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Zhuoxin Sun
Zhuoxin Sun

Posted on • Originally published at onfinality.io

ZenChain Testnet RPC Guide: Endpoints, Faucet, and Developer Setup

#web3 #blockchain #devops #tutorial

Summary

ZenChain testnet is an EVM-compatible Bitcoin Layer 1 test environment that combines Bitcoin's security with Ethereum programmability. Developers can deploy and test smart contracts, interact with cross-chain bridges, and participate in the incentivized testnet using free ZTC tokens. This guide provides the official RPC endpoints, chain configuration, faucet instructions, and a step-by-step tutorial to get started.

ZenChain Testnet Decision Checklist

Before diving into the setup, consider these key points to ensure a smooth experience:

  • Chain ID: 8408 (0x20d8) – ensure your wallet and dApp use this exact value.
  • RPC Endpoint: Choose between public RPC or a dedicated node provider for higher rate limits.
  • Faucet: Obtain free ZTC test tokens from the official ZenChain faucet.
  • Explorer: Use Zentrace (https://zentrace.io) to verify transactions and contract deployments.
  • Network Status: Check if the testnet is actively running and if there are any ongoing maintenance windows.
  • Incentivized Program: The testnet may have quests and XP rewards – review the official announcement for current opportunities.

What Is ZenChain Testnet?

ZenChain is a Bitcoin Layer 1 blockchain that is fully EVM-compatible, allowing developers to write and deploy Solidity smart contracts while leveraging Bitcoin's security. The testnet provides a risk-free environment to experiment with cross-chain applications, bridges, and staking mechanisms before mainnet launch. It is part of the Unizen ecosystem and has raised $10.05M from backers like DWF Labs.

ZenChain Testnet RPC Endpoints and Chain Configuration

To connect to ZenChain testnet, you need the following chain parameters:

Criterion What to check Why it matters
Network Name ZenChain Testnet Identifies the network in wallets and dApps
RPC URL https://zenchain-testnet.api.onfinality.io/public Primary endpoint for JSON-RPC calls
Chain ID 8408 (0x20d8) Must match exactly to avoid transaction errors
Currency Symbol ZTC Native gas token for testnet transactions
Block Explorer URL https://zentrace.io View transactions, blocks, and contract state

Public RPC Endpoint

The official public RPC endpoint is:

https://zenchain-testnet.api.onfinality.io/public
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This endpoint is suitable for light testing and development. For higher rate limits and dedicated throughput, consider using a private RPC endpoint from a provider like OnFinality.

How to Add ZenChain Testnet to Your Wallet

MetaMask / WalletConnect

  1. Open your wallet and go to Settings > Networks > Add Network.
  2. Enter the following details:
    • Network Name: ZenChain Testnet
    • RPC URL: https://zenchain-testnet.api.onfinality.io/public
    • Chain ID: 8408
    • Currency Symbol: ZTC
    • Block Explorer URL: https://zentrace.io
  3. Click Save. The network will appear in your network list.

Using ChainList

Alternatively, visit ChainList and connect your wallet to automatically add the network.

Getting ZTC Test Tokens (Faucet)

To deploy contracts and send transactions, you need ZTC test tokens. Use the official ZenChain faucet:

  1. Go to the ZenChain faucet page (accessible from the ZenChain website).
  2. Connect your wallet (ensure it's on ZenChain Testnet).
  3. Request test tokens – they are usually credited within a few minutes.

If the faucet is rate-limited, you can also join the ZenChain Discord or community channels to request tokens.

Deploying a Smart Contract on ZenChain Testnet

ZenChain testnet is fully EVM-compatible, so you can use standard Ethereum development tools like Hardhat, Truffle, or Foundry. Below is an example using Hardhat.

Prerequisites

  • Node.js and npm installed
  • Hardhat installed globally or locally
  • A wallet with ZTC test tokens

Step 1: Initialize a Hardhat Project 

mkdir zenchain-testnet
cd zenchain-testnet
npm init -y
npm install --save-dev hardhat @nomiclabs/hardhat-waffle ethereum-waffle chai @nomiclabs/hardhat-ethers ethers
npx hardhat
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Choose "Create an empty hardhat.config.js" when prompted.

Step 2: Configure Hardhat for ZenChain Testnet

Edit hardhat.config.js:

require("@nomiclabs/hardhat-waffle");

module.exports = {
  solidity: "0.8.19",
  networks: {
    zenchainTestnet: {
      url: "https://zenchain-testnet.api.onfinality.io/public",
      chainId: 8408,
      accounts: ["YOUR_PRIVATE_KEY"] // Replace with your wallet private key (use .env in production)
    }
  }
};
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Security Note: Never commit your private key. Use environment variables and .env files.

Step 3: Write a Simple Contract

Create contracts/HelloWorld.sol:

// SPDX-License-Identifier: MIT
pragma solidity ^0.8.19;

contract HelloWorld {
    string public greet = "Hello, ZenChain Testnet!";

    function setGreet(string memory _greet) public {
        greet = _greet;
    }

    function getGreet() public view returns (string memory) {
        return greet;
    }
}
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Step 4: Deploy the Contract

Create a deployment script scripts/deploy.js:

async function main() {
  const HelloWorld = await ethers.getContractFactory("HelloWorld");
  const helloWorld = await HelloWorld.deploy();
  await helloWorld.deployed();
  console.log("Contract deployed to:", helloWorld.address);
}

main()
  .then(() => process.exit(0))
  .catch((error) => {
    console.error(error);
    process.exit(1);
  });
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Run the deployment:

npx hardhat run scripts/deploy.js --network zenchainTestnet
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If successful, you'll see the contract address. Verify it on Zentrace.

Common Pitfalls and Troubleshooting

  • Incorrect Chain ID: Double-check that chain ID is 8408. Using a wrong ID will cause transaction rejection.
  • Insufficient Balance: Ensure your wallet has enough ZTC for gas. Use the faucet if needed.
  • RPC Timeouts: Public RPC endpoints can be rate-limited. For production testing, consider a dedicated node provider like OnFinality.
  • Explorer Delays: Transactions may take a few seconds to appear on Zentrace.
  • Wallet Compatibility: Some wallets may not automatically detect the network. Add it manually using the parameters above.

Choosing the Right RPC Provider for ZenChain Testnet

While the public RPC endpoint is fine for initial experimentation, developers building more complex dApps or running automated tests may need higher reliability and rate limits. OnFinality offers dedicated node infrastructure for ZenChain testnet with:

  • Higher request throughput
  • Dedicated endpoints with no shared rate limits
  • 24/7 monitoring and support

Check the supported RPC networks page to see if ZenChain testnet is available, and visit RPC pricing for plan details.

Key Takeaways

  • ZenChain testnet is an EVM-compatible Bitcoin L1 test environment with chain ID 8408.
  • Use the public RPC endpoint https://zenchain-testnet.api.onfinality.io/public for quick testing.
  • Obtain ZTC test tokens from the official faucet to pay for gas.
  • Deploy Solidity smart contracts using standard Ethereum tooling like Hardhat.
  • For production-level testing, consider a dedicated node provider to avoid rate limits.
  • Monitor the network status and incentivized testnet programs for additional rewards.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the ZenChain testnet chain ID?
The chain ID is 8408 (hex 0x20d8).

How do I get ZTC test tokens?
Use the official ZenChain faucet available on their website. Connect your wallet and request tokens.

Can I use MetaMask with ZenChain testnet?
Yes, MetaMask supports custom networks. Add the network using the RPC URL and chain ID provided above.

Is ZenChain testnet still active?
As of early 2026, the incentivized testnet program may have concluded, but the testnet itself remains operational for development. Check the official ZenChain channels for updates.

What tools can I use to develop on ZenChain testnet?
Any EVM-compatible tool works: Hardhat, Truffle, Foundry, Remix IDE, and Web3.js/ethers.js.

Where can I find the block explorer?
Use Zentrace at https://zentrace.io.

How do I run a ZenChain testnet node?
Running a node requires setting up the ZenChain client software. Refer to the official documentation for node operator guides.

What is the difference between public and private RPC endpoints?
Public endpoints are shared and may have rate limits. Private endpoints from providers like OnFinality offer dedicated throughput and higher reliability for development and testing.

FAQ

What is the ZenChain testnet chain ID?

The chain ID is 8408 (hex 0x20d8).

How do I get ZTC test tokens?

Use the official ZenChain faucet available on their website. Connect your wallet and request tokens.

Can I use MetaMask with ZenChain testnet?

Yes, MetaMask supports custom networks. Add the network using the RPC URL and chain ID provided above.

Is ZenChain testnet still active?

As of early 2026, the incentivized testnet program may have concluded, but the testnet itself remains operational for development. Check the official ZenChain channels for updates.

What tools can I use to develop on ZenChain testnet?

Any EVM-compatible tool works: Hardhat, Truffle, Foundry, Remix IDE, and Web3.js/ethers.js.

Where can I find the block explorer?

Use Zentrace at https://zentrace.io.

How do I run a ZenChain testnet node?

Running a node requires setting up the ZenChain client software. Refer to the official documentation for node operator guides.

What is the difference between public and private RPC endpoints?

Public endpoints are shared and may have rate limits. Private endpoints from providers like OnFinality offer dedicated throughput and higher reliability for development and testing.

Related resources

Originally published at OnFinality.

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