Social & Information Platforms

China has many powerful, locally developed, and highly integrated social apps.

1. WeChat

The most important and versatile app in China.

Functions: Messaging, voice/video calls, Moments, payments, bookings

Widely used by hotels, businesses, attractions, and individuals

Essential for foreign visitors

Notes for foreign users registering WeChat:

• Registration is possible using an international phone number
• SMS verification is required; in some cases, verification by an existing user may be needed
• It is recommended to register and set up the app before arriving in China
• Some features (e.g. payments or mini programs) may require additional identity verification or card binding

2. Weibo

Similar to Twitter / X, mainly used for news, trending topics, and entertainment.

3. Xiaohongshu (RED)

A lifestyle-focused platform popular for travel guides, food recommendations, and city experiences.

4. Douyin

The Chinese version of TikTok, focused on short videos and popular culture.

5. Bilibili

A video platform popular among younger users, featuring documentaries, animation, travel, and cultural content.