What Are the Top Chinese Alternatives to CentOS for Cloud and Server Environments?
This article reviews the major domestic Linux distributions that can replace CentOS, such as OpenEuler, Anolis OS, Alibaba Cloud Linux, TencentOS Server, KylinOS, and deepin, highlighting their compatibility, performance optimizations, and suitability for public, private, and hybrid cloud deployments.
OpenEuler
OpenEuler is an open‑source operating system based on the Linux kernel, supporting Kunpeng and other processors. It is built by global contributors to provide an efficient, stable, and secure platform for databases, big data, cloud computing, and AI workloads. OpenEuler is compatible with CentOS and adds deep optimizations for process scheduling, memory management, and I/O, as well as features such as the iSula container engine, StraitVirt virtualization, SecGear confidential computing, and the Bisheng JDK. The latest LTS release is 22.03.
Anolis OS
Anolis OS 8, released by the OpenAnolis community, is a fully open‑source, neutral distribution that supports multiple architectures and is optimized for cloud scenarios. It is 100% compatible with the CentOS 8 software ecosystem and offers a migration solution for the CentOS shutdown.
Alibaba Cloud Linux
Based on Anolis OS, Alibaba Cloud Linux 3 is a Linux distribution customized for Alibaba Cloud infrastructure. It retains compatibility with the RHEL/CentOS 8 ecosystem while integrating the latest Linux kernel 5.10 LTS, GCC 10.2, and Glibc 2.32, delivering the newest Linux enhancements for cloud applications.
TencentOS Server Kernel
TencentOS Server (also known as Tencent Linux or Tlinux) is a cloud‑focused Linux OS developed by Tencent. It provides performance‑oriented features and security hardening for cloud server instances, runs applications originally built for CentOS without modification, and offers continuous updates and technical support from Tencent Cloud. It supports Intel, AMD, ARM64, and domestic CPUs such as Haiguang.
KylinOS
KylinOS, under the brands Galaxy Kylin and Zhongbiao Kylin, offers server, desktop, and embedded operating systems. The latest server edition, Galaxy Kylin Advanced Server OS V10, targets enterprise‑critical workloads, supporting virtualization, cloud computing, big data, and industrial IoT, and runs on domestic processors like Feiteng, Kunpeng, Loongson, Haiguang, and Zhaoxin.
deepin
deepin is a Linux distribution focused on delivering an aesthetically pleasing, user‑friendly, and secure desktop experience. It is one of the highest‑ranked Chinese‑developed Linux distros, with its latest version 20.6 released on May 31, 2022.
Summary
If you use public‑cloud services, you can choose Amazon Linux abroad, or domestically select OpenEuler, Alibaba Cloud Linux, or Tencent Linux. For private, hybrid, or self‑built IDC environments, a broader range of domestic and international solutions is available, especially as CentOS 7 support ends in 2024.
Source: Architecture Community
21CTO
21CTO (21CTO.com) offers developers community, training, and services, making it your go‑to learning and service platform.
How this landed with the community
Was this worth your time?
0 Comments
Thoughtful readers leave field notes, pushback, and hard-won operational detail here.