A survey shows that there are more than 100,000 online stores in China which have some 20 million pieces of goods available.

The survey involves web sites with independent domain and online shopping systems, as well as those building their operation on a third-party platform. Stores touting their products at auction web sites like eBay, taobao and chipbid are not included.

58 percent of online stores are in Guangdong, Beijing, Zhejiang and Shanghai. Post service delivers goods to customers in almost all towns and villages around the country.

Books, audio and visual products, flowers and parts of electronic products are in largest availability. Online sellers of flowers, mobiles and cosmetics are facing the most intensive competition.

(People's Daily April 7, 2005)