Jasmine Birtles
Your money-making expert. Financial journalist, TV and radio personality.
The Best China ETFs to Buy in 2025
Ruby Layram
15th May 2025
If you’ve been keeping half an eye on the global markets lately, you’ll know China’s economy is still turning heads, and not just for its tech titans or record-breaking skyscrapers. Despite a bit of a rocky ride in recent years, many investors are quietly topping up their portfolios with China-focused ETFs.
Why? Because when China grows, it grows big. And if you’re looking to get in while prices are still relatively attractive, 2025 might just be your year.
So, if you’re a UK investor wondering how on earth to actually invest in China without flying to Shanghai and opening a brokerage account in person, don’t worry. We’ve rounded up the best China ETFs you can buy right now from the comfort of your own sofa.
1. iShares MSCI China A UCITS ETF (IE00BQT3WG13)
-
Expense Ratio: 0.40%
-
Fund Size: £1.54 billion
-
Type: Accumulating (i.e. reinvests profits)
This ETF gives you direct exposure to the domestic A-share market- companies listed right there in Shanghai and Shenzhen, which used to be off-limits to us foreign folk.
It’s a great way to tap into the “real” Chinese economy, beyond the flashy big tech names.
Perfect if you want full immersion in China’s domestic market.
2. Xtrackers CSI 300 Swap UCITS ETF (LU0779800910)
-
Expense Ratio: 0.50%
-
Fund Size: £1.27 billion
-
Type: Accumulating
This China ETF tracks the CSI 300- basically the Chinese version of the S&P 500. Think of it as a basket of China’s top 300 companies. It uses swaps (don’t panic, it just means it tracks the index using a financial contract rather than holding every single stock), which can keep things efficient and cost-effective.
Perfect if you want exposure to the biggest and most traded A-shares.
3. Franklin FTSE China UCITS ETF (IE00BHZRR147)
-
Expense Ratio: 0.19% (Yes, you read that right)
-
Fund Size: £1.02 billion
-
Type: Accumulating
The Franklin FTSE China is one of the cheapest options out there and it tracks the FTSE China Index, giving you broad exposure to large and mid-cap Chinese companies.
If you’re cost-conscious but still want solid exposure to China, this could be your new best mate.
Perfect if you want a wallet-friendly way to go big on China.
4. iShares China Large Cap UCITS ETF (IE00B02KXK85)
-
Expense Ratio: 0.74%
-
Fund Size: ~$967 million
-
Type: Distributing (so you’ll get income payments!)
The iShares China Large Cap invests in the 50 biggest Chinese companies listed in Hong Kong.
This includes all the big dogs like Alibaba, Tencent and China Mobile. Great for anyone looking for regular income and a bit of blue-chip stability.
Perfect if you want big names and dividends.
5. HSBC MSCI China UCITS ETF USD (IE00B44T3H88)
-
Expense Ratio: 0.28%
-
Fund Size: £700 million
-
Type: Distributing
It tracks the MSCI China Index, giving you a nice spread across various sectors. Solid all-rounder with a decent price tag. And hey, it’s from HSBC, so you know the brand.
Perfect if you want balanced exposure at a good cost.
6. Amundi MSCI China UCITS ETF Acc (LU1841731745)
-
Expense Ratio: 0.29%
-
Fund Size: £500 million
-
Type: Accumulating
Amundi’s low-cost ETF gives you access to the same index as HSBC’s option, but it reinvests dividends instead of paying them out. So, if you’re in it for growth, this might be the better pick.
Perfect if you want capital growth without the faff of reinvesting.
7. Xtrackers MSCI China UCITS ETF 1D (LU0514695690)
-
Expense Ratio: 0.65%
-
Fund Size: £948 million
-
Type: Accumulating
Another option tracking the MSCI China Index, but this one’s from Xtrackers (Deutsche Bank’s ETF arm). A bit pricier, but some investors prefer the brand’s structure and coverage.
Perfect if you want full exposure to Chinese large and mid-caps.
8. KraneShares CSI China Internet ETF (KWEB)
-
Expense Ratio: Not specified
Want to ride the Chinese tech and e-commerce wave? This ETF targets Chinese internet companies like Tencent, Alibaba, JD.com, and co.
It’s had its ups and downs but has attracted attention in 2025 thanks to bullish bets on China’s AI and tech sector.
Perfect if you want high-risk, high-reward access to Chinese tech giants.
How to Invest in China ETFs from the UK
Adding China ETFs to your investment portfolio is a great way to gain exposure to a market that moves comeptley different to the UK. Getting started is easier than you might think:
-
Choose a UK brokerage: We like InvestEngine, Interactive Investor and eToro.
-
Open an account: A Stocks & Shares ISA is ideal (tax-free returns!), but a general investment account works too.
-
Deposit some cash: Most platforms accept direct debit, bank transfer and sometimes credit card. Start with the minimum amount- you can always increase your investment later!
-
Search for your ETF: Use the ticker (like IE00BQT3WG13) to find it quickly.
-
Hit ‘Buy’: Decide how much you want to invest and place your order. You might have to fill out some information before you can complete this step.
-
Keep an eye on things: Track your performance and adjust your portfolio as needed. However, there is no need to watch your portfolio around the clock!
Final Thoughts
China’s stock market isn’t everyone’s cup of green tea (or breakfast tea if you prefer!). It can be volatile, politically charged, and sometimes hard to predict. But with the right ETF, you can diversify your portfolio and potentially benefit from long-term growth in one of the world’s most powerful economies.
Just remember, ETFs are long-term investments. Don’t panic if things wobble in the short term. Do your homework, keep your cool, and let your money do its thing.
And if in doubt? Speak to a financial adviser. Always worth a chat before diving in.
Do you want to learn more about investing? Sign up for our fortnightly MoneyMagpie Investing Newsletter. It’s free and you can unsubscribe at any time.
Disclaimer: MoneyMagpie is not a licensed financial advisor and therefore information found here including opinions, commentary, suggestions or strategies, are for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only. This should not be considered as financial advice. Anyone thinking of investing should conduct their own due diligence. When investing your capital is at risk.
Leave a Reply