Generated with sparks and insights from 12 sources
Summary
This article provides a comprehensive glossary of essential Chinese online platforms for travel, including OTAs, social media, and other services. It highlights the unique digital landscape in China and offers insights into the most popular and useful platforms for researching, booking, navigating, and sharing travel experiences.
Alipay
Launched in 2004, Alipay is the leading mobile payment platform in China with a market share of around 55%. It is accepted in more than 55 countries and allows users to pay for goods and services by scanning a QR code.
Tips
Ensure you have the Alipay app installed and linked to your bank account for seamless transactions in China.
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<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Alipay 101: How to Pay with Alipay", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CV6aaUOY6qo", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Apr 16, 2020", "length": "" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "China's mobile payment platforms expand services for foreign ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lNnfaj5iNM", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Mar 15, 2024", "length": "" }</div>
Baidu
China’s leading search engine, Baidu, is one of the three Chinese 'internet giants'. Despite a recent decline in popularity and revenue, it remains a significant player in the Chinese online landscape.
Tips
Use Baidu for local searches and information while traveling in China.
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Google vs Baidu Search Results", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xW_EeEd3Azc", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Apr 24, 2020", "length": "" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "How to Optimize for Baidu Search Engine | Baidu SEO Guide", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEdogZs17K8", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Aug 2, 2023", "length": "" }</div>
Bilibili
A popular video-sharing platform in China that also offers live streaming, subtitling, and commentary functions for videos.
Tips
Explore Bilibili for travel vlogs and live streams to get a sense of destinations before visiting.
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "How China's video platform Bilibili works", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2oowcPatV4", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Jun 23, 2022", "length": "" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "How To Get Started On Bilibili And Xigua Video In 2021", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8EJdJ6i2K6Q", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Dec 18, 2020", "length": "" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "HOW TO POST VIDEOS ON BILIBILI? PART 1 (WITHOUT ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Fhh06J8YCw", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Aug 18, 2021", "length": "" }</div>
Ctrip
China’s largest OTA (online travel agency) and the second-largest OTA in the world, officially known as the Trip.com Group since late 2019.
Tips
Use Ctrip for booking flights, hotels, and other travel services in China.
Dianping
An online review platform popular for restaurant reviews but also includes information on attractions, hotels, and other businesses worldwide.
Tips
Check Dianping for reviews and recommendations on restaurants and attractions in China.
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "The App You Need to Conquer China\u2019s Food Scene // This is ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6bb_4m6k-Pc", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Sep 5, 2017", "length": "" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Building Your Brand In China- How to use Dazhong Dianping ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zONfGYehGk8", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Jun 1, 2020", "length": "" }</div>
Douyin
The Chinese version of TikTok, Douyin is a short-video and live streaming platform that allows videos of up to one minute.
Tips
Follow travel influencers on Douyin for travel inspiration and tips.
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "A Tour of Douyin (Tiktok) for Newbies", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38OWQHacZow", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Mar 18, 2020", "length": "" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "CHINESE SOCIAL MEDIA 2020: DOUYIN OR KUAISHOU", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nj3EGaIRGyY", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "May 20, 2020", "length": "" }</div>
Fliggy
The travel arm of Alibaba, Fliggy operates as a 'travel marketplace' where travel brands run their own 'shops' in the style of an e-commerce platform.
Tips
Use Fliggy for booking travel services and finding deals from various travel brands.
Meituan-Dianping
A rising internet company in China, Meituan-Dianping offers a variety of services including food delivery, cinema ticket booking, and hotel bookings, with a focus on domestic travel.
Tips
Utilize Meituan-Dianping for booking hotels and other services, especially for domestic travel within China.
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Meituan Dianping's SVP on Expansion, Travel Business", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ruyCPdUz1J0", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Nov 12, 2017", "length": "" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Episode 258: Meituan Dianping with Liza Lin", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2BuCRNs5gA", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "2 weeks ago", "length": "" }</div>
<div class="-md-ext-youtube-widget"> { "title": "Ep. 10: Meituan, the Super App that Won Against a Thousand ...", "link": "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIXB9P4bVGQ", "channel": { "name": ""}, "published_date": "Aug 17, 2018", "length": "" }</div>
