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Cookie Policy

Last updated: February 22, 2026

1. Introduction

This Cookie Policy explains how StudyChina.im ("we", "our", or "us") uses cookies and similar technologies when you visit our website at studychina.im. This policy describes what cookies are, why we use them, and how you can manage your cookie preferences. By continuing to use our website, you consent to our use of cookies as described in this policy.

2. What Are Cookies?

Cookies are small text files that are stored on your device (computer, tablet, or mobile phone) when you visit a website. They are widely used to make websites work more efficiently and provide a better user experience. Cookies allow websites to remember your actions and preferences (such as login status and language selection) over a period of time, so you don't have to re-enter them whenever you come back to the site or browse from one page to another.

3. Cookies We Use

StudyChina.im uses the following types of cookies to provide and improve our services:

Cookie NameTypePurposeDuration
sessionEssentialMaintains your login session and authentication state. This cookie contains a secure JSON Web Token (JWT) that identifies you as a logged-in user.30 days

Technical Details: The session cookie is set with httpOnly flag (preventing JavaScript access for security), sameSite=lax attribute (protecting against CSRF attacks), and secure flag when accessed over HTTPS.

4. Visitor Tracking Without Cookies

For non-logged-in visitors, we implement a daily view limit to encourage registration while allowing free exploration of our content. This tracking is performed server-side using your IP address (which is hashed for privacy) and does not involve cookies. The system works as follows:

  • Your IP address is hashed using SHA-256 cryptographic algorithm, creating a privacy-preserving identifier
  • We count the number of detail pages (universities, majors, cities, resources) you view each day
  • The count resets automatically at midnight (UTC+8)
  • Once you register and log in, this limit no longer applies

This approach allows us to provide fair access to all visitors while protecting our content from automated scraping, without storing any cookies on your device for tracking purposes.

5. Essential Cookies

The session cookie described above is classified as an "essential cookie" because it is strictly necessary for the operation of our website. Essential cookies enable core functionality such as user authentication, security, and access to member-only areas. Without these cookies, services you have requested (such as logging in or viewing your profile) cannot be provided. For this reason, essential cookies cannot be disabled through cookie preference settings, and they are exempt from consent requirements under most privacy regulations including GDPR and ePrivacy Directive.

6. Analytics and Third-Party Services

StudyChina.im uses analytics services to understand how visitors interact with our website and to improve user experience. We use the following third-party analytics tools:

  • Umami Analytics: A privacy-focused, open-source analytics platform that collects aggregated usage statistics such as page views, session duration, and traffic sources. Umami is configured to respect user privacy by not collecting personally identifiable information and not using persistent tracking cookies. All data is anonymized and stored securely.
  • Google Analytics: A web analytics service provided by Google that tracks and reports website traffic. Google Analytics uses cookies to collect information about how visitors use our site, including pages visited, time spent on pages, and navigation paths. This information is used in aggregate form to help us understand user behavior and improve our website. Google may also use this data in accordance with their own privacy policy.

We do not use advertising cookies, remarketing pixels, or social media tracking pixels (such as Facebook Pixel). Our analytics tools are used solely for understanding website usage patterns and improving user experience, not for targeted advertising or cross-site tracking.

You can opt out of Google Analytics tracking by installing the Google Analytics Opt-out Browser Add-on, or by declining cookies through your browser settings as described in Section 7 below.

7. Managing Cookies

You can control and manage cookies through your web browser settings. Most browsers allow you to:

  • View what cookies are stored on your device and delete them individually or all at once
  • Block third-party cookies
  • Block cookies from specific websites
  • Block all cookies from being set
  • Delete all cookies when you close your browser

Please note that if you choose to block or delete the essential session cookie, you will not be able to log in to your account or access member-only features. The website will continue to function for browsing public content, but your user experience will be significantly limited.

For instructions on how to manage cookies in your specific browser, please visit your browser's help section or support website. Common browsers include Chrome, Firefox, Safari, Edge, and Opera.

8. Updates to This Policy

We may update this Cookie Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices, technologies, legal requirements, or other operational reasons. When we make significant changes, we will update the "Last updated" date at the top of this policy. We encourage you to review this policy periodically to stay informed about how we use cookies. Your continued use of the website after any changes constitutes your acceptance of the updated policy.

9. Contact Us

If you have any questions about our use of cookies or this Cookie Policy, please contact us at:

StudyChina.im

Email: [email protected]