How to Install and Configure Chinese Language in OpenCart 3.x (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you are running an international eCommerce store using OpenCart, adding multiple languages—especially Chinese—can boost your reach, conversions, and SEO performance. Fortunately, OpenCart 3.x has built-in multi-language support, making it easy to switch between English and Chinese with just a click.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through the complete process of installing and configuring the Chinese language in OpenCart 3.x, including category, product, and content translations.

Why Add Chinese Language to Your OpenCart Store?

China has one of the largest online shopping user bases in the world. By offering a Chinese version of your website, you can:

  • Reach millions of new customers

  • Improve user experience for Chinese visitors

  • Boost SEO ranking in Chinese search engines (Baidu, Sogou)

  • Increase your store’s brand trust and credibility

  • Improve conversions and sales

Step 1: Download the Chinese Language Pack

OpenCart does not come with Chinese built-in, so you need to install a language pack.

  1. Visit the OpenCart Marketplace

  2. Search for: Chinese Language Pack

  3. Choose the correct version for OpenCart 3.x

  4. Download the .ocmod.zip file

  5. Go to Admin → Extensions → Installer

  6. Upload the file

  7. After installation, go to Extensions → Modifications and click Refresh

  8. Clear theme cache from the top-right blue refresh button

Your Chinese language files are now installed successfully.

Step 2: Add Chinese Language in Admin Panel

Next, you need to add the language to your store settings.

  1. Go to System → Localisation → Languages

  2. Click Add New

Use the following recommended values:

Field Value
Language Name Chinese
Code zh-cn (Simplified) or zh-hk (Traditional)
Locale zh_CN.UTF-8,zh_CN,zh-cn,chinese
Status Enabled
Sort Order 1

Click Save.

Step 3: Enable Chinese Language in Your Store

Now you need to allow customers to switch languages.

  1. Go to System → Settings → Edit Store → Local

  2. Set:

    • Default Language = English

    • Additional Language = Chinese

This allows Chinese to appear in your store’s language switch menu.

Step 4: Enable Language Switcher on the Frontend

Default Theme

Go to:

Extensions → Modules → Language
→ Enable and assign to layout (e.g., Header)

Journal 3 Theme

Go to:

Journal → Header → Top Menu → Language
→ Enable Language Switcher

Now customers can switch between English ↔ Chinese.

Step 5: Add Chinese Translations for Products, Categories & Content

OpenCart automatically supports multi-language input.

To translate categories:

Go to Catalog → Categories → Edit

You will see:

  • English Tab

  • Chinese Tab (zh-cn)

Fill the Chinese version with:

  • Category Name

  • Description

  • Meta Title

  • Meta Description

Similarly translate:

  • Products

  • Information Pages

  • Blog Posts (if enabled)

  • Custom modules

Whenever a user switches the language, OpenCart will show the translated version instantly.

Step 6: Fix Chinese Font Display Issues (Optional)

If Chinese characters do not display correctly, you may need to add a Chinese-supported font.

Add this to your theme CSS:

body { font-family: "Noto Sans SC", "Microsoft YaHei", Arial, sans-serif; }

This ensures both English and Chinese text render beautifully on your store.

Bonus Tips for Better Chinese SEO

  • Use Chinese keywords in meta tags

  • Submit the site to Baidu Webmaster Tools

  • Use Simplified Chinese (zh-cn) for Mainland visitors

  • Use Traditional Chinese (zh-hk) for Taiwan & Hong Kong

Conclusion

Adding Chinese language support to your OpenCart 3.x store is an excellent way to expand your business globally. With just a few steps—installing the language pack, enabling multi-language mode, and adding translations—you can make your website accessible to millions of Chinese customers.

This setup improves user experience, boosts SEO, and increases overall sales potential.

If you need help installing Chinese language or customizing your OpenCart store, feel free to contact SoftwareBhai! We provide expert OpenCart, eCommerce, and web development services.