How to Register a Domain, Configure DNS, and Meet Chinese Compliance

Domain names serve as human‑readable aliases for IP addresses. A fully qualified domain name consists of a root label, a top‑level domain (e.g., .com, .site), a second‑level domain (e.g., volcengine.com), and optional subdomains (e.g., www.volcengine.com). The trailing dot represents the root and can usually be omitted.

Domain registration and website setup process Technical principles of domain registration Domain management (DNS modification, transfer, custom DNS host, WHOIS information)

1.1 Register a Second‑Level Domain

To obtain wenteng.site and its subdomain www.wenteng.site, search for wenteng.site on the Volcengine domain service. Only second‑level domains can be registered; subdomains are created via DNS records after registration.

Register wenteng.site, then add two DNS host records: one with the @ symbol pointing to your server IP, and another for www pointing to the same IP.

Domain registration in China resembles online shopping: query → add to cart → pay. Before purchase, a holder‑information template must be submitted for real‑name verification; only after approval can the domain be bound and purchased.

After purchase, monitor the domain’s status to avoid expiration and potential loss to other registrants.

1.2 Configure DNS Resolution

Once the domain is owned, configure DNS records on a DNS management platform (e.g., Cloud DNS) to map the domain to the server IP (e.g., 76.76.21.22). Add an A record for @ and another for www with the same IP.

After DNS propagation, visitors accessing the domain will be directed to the specified server.

1.3 Website Filing (ICP)

Websites hosted on servers in mainland China must complete an ICP filing with the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). After MIIT approval, a police filing is also required. Both filings are mandatory for public access; DNS resolution works regardless of filing status.

1.4 Compliance Display

When ICP filing succeeds, the ICP number must be displayed at the bottom of the website with a link to the MIIT site (https://beian.miit.gov.cn/). After police filing approval, the police registration number and its HTML badge should also be placed in the site footer.

Domain Registration Principles

ICANN governs global domain management, while domestic domains are also subject to the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and CNNIC. Registrars act as agents; the actual registration occurs at the registry level.

When a domain is registered, an NS record is inserted into the corresponding top‑level domain’s name servers, linking the domain to its authoritative DNS servers.

Domain Management

Common management actions include renewal, redemption, contact updates, and lock toggles. Advanced operations covered below involve DNS server changes, domain transfer, custom DNS hosts, and WHOIS queries.

3.1 Modify DNS Servers

Changing the DNS server updates the NS record at the top‑level domain, pointing the domain to a new authoritative DNS provider (e.g., Volcengine Cloud DNS).

3.2 Domain Transfer (In/Out)

Transferring a domain updates the registrar information at the registry. The current registrar provides a transfer authorization code; the new registrar uses it to complete the transfer, which typically includes a one‑year renewal fee.

3.3 Custom DNS Host

Setting up a self‑managed authoritative DNS server involves provisioning a cloud server, installing DNS software, and creating a DNS host name (e.g., dns.example.com). The host name must be added as a glue record (IP address) at the registry so that resolvers can reach the custom server.

3.4 WHOIS Information

WHOIS queries return the domain holder, registration date, status codes (e.g., active, serverHold), and other metadata. Data originates from either ICANN or the registry. Volcengine provides a WHOIS lookup service and domain acquisition assistance.