Free TV by country · China

How to watch China TV for free

Compare official services, free-to-air antenna TV and the channel directory for China. Online availability depends on your region, device and the source.

Official free streaming apps

央视频 (Yangshipin)

China Media Group (CMG) · Free tier + paid plans · Live TV

CMG's official video app with free live streams of CCTV channels and provincial satellite channels plus on-demand programmes; some features and content need an account or in-app purchase.

Platforms: web, iOS, Android, smart TV

央视影音 (CCTV Video / CBox)

CCTV.com (央视网) · Free tier + paid plans · Live TV

Free live streams of all CCTV channels and many provincial satellite and city channels, with time-shift and catch-up; some on-demand content needs a paid membership.

Platforms: Windows, macOS, iOS, Android

央视网直播 (CCTV.com live)

CCTV.com (央视网) · Free · Live TV

Browser-based live streams of CCTV channels such as CCTV-1 and CCTV-13, with programme schedules and on-demand clips.

Platforms: web

芒果TV (Mango TV)

Hunan Broadcasting System (湖南广电) · Free tier + paid plans · Live TV

Offers a 24-hour live stream of Hunan TV and free on-demand shows, while VIP membership unlocks more content.

Platforms: web, iOS, Android

Free-to-air antenna TV

Broadcast standard
DTMB

Free-to-air digital terrestrial TV uses the national DTMB standard (GB 20600); viewers need a TV or set-top box with a DTMB tuner and a terrestrial antenna, and reception depends on distance to a transmitter. It is free, and the national public service standard requires at least 15 channels over the air, mainly CCTV plus provincial and local channels.

Watch on your TV

Step-by-step guides for putting these channels on a smart TV, Android TV, Fire TV, Apple TV or Chromecast:

Good to know

  • The national basic public service standard (2021 and 2023 editions) requires at least 15 TV channels free over the air, or at least 25 by direct-broadcast satellite in areas covered by the satellite service.
  • Regulators said in 2017 that no encrypted pay digital terrestrial TV service had been approved.

Questions

Can I watch China TV online for free?

Official broadcasters may offer free viewing in their apps, on their websites or through free-to-air TV. Check the service’s regional restrictions and terms. Doubo browser availability is shown in the quick answer above.

What is the best free app to watch China TV?

Official options include 央视频 (Yangshipin), 央视影音 (CCTV Video / CBox), 央视网直播 (CCTV.com live). Compare their current free tiers, supported devices and regional restrictions. A directory listing does not guarantee playback in Doubo.

Can I watch China TV from abroad?

Some streams play anywhere, but broadcasters often limit others to viewers inside China because of their rights. Doubo only lists streams that broadcasters make public and does not bypass these limits.

More free playlists for China

Other countries

Sources