Domestic Open‑Source Alternatives to CentOS: OpenEuler, Anolis OS, UOS, Alibaba Cloud Linux, TencentOS, KylinOS, Deepin, Red Flag, and Ubuntu‑Kylin

CentOS 8 was discontinued at the end of 2021 and CentOS 7 will reach the end of its maintenance cycle in 2024, prompting users to seek alternative distributions.

Since 1999, China has developed a series of Linux‑based operating systems, with more than 20 versions released over the past two decades.

OpenEuler is an open‑source OS built on the Linux kernel, supporting Kunpeng and other processors, and optimized for database, big‑data, cloud‑computing and AI workloads; it offers deep kernel optimizations, container (iSula), virtualization (StraitVirt), confidential computing (SecGear) and its latest LTS release is 22.03.

Anolis OS is a fully open‑source, neutral distribution from the OpenAnolis community, compatible with CentOS 8, supporting multiple architectures and cloud scenarios, and provides migration solutions for CentOS users.

UnionTech UOS (UOS) is a desktop‑focused OS based on Linux 5.3, offering a stable, secure and user‑friendly interface with a rich application ecosystem and dual desktop themes.

Alibaba Cloud Linux builds on Anolis OS to deliver a cloud‑optimized distribution for Alibaba Cloud, compatible with RHEL/CentOS 8, featuring the 5.10 LTS kernel, GCC 10.2 and Glibc 2.32.

TencentOS Server (Tencent Linux) is a cloud‑oriented Linux OS providing performance‑tuned kernels, broad hardware support (Intel, AMD, ARM64, domestic CPUs) and free usage for applications originally built for CentOS.

KylinOS (Galaxy Kylin) offers both server and desktop editions, supporting a wide range of domestic CPUs and targeting enterprise workloads such as virtualization, cloud computing, big data and industrial IoT.

Deepin is a Debian‑based distribution developed by Wuhan Deepin Technology, known for its polished desktop environment and suitability for both personal computers and servers.

Red Flag Linux provides a desktop OS (V11) supporting x86, ARM, MIPS and other architectures, built on Debian 10.6 with a commercial‑maintained 4.19 kernel and integrated container cloud management.

Ubuntu‑Kylin (UOS) is an Ubuntu‑based distribution backed by the China‑based CCN laboratory, delivering a Windows‑like user experience and the UKUI desktop environment.

For public‑cloud users, foreign options like Amazon Linux coexist with domestic choices such as OpenEuler, Alibaba Cloud Linux, and Tencent Linux; for private or hybrid clouds, a broader mix of solutions can be considered, especially as CentOS 7 remains supported until 2024.