E-commerce websites in China that offer platforms for international users have become huge hit in Taiwan as recent study shows more Taiwanese are buying from Chinese online shopping sites.

According to a study conducted by the Taipei-based Market Intelligence and Consulting Institute, up to 50 percent of Internet users in Taiwan used Chinese e-commerce sites for their online purchases last year.

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The number of Taiwan Internet users who made purchases on Chinese websites soared 11.9 percent last year from a year earlier, said the study.

China Tops Japan, US in Taiwan

With the popularity of Chinese shopping sites, China is now the leading foreign shopping sites for Taiwanese consumers. China is followed by Japan and the United States, in that order.

Experts said Chinese shopping sites are popular among Taiwanese online shoppers because the sites feature traditional Chinese-language versions, making it easier for Taiwanese buyers to navigate.

China's US$1.63-Trillion E-Commerce Market

According to the figures released by iResearch, China's e-commerce market reached US$1.63 trillion last year, or 21.3% more from a year ago.

In 2017, the country's e-commerce market is expected to hit US$3.5 trillion as more Chinese consumers now prefer to buy goods online.

Recent survey conducted by various companies in China showed that majority of Chinese consumers now use their mobile phones and gadgets to make online purchases, citing convenience and strong mobile Internet connections.

With the hugely growing popularity of online shopping in China, authorities are now intensifying their campaign against counterfeit goods sold in online stores.

Recently, Amazon has closed a third-party online store in China following a CCTV news that revealed the store was selling fake cosmetic products.

Amazon said it has immediately decided to shut down the store and vowed to refund purchases made through the fake shop.