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Ubuntu Kylin: the Ubuntu flavour for Chinese-speaking users
Ubuntu Kylin is a free, open-source official Ubuntu flavour designed around the requirements of Chinese-speaking users. It combines Ubuntu’s technical base with its own desktop, UKUI, and applications and services tailored to that ecosystem.
It focuses on an accessible personal-computer desktop for browsing, office work, messaging, media, learning Linux and everyday tasks.
Its cultural and interface focus distinguishes it from other flavours. Where Ubuntu uses GNOME, Kubuntu uses Plasma and Xubuntu uses Xfce, Ubuntu Kylin provides UKUI with a conventional desktop organisation.
The history of Ubuntu Kylin
Ubuntu Kylin launched in 2013 as an official flavour for the Chinese market. The Ubuntu Kylin community, Canonical and Chinese partners collaborated to address linguistic, software and cultural requirements.
Early releases closely followed the standard Ubuntu desktop while adding tools, settings and applications for Chinese users. UKUI later gave the project a more distinct identity.
UKUI became a central component, providing an application menu, taskbar, control centre, file manager and integrated system tools in a familiar desktop layout.
Ubuntu Kylin 26.04 was released on 23 April 2026. The release announcement cited in the French profile describes Linux 7.0 and UKUI 4.20, with stability, compatibility and desktop improvements.
Advantages of Ubuntu Kylin
The Ubuntu base provides its repositories, APT package management, extensive documentation, hardware support and a regular release cycle. This supplies a familiar foundation rather than a system that must be built by hand.
UKUI offers a conventional interface with a main menu, lower panel, notification area and standard windows. Users coming from Windows may find that organisation familiar.
Language settings, input methods, local applications and interface choices serve Chinese-speaking users. This targeted integration is its main difference from other Ubuntu flavours.
UKUI also provides an alternative to GNOME, Plasma, Xfce and LXQt for people who want to explore a different Ubuntu desktop while retaining a traditional layout.
The system can be downloaded, tried live and installed without a paid operating-system licence. It can be used on a personal computer or test machine to explore this part of the Ubuntu ecosystem.
Limitations of Ubuntu Kylin
The focus on Chinese-speaking users means some applications, services and defaults may be less relevant to other audiences than those in Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Linux Mint or Fedora.
Its international community is smaller than those of Ubuntu, Kubuntu, Xubuntu or Lubuntu. Recent English- or French-language tutorials specifically for Ubuntu Kylin may be harder to find.
UKUI settings and behaviour differ from GNOME, Plasma, Cinnamon and Xfce, so some adjustment is needed. Users seeking particularly extensive desktop customisation may prefer Plasma.
Some integrated services target the Chinese market. This does not prevent international use but can make the default selection less relevant to someone who does not need that focus.
Ubuntu Kylin is a desktop flavour, not primarily a server or cloud platform. Ubuntu Server, Debian Server or Red Hat Enterprise Linux are alternatives for those infrastructure requirements.
Ubuntu Kylin releases and features
Ubuntu Kylin follows Ubuntu’s release cycle and technical base. The release covered in this profile is 26.04, published on 23 April 2026; consult the project’s download page for newer releases.
The project’s 26.04 announcement describes UKUI 4.20 and desktop stability and usability improvements. Its download page offered an image labelled X86 for that release.
Older releases such as 25.10 and 24.04 may remain in archives or download listings. Availability in an archive does not establish ongoing support; check the maintenance status and compatibility of your chosen release.
The main Desktop image allows a live trial followed by installation. This is the usual starting point for personal-computer users.
Before adopting the system, check that its language support, software selection and UKUI interface suit your needs. Use an official image appropriate to your hardware and a supported release.
Conclusion
Ubuntu Kylin offers an Ubuntu-based desktop with UKUI and a focus on Chinese-speaking users and services. Its conventional interface supports familiar everyday desktop tasks.
It will not be the best fit for every international user, but provides another approach to Ubuntu for those interested in UKUI and the project’s language and application priorities.