Leading search engines in China 2020-2025, by market share

Much like the alternatives to mainstream social media platforms, China has pioneered the production of search engines that provide an alternative to Google and Bing. Some of the most prominent Chinese search engines are Baidu and Haosou (also 360 Search), with a combined market share of 61 percent.

Baidu – China’s internet giant

Since its founding in 2000, Baidu’s revenue surged swiftly and totaled about 135 billion yuan in 2023. A majority of the revenue was generated through online marketing services. However, the operating profit bounced back after having contracted in 2019 and 2021. Baidu used to control about 70 to 80 percent of China’s online search market, a new contender Haosou emerged and is expected to close the gap shortly. 

Other search engines in China

In a country with around 878 million online search users, there are multiple local options besides Baidu. In a 2023 consumer survey in China, Shenma and Quark Search were rated the best in user experience whereas Haosou or 360 Search led the pack in search response speed and the diversity in search results.