Bitcoin was created in 2009 by an unknown person using the alias Satoshi Nakamoto.
The currency can be bought and sold without middle men -- and there's no need to give your real name. More merchants are beginning to accept them: You can buy webhosting services, pizza, manicures and even cars.
Related: What is Bitcoin?
Chinese investors have been enthusiastic early adopters, a trend amplified by a lack of more traditional investment vehicles in the country.
