Hello,

recently I saw this news saying the domain 099.cc was sold for $42,400.

Can anyone tell me why those .cc domains, especially the numeric ones, are really liked by people from china?!

Is it due to the fact that .cc sounds like China?!

But in China there's just one c...

So, that's my question.

Appreciate any response.

It's important to note that .cc is the country code top-level domain (ccTLD) for Cocos (Keeling) Islands, but it has become widely popular in China for a few key reasons.

One of the main reasons is the phonetic connection. The sound of ".cc" can resemble "see see" or "CC," which can be interpreted in a way that is catchy or memorable. While it's true that in Mandarin, the character for "C" does sound like "C," the appeal also comes from the aesthetics of the numeric combinations. In Chinese culture, certain numbers hold significant meaning; for example, the number 8 is considered lucky because it sounds like the word for wealth, and even number combinations that might be seen as less favorable in the West can carry different interpretations in China.

Furthermore, numeric domain names provide a great advantage in terms of branding and recognition. They are often simpler and easier to remember, which is critical for businesses attempting to gain traction in the crowded online marketplace. For example, "099.cc" could easily be brandable and is straightforward for users to type into a browser.

Another aspect is the market dynamics in China. The domain market is extremely competitive, and as such, shorter and more visually appealing domain names are in high demand. People are often willing to pay substantial sums for them, seeing them as valuable digital assets.

With an increasing number of internet users in China, many are seeking unique online identities, and they've found that .cc provides an alternative that might be more attainable than traditional .com domains, which are often taken.
The preference for .cc domains, particularly numeric ones, is not just due to a play on sounds but also deeply tied to cultural significance, branding potential, and market needs. It's a fascinating phenomenon that showcases the intersection of language, culture, and commerce in today's internet landscape.