🇨🇳 Shanghai City

Cryptocurrency activities, including trading and mining, are banned in Shanghai, China. The People's Bank of China maintains strict prohibitions on crypto operations with no specific regulatory framework for crypto assets.

Overview

StatusBanned
Risk Score70/100 (High Risk)
Regionasia pacific
CurrencyCNY

Tax Information

Capital Gains (Personal)N/A (crypto banned)
Capital Gains (Corporate)N/A (crypto banned)
VAT on CryptoNo
Staking TaxNo specific guidance
Airdrop TaxNo specific guidance

No crypto-specific tax guidance available.

Licensing & Registration

RequiredNo
RegulatorPBOC / CSRC / NFRA
FrameworkNo crypto framework

Crypto trading and mining banned nationally. Blockchain tech development permitted. Banned at city level — see parent CN.

Enforcement Activity

Level: Aggressive

Crypto activities are banned; enforcement actions target crypto businesses and users

AML / KYC

KYC RequiredYes
Travel RuleYes
FATF MemberYes
FATF Statusmember
FATF BodyFATF
Suspicious-Activity ReportingYes

DeFi, Stablecoins & NFTs

Status: Banned

DeFi platforms are banned under China's comprehensive crypto prohibition. The Feb 2026 eight-agency notice additionally banned real-world asset (RWA) tokenization activities within China, and prohibited foreign entities from providing such services to domestic entities. No DeFi licensing or framework exists.

Stablecoins

Status: Banned

Stablecoins are explicitly banned in China. The PBOC Nov 2025 multi-agency statement first explicitly classified stablecoins as virtual currency subject to the ban. A Feb 6 2026 eight-agency notice banned yuan-pegged stablecoin issuance offshore: 'No entity or individual, whether domestic or foreign, may issue stablecoins pegged to the Renminbi overseas.' No legal framework permits stablecoin issuance or use.

NFTs

Status: Banned

NFT activities prohibited under crypto ban

Mining

LegalNo
Electricity Cost$0.12/kWh
Renewable Energy15%
Infrastructureexcellent

Crypto mining is banned nationwide including Shanghai. Electricity costs are relatively high compared to global averages. Infrastructure for data centers and internet connectivity is excellent.

Geopolitical Risk

Stabilitystable
SanctionsNo
Corruption Index45/100
Banking Accessvery_restricted

Risk Factors

China maintains strict capital controls and internet censorship. Crypto businesses face severe restrictions and banking access is very limited. Political environment is stable but tightly controlled.

Sources

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cryptocurrency legal in Shanghai?

Cryptocurrency activities, including trading and mining, are banned in Shanghai, China. The People's Bank of China maintains strict prohibitions on crypto operations with no specific regulatory framework for crypto assets.

What is the FATF status of Shanghai?

Shanghai is classified by FATF as: member.

What is the AML/KYC regime in Shanghai?

KYC is mandatory for crypto businesses.

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Last reviewed: 2026-06-01 · Data source: Soken Crypto Legal Map

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