There are 300,000 Facebook users in China but they still prefer Renren

Facebook is blocked in China but that didn’t stop them from using Facebook, even though it is just a small group on it. There are a total of 295,400 people using Facebook in China, according to Facebook statistics.

In other words, 7 out of every 10,000 Chinese online users are on the world’s largest social network. Thanks to the great firewall of China, Chinese users who are on Facebook have to use a proxy server to gain access.

Beside a proxy server, there are several alternatives that have sprung up in recent months. Amazon Kindle and social web browser, RockMelt are among those. However, these aren’t long-term solutions as they are easily blocked if spotted by the Chinese government.

The real need to stay connected on Facebook comes from global influence, especially Chinese who are or have been abroad. In Singapore, many students from China are using both Renren (China’s social network) and Facebook. Facebook helps them stay connected with Singaporeans while Renren with their friends back in China. Even though both social networks have almost identical design and features, most Chinese students prefer Renren. The difference is in the quality of network built.

“Facebook helps us connect with Singaporeans. It makes sure we are part of the Singapore community. But I prefer Renren because my elementary, high school and best friends are all on it,” a Chinese national student from Singapore Management University commented. Singapore has almost half of its population on Facebook.

So, if Facebook were to operate in China, it would have to help Chinese users build up their network rapidly. Technology and user interface aren’t enough to attract Chinese users. Renren has the same features and perhaps better since it is tailor-made for the Chinese. For example, Renren has a better interface for reading and sharing.

Laoli, another Chinese national student in Singapore feels that Renren has a better “atmosphere” for online reading.

“We generally love to read about trending news. It could range from gossips to important matters and we’re very likely to share them. It’s much easier to read and share on Renren than on Facebook.”