HSBS has started offering fixed deposits in Renminbi available to retail customers.
For a one year term, the interest rates ranges from 0.28% (<350,000 CNY) to 1.28% (>5 mil CNY) depending on the amount.
You can check the latest rate at the HSBC foreign currency fixed deposit page.
The Advance and Premier customers of HSBC would enjoy a higher interest rate for 3 or 6 month terms.
Deposits has to be made in a non-Renminbi currency which will be converted to the Renminbi based on the bank’s prevailing rate. Withdrawals has to be by way of foreign exchange conversion into non-rmb denominated currency.
Bank of China (BOC) also offers Renminbi deposits to retail customers on a limited scale.