When I started prepping for tech interviews, Leetcode became one of my daily tools. Like many international students aiming for roles in North America, I had to decide between using Leetcode’s China site and its US site. They might seem similar at first glance, but there are some real differences depending on what you're aiming for.
Leetcode China tends to focus more on basic data structures and algorithms. The questions are usually simpler and more beginner-friendly. That’s perfect if you're still building a foundation or planning to apply for jobs in China or with smaller companies. It's a great place to develop speed and accuracy early on.
But if your goal is to get into major tech firms in the US or Canada, Leetcode US is where you want to spend most of your time. The problems are tougher and closer to what companies like Google or OpenAI ask. They test not just whether you can solve the problem, but how well you can handle complex logic and edge cases.
The two platforms also differ in community and language. The China version has active discussions around local hiring trends and interview styles, all in Chinese. The US site, however, gives you more insights into big tech interviews, and everything is in English—which honestly helped me get more comfortable thinking and communicating in a tech interview setting.
I personally used both. I’d warm up with questions from the China site, then push myself with the tougher ones on the US site. Over time, I noticed this combo helped me grow faster—not just in terms of problem-solving, but also in how I explain my thinking, especially in English.
So, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. If you're just getting started or focusing on Chinese companies, Leetcode China is totally fine. If you're targeting roles in the US or want a challenge, go for the US site. Or, do both like I did. The key is to stay consistent and not burn out. Keep practicing, track your growth, and you’ll be surprised how far you get.
Release time:2025-05-12
