简体中文
Yahoo China shut down its email service on Monday, with all inbox information deleted.
The closure of the email system is thought to be a sign of the brand's shrinking presence in the Chinese market.
Yahoo Mail is one of the earliest email service providers in China. Closing it has left the brand with only its web portal business in the country.
Internet giant Alibaba Group, which owns Yahoo's operation in China, has suggested millions of users register with the alternative email service, Aliyun.
But the service will only last until the end of next year.
Users may also switch to Yahoo U.S. mailbox or other mail service providers.
SOUNDBITE (CHINESE) Yahoo China Mail user:
"I have three Yahoo mail accounts. I've already got used to logging in Yahoo mail when shopping and playing games on line. Now that it closes, it's really inconvenient. In addition, it causes some trouble when I try to get in touch with some correspondents."
SOUNDBITE (CHINESE) Yahoo China Mail user:
"I feel sad learning that Yahoo mail is shut down. I'm not among its first users, but I've already used it for years. It helps me keep in touch with friends overseas. I can't believe it closes."
Yahoo entered the Chinese market in 1999.
According to data from Internet consulting company Hitwise, the top three free email services in China by visits are qq.com, 163.com, and sohu.com.
Yahoo Mail ranked sixth with 1.9 percent of the market share in China in March.
