although email registration is available, it still requires phone confirmation. Enter your details and create a strong password.
👉 Start your journey by creating a secure crypto account now.
Step 2: Complete Identity Verification
After registration, go to "Profile" > "Identity Verification" and submit required documents. Choose the appropriate verification level based on your trading needs. Higher levels allow greater withdrawal limits and access to advanced features.
Step 3: Buy USDT via C2C Trading
Navigate to "Buy Crypto" > "C2C Buy". Select USDT (Tether) as your purchase currency. Choose a reputable seller based on ratings and transaction history, then click "Buy USDT".
Enter the amount you wish to purchase. You’ll receive bank transfer details—complete the payment through your preferred method. Once confirmed, the seller releases USDT to your account.
Step 4: Transfer Funds to Your Trading Account
By default, purchased USDT is stored in your funding account. To trade, transfer it to your trading account:
- Click "Assets" > "Fund Transfer"
- Select USDT, enter the amount, and confirm the transfer
Step 5: Trade USDT for Litecoin (LTC)
Go to the spot trading interface, search for LTC/USDT, and select the trading pair.
- To buy: Enter the LTC quantity or USDT amount, then click "Buy LTC"
- To sell: Enter the amount of LTC you want to sell and click "Sell LTC"
Your order executes instantly at market price (or set a limit order for better control). The acquired Litecoin will appear in your trading wallet immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is it safe for Chinese users to trade Litecoin on OKX?
Yes. OKX complies with international regulatory standards and uses advanced encryption, two-factor authentication (2FA), and cold wallet storage to protect user funds. While China restricts domestic crypto operations, individuals accessing global platforms like OKX do so at their own discretion and risk—no legal penalties apply solely for holding or trading crypto.
Q2: Why use USDT instead of fiat currency?
Most international exchanges don’t support direct RMB deposits due to regulatory barriers. Stablecoins like USDT act as a bridge between fiat and crypto, maintaining a 1:1 peg to the U.S. dollar. This allows seamless trading without exposure to high volatility during fund transfers.
Q3: How fast are Litecoin transactions?
Litecoin generates a new block every 2.5 minutes, compared to Bitcoin’s 10 minutes. This means faster transaction confirmations—ideal for merchants and daily users who need quick settlement times.
Q4: Can I mine Litecoin in China?
While technically possible, mining is heavily restricted under China’s broader crackdown on crypto-related energy consumption. Most miners have relocated overseas. For average users, purchasing Litecoin directly is more practical than mining.
Q5: What makes Litecoin different from Bitcoin?
See the comparison below.
Key Differences Between Litecoin and Bitcoin
Though both are decentralized digital currencies built on blockchain technology, several core distinctions set them apart:
⚡ Transaction Speed
Litecoin confirms blocks every 2.5 minutes, enabling faster transaction processing than Bitcoin’s 10-minute intervals. This results in quicker payments and improved scalability for high-frequency use cases.
💰 Total Supply
- Bitcoin: 21 million coins max
- Litecoin: 84 million coins max
Litecoin’s larger supply supports broader circulation and affordability, especially for microtransactions.
🔍 Mining Algorithm
- Bitcoin: Uses SHA-256 — favors ASIC-powered mining rigs
- Litecoin: Uses Scrypt — originally designed to resist ASIC dominance and allow CPU/GPU miners to compete
While ASICs now exist for Scrypt, the algorithm remains more memory-intensive, offering slightly more decentralized mining opportunities.
📈 Market Position & Liquidity
Bitcoin dominates market capitalization and institutional adoption. However, Litecoin ranks among the top 20 cryptocurrencies by trading volume, ensuring strong liquidity and exchange support worldwide.
Final Thoughts: Why Consider Litecoin?
For Chinese investors seeking exposure to digital assets beyond Bitcoin, Litecoin offers a balanced mix of speed, affordability, and reliability. Its established network, active development team, and integration across major exchanges make it a solid choice for both beginners and experienced traders.
Whether you're interested in fast cross-border payments or diversifying your crypto portfolio, Litecoin provides functional advantages over slower, higher-cost alternatives.
👉 Learn how to build a diversified crypto portfolio with low-fee assets like Litecoin.
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By understanding the mechanics of buying Litecoin through compliant platforms like OKX—and recognizing its unique benefits compared to Bitcoin—users can make informed decisions in today’s evolving digital economy. Always conduct independent research and assess risks before investing.