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    PolarDB:Create and delete a global database network

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    PolarDB:Create and delete a global database network

    Last Updated:Aug 11, 2026

    You can create a Global Database Network (GDN) by using an existing cluster or purchasing a new one. A GDN enables cross-region disaster recovery and active geo-redundancy.

    Limits

    Cluster versions

    • Database engine: PostgreSQL 14 and PostgreSQL 16

    • Edition: Enterprise Edition

    • High-availability Mode: Single zone (with hot standby storage cluster disabled)

    Supported regions

    GDN is available in 10+ regions worldwide, including the Chinese mainland, China (Hong Kong), and overseas regions.

    Primary cluster region

    Secondary cluster region

    All regions in the Chinese mainland

    Any region in the Chinese mainland, including the primary cluster's region.

    Example: If the primary cluster is in China (Hangzhou), secondary clusters can be in any Chinese mainland region, including Hangzhou.

    Note

    For other region requirements, submit a ticket.

    Regions outside the Chinese mainland

    China (Hong Kong), Japan (Tokyo), South Korea (Seoul), Singapore, Malaysia (Kuala Lumpur), Indonesia (Jakarta), Philippines (Manila), Germany (Frankfurt), US (Silicon Valley), US (Virginia), and UK (London).
    Important

    For regions outside the Chinese mainland, sign the Cross-Border Data Transfer Compliance Agreement before creating a secondary cluster.

    Feature limits

    Other limits

    • A GDN supports one primary cluster and up to four secondary clusters.

    • Primary and secondary clusters must have the same database engine version: PostgreSQL 14 and PostgreSQL 16.

    • Secondary cluster specifications must match or exceed the primary cluster's.

    • A cluster can belong to only one GDN.

    Billing

    Cross-region data transfer traffic for a GDN is free of charge. You are charged only for the PolarDB clusters.

    Create a global database network

    1. Log on to the PolarDB console. In the left-side navigation pane, click Global Database Network (GDN).

    2. On the Global Database Network (GDN) page, click Create GDN.

    3. In the Create GDN dialog box, configure the following parameters.

      Parameter

      Description

      Compatibility

      Select PostgreSQL or .

      Edition

      Set to Single-active Version.

      Name

      Enter a descriptive name to help you identify the GDN. The name does not need to be unique.

      Primary Region

      Select the region of the primary cluster.

      Note

      Before you proceed, determine which cluster to use as the primary cluster and select its region here.

      Primary Cluster

      Select an existing cluster to serve as the primary cluster of the GDN.

      Global domain name

      This feature is not currently supported. Keep it disabled.

    4. Click OK. You can view the created GDN in the Global Database Network (GDN) list. You can then add a secondary cluster to the GDN.

    Delete a global database network

    Important

    • You can delete a GDN only if it contains no secondary clusters.

    • A GDN cannot be restored after it is deleted. Proceed with caution.

    • After you delete a GDN, applications that are connected to it can no longer access the database. You must promptly update the connection strings in your applications.

    1. Log on to the PolarDB console. In the left-side navigation pane, click Global Database Network (GDN).

    2. On the Global Database Network (GDN) page, find the target GDN, and click Delete in the Operation column.

      Note

      A grayed-out Delete button indicates that the GDN contains secondary clusters, which you must delete first.

    3. Read the warnings in the dialog box that appears. After you confirm that the information is correct, click OK to delete the GDN.

    Related documents

    Related APIs

    API

    Description

    CreateGlobalDatabaseNetwork

    Creates a Global Database Network.

    DeleteGlobalDatabaseNetwork

    Deletes a Global Database Network.

    DescribeGlobalDatabaseNetwork

    Queries the information about a specified Global Database Network.

    DescribeGlobalDatabaseNetworks

    Queries information about all Global Database Networks.

    ModifyGlobalDatabaseNetwork

    Modifies the information about a Global Database Network.

    FAQ

    How many GDNs can an Alibaba Cloud account create?

    There is no limit on the number of GDNs that you can create.

    After a GDN is created, can I change its primary cluster?

    Yes. You can use the Switch the primary cluster option in the PolarDB console.