claude-sonnet-4 · claude-opus-4

Claude Code Relay Setup Guide

Use Claude Code CLI without a VPN — China direct. Covers full installation and configuration tutorials for macOS / Windows / Linux.

InstallationRelay SelectionEnvironment ConfigVerificationFAQ

// Recommended

Recommended Platforms

These platforms have strong Claude Code support (ranked independently)

🌙

Lume Coder — China Direct

99.9% SLA, sub-second RTT, enterprise-grade stability. Genuine Claude Code mirror, zero-config connection.

🎓

CC Club — USTC Team

Operated by USTC-affiliated team, complete Claude Code Academy tutorials, beginner-friendly.

⚡

SSSAiCode — Lowest Multiplier

0.45x multiplier, credits never expire. Claude Code + Codex + Gemini CLI all supported.

🚀

AICoding — Plug and Play

One-click install, zero config. OpenClaw / VS Code / Cursor supported, $200 Max account pool.

// Installation

Install Claude Code

Official CLI tool, all three major OS supported

macOS / Linux

Install via npm or curl

npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code
# or
curl -fsSL https://claude.ai/install.sh | sh

Windows

Install via npm

npm install -g @anthropic-ai/claude-code

// Claude Code officially requires a Claude API Key from Anthropic (needs overseas credit card). With a relay, just use the relay's provided key and endpoint to bypass this restriction.

// Configure Relay

Configure Your Relay

Set environment variables to replace official endpoints

Create Config File

Claude Code uses settings.json in the ~/.config/claude directory.

Enter Relay Info

Set ANTHROPIC_BASE_URL (relay endpoint) and ANTHROPIC_API_KEY (your API key).

Launch Claude Code

Run claude in any directory, follow the prompts to complete setup.

// IDE Integration

IDE Integration

Beyond CLI, use Claude Code in popular IDEs via plugins

OpenClaw

A powerful Claude Code GUI client supporting VS Code / JetBrains / Cursor.

Cursor

An AI code editor with built-in Claude Code support — just configure the API endpoint.

VS Code (Official Plugin)

Anthropic's official VS Code plugin, supports connecting to relays.

JetBrains

Claude Code supported via plugins like AICodeMirror. JetBrains + VS Code dual IDE support.

// FAQ

FAQ

Q1.What's the difference between Claude Code and Claude API?

Claude Code is Anthropic's official CLI coding assistant, built on the Claude API for conversational code editing. Claude API is the underlying REST API for any application. In short: Claude Code is for programmers, Claude API is for developers.

Q2.Is relay-based Claude Code the same as official?

In most cases, essentially the same. Relays use Anthropic's official Claude Code and only replace the network request endpoint. Legitimate platforms (like Lume Coder) have verified code output matches official. But budget platforms may use simplified or modified versions with feature differences.

Q3.Sonnet or Opus — which should I choose?

Sonnet is the value choice, suitable for 80% of daily coding tasks — fast and cost-effective. Opus is the most powerful model, ideal for complex architecture design and high-difficulty tasks. Most relays offer both — switch as needed.

Q4.What is a Max account pool?

Anthropic Max is Anthropic's top-tier subscription ($100/month) with higher limits and priority access to new models. A 'Max account pool' is a pool of multiple Max accounts managed by the relay via load balancing. Compared to regular accounts, Max pools typically have faster response and higher usage limits.

Q5.Some platforms advertise 0.45x — can they sustain that?

Ultra-low multipliers usually come from platform subsidies or special channels. Since H2 2025, several budget platforms have raised prices (industry multipliers rose from 0.3~0.5x to 0.8~1.2x). Check if a platform has a history of price increases — prioritize platforms with stable pricing to avoid being locked in and then forced to accept price hikes.

Q6.How is Claude Code on Windows?

Claude Code officially has good Windows support (via npm install). But some relays primarily optimize for macOS/Linux, so Windows users may encounter issues. Choose platforms explicitly marked as Windows-compatible (like Lume Coder, AICoding) and check Xiaohongshu/GitHub for Windows user feedback before purchasing.

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