OpenClaw Chinese: AI Assistant for Mandarin

OpenClaw Chinese Translation: Full-Featured AI Assistant for Mandarin Users

OpenClaw Chinese Translation (汉化版) is a complete Chinese localization of OpenClaw, an open-source personal AI assistant that bridges Claude, ChatGPT, and other LLMs with messaging platforms. This project delivers a production-ready AI agent framework with native Chinese UI, documentation, and support—eliminating language barriers for Mandarin developers and users.

Purpose & Significance

OpenClaw addresses the gap between powerful open-source AI orchestration tools and Mandarin-speaking developers. While the upstream OpenClaw project excels at integrating LLMs with WhatsApp, Telegram, and Discord, it ships English-only. This Chinese translation maintains 100% feature parity while providing complete localization: CLI commands, dashboard UI, configuration interfaces, and error messages in natural Mandarin. The project auto-syncs with upstream releases hourly, ensuring users never fall behind on security patches or feature updates. This makes OpenClaw accessible to teams and individual developers across Greater China, Taiwan, and diaspora communities who require Chinese-language tooling.

Core Features

• Multi-LLM Support: Claude, ChatGPT, Ollama, and other compatible API providers via unified interface
• Omnichannel Messaging: Native WhatsApp, Telegram, Discord integrations plus custom webhook support
• Web Dashboard: Fully Chinese-localized control panel for instance monitoring, channel management, and real-time configuration
• CLI-First Design: Command-line tools (`openclaw onboard`, `openclaw dashboard`, `openclaw config`) in fluent Mandarin
• Plugin Ecosystem: Extensible skills framework with pre-built connectors (1Password, Apple Notes, calendar integrations)
• Docker-Optimized: One-command deployment with China-friendly mirror sources (Docker Hub, npmmirror)
• Hourly Sync: Automated upstream tracking ensures features and fixes propagate within ~22 minutes of upstream release
• Device Pairing & Security: Token-based authentication, device approval workflows, and configurable access controls
• Gateway Architecture: Local or remote operation with LAN/WAN binding flexibility for home labs and enterprise deployments

Getting Started: Three-Step Setup

Prerequisites: Node.js 16+ (or Docker for simpler deployment).

Option 1: NPM Installation (Recommended for most users)

# Step 1: Install globally
npm install -g @qingchencloud/openclaw-zh@latest

# Step 2: Run interactive onboarding
openclaw onboard
# Follow prompts to select LLM, configure API keys, and add messaging channels

# Step 3: Launch dashboard
openclaw dashboard
# Browser opens to Chinese control panel

Option 2: Docker Deployment (Fastest for China-based users)

One-line deployment with China-optimized mirrors:

curl -fsSL https://cdn.jsdelivr.net/gh/1186258278/OpenClawChineseTranslation@main/docker-deploy.sh | bash -s -- --china

For detailed step-by-step guides, multi-node setups, Nginx reverse proxy configuration, and internal network access, see the Docker deployment guide in the repository.

Common Troubleshooting (Top 3 Issues)

Installation Hangs or Downloads Slow: The default npm registry is international; use China mirrors: `npm install -g @qingchencloud/openclaw-zh@latest --registry=https://registry.npmmirror.com` or deploy via Docker instead.

Dashboard Shows English UI: Conflicting English OpenClaw version installed. Uninstall both and reinstall: `npm uninstall -g openclaw && npm install -g @qingchencloud/openclaw-zh@latest`. Verify: `openclaw --version` should show `-zh` suffix.

"Pairing Required" or "Token Mismatch" Errors: Security feature requiring device approval. Run `openclaw devices list` to view pending devices, then `openclaw devices approve` to authorize. For Docker users, optionally disable auth via: `docker run --rm -v openclaw-data:/root/.openclaw 1186258278/openclaw-zh:latest openclaw config set gateway.controlUi.dangerouslyDisableDeviceAuth true`.

The repository includes a comprehensive 25+ problem FAQ covering remote access, Docker container lifecycle, Ollama connectivity, configuration migration, and more.

Who Should Use This

• Mandarin-speaking developers: Building AI agents without language friction
• China-based teams: Requiring local mirror support and optimized Docker deployments
• Personal automation enthusiasts: Running AI on WhatsApp/Telegram without proprietary platforms
• Small businesses: Needing multi-channel customer support bots with Claude/ChatGPT backend
• Self-hosted operators: Seeking open-source alternatives to closed-source chatbot platforms

Key Commands Reference

• `openclaw` – Start the gateway
• `openclaw onboard` – Initialize configuration wizard
• `openclaw dashboard` – Open web control panel
• `openclaw config` – View/edit settings
• `openclaw skills` – Manage installed plugins
• `openclaw devices list/approve` – Manage authorized access
• `openclaw --version` – Check installed version

Version Management & Updates

Stable Release: `npm install -g @qingchencloud/openclaw-zh@latest` (tested, recommended)

Nightly (Bleeding Edge): `npm install -g @qingchencloud/openclaw-zh@nightly` (syncs upstream hourly)

Update at any time with `npm update -g @qingchencloud/openclaw-zh`.

Resources & Community

• Official Chinese Site: openclaw.qt.cool
• Upstream Project: OpenClaw main repository
• NPM Package: @qingchencloud/openclaw-zh
• Skill Marketplace: ClawHub plugin registry
• Discord Community: Official support and discussion server
• WeChat Groups: Active Chinese community channels (referenced in README)
• Contributing: Translation improvements, bug reports, and feature requests welcome via GitHub Issues

Technical Stack

Built on Node.js with Docker containerization. Supports local and remote gateway modes. Integrates with OpenAI, Anthropic Claude, and Ollama APIs. WhatsApp/Telegram/Discord via native SDKs or webhook adapters. Fully containerized for Kubernetes or single-host deployment.