How to Use Claude Code in China

3 Obstacles to Using Claude Code in China

Installation (npm and China Registry)

1. 1. Install Node.js 22 or higher

   Run node -v to check your version.

2. 2. (Optional) Switch to a China npm registry

   If npm downloads are slow, you can switch registries first.

   Terminal

   npm config set registry https://registry.npmmirror.com

3. 3. Install Claude Code

   After a global install, run claude --version to verify.

   Terminal

   npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code

If you see command not found, the npm global directory is most likely not in your PATH. Run npm config get prefix, add the bin directory under the printed path to your PATH, then reopen your terminal.

Connect to an API Available in China

Create an API key in the AICodeWith console, then add it to ~/.claude/settings.json. Reopen your terminal, run claude, and type /status to confirm the API endpoint is api.aicodewith.ai.

{
  "env": {
    "ANTHROPIC_AUTH_TOKEN": "你的_API_KEY",
    "ANTHROPIC_API_KEY": "",
    "ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL": "https://api.aicodewith.ai"
  }
}

Claude Code Relay GuideGet API Key

Troubleshooting: When It Doesn't Work

1. Run /status and confirm the endpoint is api.aicodewith.ai, not the Anthropic default endpoint.
2. In a new terminal, run echo $ANTHROPIC_API_KEY. If there is an old value, remove it from ~/.zshrc or ~/.bashrc; ANTHROPIC_API_KEY should be left empty.
3. If the first run is stuck at the login screen: add "hasCompletedOnboarding": true to ~/.claude.json.
4. Request timeout: temporarily disable your local proxy or VPN and try again. The network in China can connect directly.
5. If you get 401 / 429 / overloaded: see the error guide.

Claude Code Common Errors and FixesSupported Regions

Plan Comparison (Claude Subscription vs API Relay)

Claude Code Usage LimitsTop-Up and Plans

FAQ