Book Printing in China
Based in Shanghai, QinPrinting offers world-class book printing and binding services to businesses, non-profits, and independent publishers across the globe.
Passionate about printing. Passionate about people.
At QinPrinting, we’re passionate about printing — and we’re just as passionate about people. For over 25 years, our unique blend of premium-quality production, technical expertise, and outstanding customer care has earned us a global reputation as one of the world’s leading book printers.
That same passion and commitment drive everything we do today. Whether you’re a business, non-profit, entrepreneur, or self-published author, you’ll find that we offer the exceptional production quality of a major international printing company, with the friendly, attentive service of your local print shop.
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QinPrinting Rated Excellent
They produced an excellent product that was printed, shipped and arrived within the expected timescales.
Emails were responded to quickly by Susan.
The whole process was smooth and straightforward.
What a delight!
Whenever I have a creative idea, their team goes above and beyond to help bring it to life. I’ve printed four comic books with them, and each time, they’ve exceeded my expectations. If you’re considering a printer, take a chance on these friendly, reliable folks—they truly value your business. - Chad Townsend, Creator of The Black Phantom.
But working with Nelson was an absolute pleasure. He patiently addressed all my concerns, and my final printed book was just as I would hope it would be.
Our Range of Book Printing Options
At QinPrinting, we offer a full range of offset book printing services. We also use digital machines, but only to produce hard proofs for checking colour, print quality, and other details. Final production is always done on our superior offset presses.
Offset printing delivers excellent quality and better pricing for larger runs. We also offer a low minimum order of just 100 books.
Short Run Custom Book Printing
Short run printing is ideal for entrepreneurs, small businesses, and self-publishers who don’t need thousands of copies at once but still want the superior quality of traditional printing.
Unlike most printers who require minimum offset orders of 500 to 1,000 copies, we offer offset printing starting from just 100 copies. This lets you enjoy the quality and cost advantages of offset printing even with a small print run.
Portrait, Landscape, Oversized, and Custom Formats
Most printers — in Australia or internationally — charge extra for anything other than standard portrait format. But at QinPrinting, we’re happy to print in landscape format at no additional cost.
We also offer fully customised formats. For example, we’ve printed books as large as 320 mm x 420 mm and others with over 1,000 pages. While highly specialised jobs may cost a little more, our pricing remains among the most competitive in the industry.
Gloss, Matte, Uncoated, and Specialty Paper
You have many options for paper stock to print your book at QinPrinting. Most books use gloss or matte art paper — or uncoated offset paper for interactive titles like colouring books. But you’re not limited to these typical selections.
You can also choose from our specialty paper stocks such as linen finish, vellum, or other textures. Opting for a specialty stock can impact your pricing, but it may be worth it to give certain projects an outstanding, unique look and feel.
Choosing paper and card stock can confuse, but our printing experts are always here to recommend the best paper selections for your book and your budget.
Special Finishes, Lamination, and Foil Stamping
They say you can’t judge a book by its cover — but we all do! Your book’s cover is the first thing a potential reader sees, so it must make a strong impression. Someone browsing in a bookshop — whether online or in person — is far more likely to pick up a book with a beautiful, intriguing, and visually appealing cover.
QinPrinting offers a complete range of finishing options to make your book uniquely eye-catching and attractive.
These options include:
Shiny and reflective, perfect for vibrant graphics and photos.
Glossy highlights on specific areas for a striking contrast.
Smooth and non-reflective for a simple yet professional design.
Similar to matte lamination, but the resulting surface has a delightful, almost velvet feel.
A glossy finish applied to specific areas for a bold and distinct look.
Metallic or pigmented foil for a shiny, eye-catching effect.
Raised designs for added texture and elegance.
A recessed design that creates a tactile impression on the cover, adding texture and sophistication.
Cut a shape out of the paper material
Thin metallic foil—usually gold, silver, or bronze—is applied to the trimmed edges of your book's pages.
Custom patterns and images are sprayed on the edges for a truly unique appearance.
Print your design on a special paper that reflects light in a rainbow-like pattern.
Wrap your book in a durable synthetic leather material.
Cover your book with woven linen or cotton fabric.
Our Most Popular Book Binding Options
Printing and binding go hand-in-hand. At QinPrinting, we’re proud to offer a complete range of binding options to finish your book professionally. Your choice of binding depends on your book’s genre, purpose, intended readership, format, and more.
With so many options available, we’re always happy to help you choose the best binding style for your book — and your budget.
Let’s take a quick look at what’s possible.
Hardcover Binding
Hardcover books are more durable than most other types and are often seen by readers as more valuable. At QinPrinting, we follow strict quality standards and fine-tuned processes — using only high-grade materials and advanced techniques — to produce beautifully crafted hardcovers. We also strive to offer competitive prices with excellent value for money.
Hardcover binding is a popular choice for special editions, children’s books, coffee table books, high-end art and photography collections, memoirs, autobiographies, history and science titles, and more. For an extra-special finish, consider features like a printed slipcase, ribbon markers, or a dust jacket. Nothing speaks quality quite like a finely made hardcover edition.
Perfect Binding (Sewn Perfect Binding)
Perfect binding is the technical term for what’s better known as paperback or softcover binding. Think of the last paperback novel you read — the kind you’d grab at a newsagency, bookshop, or airport. A familiar style, perfect binding is a visually appealing and cost-effective bookbinding option. Although commonly used for comic books and fiction, it’s suitable for almost any genre.
Saddle Stitch Binding
If your book has fewer than 48 pages, saddle stitching is a popular and affordable bookbinding method. It’s commonly used for comic books, colouring books, manuals, workbooks, and more. Saddle stitching binds the pages and cover together using staples — or, for a more durable and attractive result, stitched thread, which gives the technique its name.
Specialised Lay-Flat Binding Options
Not all books are just for reading. Cookbooks, textbooks, diaries, and workbooks are often laid flat on a desk or workbench. At QinPrinting, we offer a range of sturdy, practical printing and binding solutions for these types of books.
Wire-O & Spiral Binding
These methods use a punch-and-bind technique. Holes are drilled along the edge of the pages, then a plastic or metal coil is inserted. This allows the book to lay completely flat and pages to turn a full 360°. We can also laminate pages for durability and water resistance, and add vinyl covers for extra protection without losing visual appeal.
Spiral Binding
Ideal for reports, student workbooks, lab manuals, cookbooks, recipe collections, and more.
Wire-O Binding
Wire-O is even stronger than spiral binding, using a double metal loop for enhanced durability. It’s perfect for textbooks, instruction manuals, guides, and any books regularly handled, carried, or used in tough environments like workshops or on site.
Lay-Flat Perfect Binding
This specialist binding offers the functionality of spiral binding with the appearance of a perfect-bound book.
We sew the interior pages and glue them into the cover without attaching them directly to the spine, allowing the book to open flat. It’s a great choice for a professional look combined with practical usability — and it’s the most cost-effective open-flat binding option.
Can’t find what you want? Contact us!
Breathtakingly Beautiful Books at Budget-Friendly Prices
Whatever your book printing project — a family cookbook, a coffee table book, an art book, your memoirs, children’s books, comic books and graphic novels, self-help titles, academic monographs, textbooks, or even your next series of bestselling sizzling romance novellas — you can count on us to handle it with unmatched professionalism, technical know-how, and creative flair. We’ll deliver stunning books you can truly be proud of.
As a major printer, QinPrinting gives you access to a wide range of options — from fine, limited-edition hardcovers with special finishes and extras, to perfect bound trade paperbacks, children’s board books, colouring books, spiral bound workbooks, instruction manuals, and everything in between.
Our comprehensive selection of paper, card stock, finishes, and binding options — combined with the latest in digital and offset printing technology — makes it easy to find the perfect solution for your project and your budget.
The Cost of Book Printing in China
China is globally recognised for its high-quality and cost-effective book printing services. Advanced technology, well-developed infrastructure, a skilled workforce, efficient production systems, and other factors make printing in China an appealing option for customers worldwide — including major publishing houses like HarperCollins and Penguin Random House.
At QinPrinting, our goal is to offer the same cost advantages enjoyed by large publishers to entrepreneurs, small business owners, and independent creatives. That’s why we continually review and refine our processes to ensure we deliver both world-class quality and globally competitive pricing.
To get a quick idea of what it might cost to print your book in China with QinPrinting, take a look at the at-a-glance pricing charts below.
How much does it cost to print a paperback book in China?
Paperback Book Printing Price Chart (210 mm × 297 mm)
| Page count | 100 copies | 500 copies | 1,000 copies | 2,000 copies | 5,000 copies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 96pp + 4pp | Unit: A$12.16 Total: A$1,216 |
Unit: A$3.51 Total: A$1,758 |
Unit: A$2.30 Total: A$2,298 |
Unit: A$1.76 Total: A$3,523 |
Unit: A$1.50 Total: A$7,532 |
| 128pp + 4pp | Unit: A$15.52 Total: A$1,552 |
Unit: A$4.54 Total: A$2,272 |
Unit: A$2.98 Total: A$2,978 |
Unit: A$2.31 Total: A$4,626 |
Unit: A$1.95 Total: A$9,720 |
| 240pp + 4pp | Unit: A$27.18 Total: A$2,718 |
Unit: A$8.09 Total: A$4,049 |
Unit: A$5.35 Total: A$5,351 |
Unit: A$4.13 Total: A$8,274 |
Unit: A$3.49 Total: A$17,514 |
- Please note all prices are EXW our facility and do not include shipping costs.
- Cover: 250 gsm coated cover paper with gloss lamination
- Inner: 128 gsm coated text paper for the interior
- Cover and inner: full colour printing
- Binding: sewing and perfect binding
How much does it cost to print a hardcover book in China?
Hardcover Book Printing Price Chart (210 mm x 297 mm)
| Page count | 100 copies | 500 copies | 1,000 copies | 2,000 copies | 5,000 copies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 96pp | Unit: A$20.49 Total: A$2,049 |
Unit: A$5.81 Total: A$2,905 |
Unit: A$4.23 Total: A$4,220 |
Unit: A$3.51 Total: A$7,023 |
Unit: A$2.96 Total: A$14,502 |
| 128pp | Unit: A$25.03 Total: A$2,503 |
Unit: A$7.12 Total: A$3,560 |
Unit: A$5.06 Total: A$5,066 |
Unit: A$4.13 Total: A$8,265 |
Unit: A$3.45 Total: A$17,205 |
| 240pp | Unit: A$41.00 Total: A$4,100 |
Unit: A$11.71 Total: A$5,855 |
Unit: A$8.01 Total: A$8,013 |
Unit: A$6.35 Total: A$12,715 |
Unit: A$5.12 Total: A$25,745 |
- Please note all prices are EXW our facility and do not include shipping costs.
- Cover: 157 gsm coated cover paper with matte lamination, wrapped on 2.5 mm thick greyboard
- End sheets: 140 gsm uncoated text paper, blank
- Inner: 157 gsm coated text paper for interior
- Cover and inner: full colour printing
How much does it cost to print a saddle stitch book in China?
Saddle Stitch Book Printing Price Chart (210 mm x 297 mm)
| Page count | 100 copies | 500 copies | 1,000 copies | 2,000 copies | 5,000 copies |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 32pp + 4pp | Unit: A$5.12 Total: A$512 |
Unit: A$1.46 Total: A$732 |
Unit: A$0.94 Total: A$938 |
Unit: A$0.71 Total: A$1,413 |
Unit: A$0.60 Total: A$3,000 |
| 40pp + 4pp | Unit: A$6.08 Total: A$608 |
Unit: A$1.74 Total: A$870 |
Unit: A$1.14 Total: A$1,134 |
Unit: A$0.85 Total: A$1,705 |
Unit: A$0.73 Total: A$3,610 |
| 48pp + 4pp | Unit: A$6.81 Total: A$681 |
Unit: A$1.97 Total: A$984 |
Unit: A$1.27 Total: A$1,265 |
Unit: A$0.96 Total: A$1,911 |
Unit: A$0.82 Total: A$4,034 |
- Please note that all prices are EXW our facility and do not include shipping costs.
- Cover: 250 gsm coated cover paper with gloss lamination
- Inner: 128 gsm coated text paper for interior
- Cover and inner: full colour printing
To get a more tailored cost, head to our online Printing Cost Calculator. Just enter your details and you’ll get an instant quote. It’s really straightforward to use, but if you have any questions, feel free to get in touch. One of our friendly in-house team members — not a robot or a clueless call centre operator! — will be happy to help.
Book Printing in China for Self-Publishers
While QinPrinting is based in Shanghai—China’s financial centre and a city renowned for its scenic waterfront, stunning architecture, futuristic skyline, and beautiful public gardens—we provide professional book printing and binding services to clients across the globe.
We specialise in making high-quality, professional printing accessible. Our mission is to support small businesses, entrepreneurs, not-for-profits, and independent creatives from all over the world. We frequently work with self-publishers—including novelists, children’s authors, memoirists and biographers, photographers and visual artists, chefs, and creators of all kinds—from Australia, the United States, the UK, and Europe.
Over the past 25 years, we’ve earned a strong reputation within the global self-publishing community as a trusted provider of printing and binding services. That reputation is built on our technical expertise, efficient production processes, the superior quality of our finished products, and highly competitive pricing. Just as importantly, it’s built on our personalised service and genuine care for every client. We aim to combine the benefits of a global industry with the personalised attention of a small, dedicated team.
Whether you’re self-publishing your work for commercial sale or sharing it with colleagues, students, friends or family, we’ll go the extra mile to produce beautifully printed, custom books at a price that fits your budget.
Specialist Printing Support Tailored to Your Needs
We’ve been working with self-publishers for decades, and over that time, we’ve developed a uniquely supportive range of services tailored to your needs as an independent creative. For example:
- A dedicated, named consultant will work with you personally through every step of the journey—from your initial enquiry to the delivery of your printed books.
- Our book printing experts will support and advise you at each stage of setting up your files and preparing them for print.
- If needed, we’ll provide you and/or your designer with a file template to help with artwork preparation and layout.
- Our in-house prepress team will manually check all your files to ensure they’re ready for a perfect print run.
- If we find any issues with your files, we’ll explain what’s wrong, how to fix it, and guide you through the process.
- Your consultant and our experts are available to answer questions at any stage.
Specialist printing support, at no extra cost
Very few book printers offer this level of service—and many of those who do will charge additional fees. But not at QinPrinting. We understand that preparing your creative work for print can feel overwhelming—especially if it’s your first time—and we genuinely want your experience to be smooth and rewarding. That’s why all of the services above are included free of charge as part of our standard offering.
Book Printing in China – FAQs
Why Print Books in China?
Competitive Pricing
Let’s be honest—it’s more affordable. China offers some of the most competitive offset printing and packaging prices in the world. But a lower price doesn’t mean lower quality. In fact, quite the opposite. The exceptional quality-to-price ratio is what makes book printing in China a top choice—even for many of the largest publishing houses in the US, UK, and Europe.
Advanced Technology
China is a global leader in printing and binding technology, consistently staying ahead with world-class equipment and innovations. The book printing industry here is well-developed and highly versatile, allowing you to produce books in virtually any style, format, or finish you can imagine.
Simple and Efficient Process
With fast and reliable communication online, printing books in China is just as easy and streamlined as working with a local printer. Your files are sent digitally no matter where you print, so the physical location doesn’t affect the design and prepress process. What’s more, most printing companies in China—including ours—operate six days a week, around the clock, thanks to a dedicated workforce and strong work ethic.
Reliable, Global Shipping
Shipping from China is surprisingly convenient and cost-effective. While international freight may cost a little more and take slightly longer, the difference is minor compared to the overall savings and quality you gain. For example, shipments from the Port of Shanghai to the Port of Long Beach in the US can arrive in as little as 11 to 13 days on faster Matson vessels. Whether by air or sea, we ensure your books are delivered safely and on time.
What will the quality of my books be like?
Will I be able to talk to a real person?
Yes. At QinPrinting, we take pride in our personalised customer service. You’ll have a dedicated consultant to guide you through every step of the process—real people, real support.
How long does it take to print books in China?
That depends on the type of book, your chosen printing options, and the size of your order. In general, China’s turnaround times are just as fast—if not faster—than elsewhere, thanks to advanced technology and round-the-clock production.
- Saddle-stitched and perfect bound books usually take around 5–10 days to produce.
- Hardcover books typically take 2–3 weeks.
- For large print runs over 10,000 copies, production may take a little longer—but often still faster than expected.
How do I pay for books printed in China?
We accept payment by international bank transfer (TT) and PayPal. Your consultant will provide full details and support for whichever method suits you best.
Is shipping books from China very expensive?
Shipping from China is slightly more costly than using a local printer, but the difference is usually offset by the lower production costs. Per-unit shipping costs are competitive—especially for bulk orders—and when you consider the overall value and service, printing in China remains a cost-effective choice.
Talk to Us!
For the best pricing, outstanding quality, and fast turnaround on any type or style of book, printing with QinPrinting in China is a smart business choice. Whether you’re publishing for a wide audience or a select group, we’ll deliver competitive prices, professional service, and exceptional results.
Let’s chat about your next project—we’d love to help make your next book your most beautiful yet.
