Bitcoin, the pioneering cryptocurrency built on blockchain technology, relies on a decentralized network of miners to validate transactions and secure the network. Mining involves solving complex cryptographic puzzles using high-performance computing hardware—a process that demands significant energy and infrastructure. Over the past decade, China has played a dominant role in the global Bitcoin mining ecosystem, leveraging its low electricity costs, favorable climate conditions in certain regions, and robust manufacturing capabilities for mining equipment.
While regulatory changes in recent years have reshaped the landscape, Chinese companies and mining pools continue to exert influence over the network’s hash rate distribution and mining innovation. This article explores some of the most prominent Chinese-originated mining operations and pools that have historically powered large portions of the Bitcoin network.
Bitmain: Powering the Backbone of Bitcoin Mining Hardware
Bitmain stands as one of the most influential players in the global cryptocurrency mining industry. Founded in 2013 by Jihan Wu and Micree Zhan in Beijing, Bitmain quickly rose to prominence through its development of application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC) miners—specialized hardware designed exclusively for cryptocurrency mining.
The company’s Antminer series became synonymous with efficiency and performance, dominating data centers and mining farms worldwide. Beyond manufacturing, Bitmain also operates large-scale mining facilities across China, particularly in regions like Sichuan, Xinjiang, and Inner Mongolia, where access to cheap hydroelectric or coal-based power made mining economically viable.
Bitmain's dual role—as both a hardware provider and operator of mining infrastructure—gave it unprecedented control over parts of the Bitcoin network’s hash rate. Its vertical integration model allowed it to optimize every stage of the mining process, from chip design to facility management.
👉 Discover how next-generation mining technology is reshaping global hash rate distribution.
Antpool: One of the World’s Largest Bitcoin Mining Pools
Antpool, operated by Bitmain, launched in 2014 and rapidly grew into one of the largest Bitcoin mining pools globally. A mining pool aggregates computational power from multiple miners, increasing the likelihood of successfully mining a block and distributing rewards proportionally.
At its peak, Antpool consistently accounted for over 15–20% of the total Bitcoin network hash rate—an influence that sparked discussions around decentralization and network security. By offering flexible payout schemes, low fees, and reliable uptime, Antpool attracted miners from Asia, North America, and Europe.
Although headquartered in China, Antpool functions as a global service, enabling users to contribute hash power remotely. Its long-standing operation and technical reliability have cemented its reputation as a cornerstone of Bitcoin’s mining infrastructure.
BTC.com (Poolin): From Chinese Roots to Global Reach
BTC.com began as a blockchain explorer before expanding into a full-fledged mining pool under the ownership of Bitmain in 2016. Over time, it evolved into one of the top-tier mining pools worldwide, often ranking within the top five by hash rate contribution.
In 2019, BTC.com’s mining pool business was spun off into Poolin, an independent platform that retained strong ties to its original engineering team and operational expertise developed in China. Despite this separation, Poolin continues to reflect the scalability and innovation fostered during its early years in the Chinese market.
Today, Poolin serves a diverse international user base and supports multiple cryptocurrencies beyond Bitcoin. Its success highlights how Chinese-led initiatives have helped professionalize and globalize mining operations.
F2Pool: The Pioneer of Decentralized Mining Collaboration
F2Pool—short for "Discus Fish Pool"—is one of the oldest continuously operating Bitcoin mining pools, founded in 2013. Based in China but serving a global audience, F2Pool pioneered the concept of "getwork" protocol implementation, allowing miners to connect seamlessly without needing advanced technical configurations.
Known for its stable performance and fair reward system, F2Pool has maintained a consistent presence among the top mining pools. At various points, it has contributed up to 10–15% of the Bitcoin network’s total hash rate.
Unlike vertically integrated firms like Bitmain, F2Pool focuses solely on pooling services, emphasizing neutrality and transparency. This approach has earned trust among independent miners who value decentralization and equitable participation.
Why Chinese Mining Pools Still Matter
Even though China implemented strict regulations on cryptocurrency mining starting in 2021—leading many operations to relocate overseas—the legacy of Chinese mining infrastructure remains significant. Many of today’s leading mining pools originated from Chinese innovation and continue to be managed by teams with deep roots in China’s crypto ecosystem.
Moreover, China remains a critical hub for ASIC manufacturing. Companies like Bitmain still produce some of the most efficient miners used in North America, Central Asia, and the Middle East.
👉 See how modern miners are adapting to post-China hash rate shifts.
Core Keywords
- Bitcoin mining
- Mining pool
- Hash rate
- ASIC miner
- Blockchain security
- Cryptocurrency mining
- Bitcoin network
- Mining farm
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Are there still active Bitcoin mining farms in China?
A: While large-scale commercial mining operations have largely ceased due to government restrictions, some small or underground setups may still exist. However, most major players have moved their operations abroad.
Q: Do Chinese mining pools still control a large portion of Bitcoin’s hash rate?
A: Direct control has decreased since 2021, but pools like Antpool and F2Pool remain globally competitive. Their servers are now distributed internationally, reducing geographic concentration risks.
Q: What made China such a dominant force in Bitcoin mining?
A: Abundant cheap energy (especially hydroelectric power), favorable cooling climates in mountainous regions, strong electronics manufacturing infrastructure, and early adoption of blockchain technology all contributed.
Q: Can individuals still join Chinese-originated mining pools?
A: Yes. Pools like Antpool and F2Pool accept participants worldwide. Users can connect their miners remotely regardless of location.
Q: Is Bitcoin mining legal outside of China?
A: Legality varies by country. It is permitted in nations like the United States, Canada, Germany, Kazakhstan, and Singapore, though local regulations regarding energy use and taxation apply.
Q: How do mining pools ensure fair distribution of rewards?
A: They use proven algorithms like PPLNS (Pay Per Last N Shares) or PROP (Proportional) to calculate each miner’s contribution and distribute block rewards accordingly.
The evolution of Bitcoin mining reflects broader trends in decentralization and globalization. While China’s direct dominance has waned due to policy shifts, its foundational impact on hardware development, pool architecture, and operational efficiency continues to shape the future of blockchain security.
As new regions emerge as mining hubs—from Texas to Scandinavia—the principles established by early Chinese innovators remain embedded in the network’s DNA.
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