1. Bitcoin (比特币)

Bitcoin, created in 2009 by an anonymous person or group of people using the pseudonym Satoshi Nakamoto, is the most well-known and widely used cryptocurrency. It operates on a decentralized network called blockchain, which ensures transparency, security, and verifiability of transactions without the need for a central authority. Bitcoin can be stored in digital wallets and used for online transactions, investments, or even as a store of value.

2. Ethereum (以太坊)

Ethereum, launched in 2015 by Vitalik Buterin, is another prominent cryptocurrency that has gained significant attention in recent years. Unlike Bitcoin, Ethereum not only functions as a digital currency but also provides a platform for creating and running decentralized applications (DApps) and smart contracts. The cryptocurrency associated with the Ethereum platform is called Ether (ETH), and it fuels the operations and transactions within the Ethereum ecosystem.

3. Ripple (瑞波币)

Ripple, founded in 2012, aims to enable fast and low-cost international money transfers and remittances. It utilizes a unique consensus algorithm that does not require mining like Bitcoin or Ethereum do. Instead, it relies on a network of validating servers and a distributed ledger called XRP Ledger. Ripple's native cryptocurrency is XRP, and it serves both as a medium of exchange and as a bridge currency for facilitating fiat-to-fiat transactions.

4. Litecoin (莱特币)

Litecoin, released in 2011 by Charlie Lee, was one of the earliest cryptocurrencies to emerge after Bitcoin. It functions similarly to Bitcoin but offers several technical and functional improvements. For example, Litecoin has a faster block generation time and a different hashing algorithm. These features allow for quicker transaction confirmation times and greater efficiency in mining. Litecoin is often considered as the silver to Bitcoin's gold.