Why Use Claude
Claude is an AI model developed by Anthropic, excelling in coding, long document analysis, and complex reasoning. Many developers consider Claude's code quality to be the best among all AI models.
However, Claude isn't very friendly to mainland China users: the official website requires a VPN, and registration requires an overseas phone number. Here's how to get set up step by step.
Option 1: Register Directly on Claude's Website
The most legitimate approach, but also the highest barrier.
Prerequisites:
- VPN tool (needed to access claude.ai)
- Overseas phone number (+86 doesn't work; use Google Voice or virtual number services)
Registration steps:
- Open claude.ai, click Sign Up
- Register with email (Gmail recommended, domestic email also works)
- Verify phone number: needs a non-China phone number to receive verification code
- Once verified, you can start using it
Getting an overseas phone number:
- Google Voice US number (free, but requires US IP to register)
- Virtual number platforms (like SMS-Activate), ¥5-20 per use
- Ask overseas friends to help receive the verification code
Free tier has rate limits. Claude Pro is $20/month, Claude Max is $100/month.
Option 2: Use the API
If you're a developer who only needs API access:
- Open console.anthropic.com
- Register a developer account
- Create an API Key
- Top up and start calling
API registration also requires an overseas phone number but is slightly easier.
API Pricing:
- Claude Opus 4.7: $5/M input, $25/M output
- Claude Sonnet 4.6: $3/M input, $15/M output
- Claude Haiku 4.5: $0.8/M input, $4/M output
Option 3: Third-Party Platforms
OpenRouter (openrouter.ai)
- Register with just email
- Access Claude, GPT, Gemini and other models
- Slightly higher prices than direct API (platform markup)
- Supports various payment methods
Poe (poe.com)
- Quora's AI chat platform
- Built-in Claude, GPT, and other models
- Free users get daily usage limits
- Requires VPN
Option 4: Use Alternative Models
If you need Claude's capabilities but can't register:
| Need | Claude | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Coding | ✅ Best | DeepSeek V4 Pro (1/10 the price) |
| Long docs | ✅ 1000K context | GPT-5.5 (1050K) or MiMo-V2.5 Pro (1000K) |
| Complex reasoning | ✅ Opus 4.7 | GPT-5.5 |
| Chinese ability | Average | DeepSeek (best Chinese) |
Honestly, in 2026 Claude's advantage isn't as clear as it was in 2024. DeepSeek V4 Pro has nearly matched Claude in coding at 1/10 the price. For coding specifically, DeepSeek may be the more practical choice.
After Registration
Web version: Chat directly at claude.ai. Supports file uploads, image recognition, and code execution.
Claude Projects: Create projects, upload reference files, and have Claude answer based on your project materials. Great for team collaboration.
API integration: Use Anthropic's official SDK or OpenAI-compatible third-party libraries.
import anthropic
client = anthropic.Anthropic(api_key="your-key")
message = client.messages.create(
model="claude-sonnet-4-6-20250514",
max_tokens=1024,
messages=[{"role": "user", "content": "Hello"}]
)
print(message.content[0].text)
Notes
- Claude's content moderation is strict; some topics may be refused
- API rate limits are tighter than OpenAI; peak hours may have queuing
- If registering with a virtual number, link a real email for account recovery
- Use a stable VPN connection; frequent IP switching may trigger security verification