Phoenix Chinese Channel was launched on 31 March 1996. It is an un-encrypted television channel broadcasting 24 hours daily in Mandarin Chinese. Using the Asia Sat 3S, Phoenix Chinese Channel broadcasts into the PRC, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Japan, Southeast Asia, Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East, North Africa and Russia.

The main target audiences of Phoenix Chinese Channel are urban residents, higher income earners and educated sectors of mainland Chinese society. According to surveys conducted by China Mainland Marketing Research Company in 1999, which were commissioned by Phoenix, the channel has a coverage of 42 million households in the PRC, over 147 million viewers and is one of the foreign television channels that enjoys the highest ratings in the PRC. Also, according to the October 1999 Galluh Research report in China, 36% of the respondents knew about Phoenix Satellite TV, which means that Phoenix has achieved the same level of brand awareness as McDonald's and General Motors.

Phoenix Chinese Channel programmes cover a variety of productions from China and abroad, including news, information, sports, music, drama and films. In addition, the channel has a number of well known locally-produced programmes such as Good Morning China, Phoenix Afternoon Express, A Date With Lu-Yu, Phoenix Tonight, Passion On China, Stories With Anthony Yuen, The Asian Journal and Newsline. The channel's current major production the Pole-to-Pole Expedition, consists of reports by a Phoenix production team which travelled along the length of the American landmass from the South to the North Poles.

Phoenix Chinese Channel programmes reflect the cultural diversity among Chinese. Innovative ideas, diversified formats and novel contents create a new visual experience for viewers.