If you’re planning a trip to China, one app you definitely shouldn’t miss is Dianping (大众点评). It’s like Yelp but much bigger in China. You can find restaurants, cafes, spas, entertainment, and all kinds of local services you can imagine. Dianping helps you explore China with real reviews and ratings from locals.
What is the Dianping App?
Dianping was founded in 2003 as a restaurant review website. Over the years, it has grown into a huge platform offering various lifestyle services, such as food delivery, hotel bookings, beauty salons, and entertainment. The Dianping app allows users to check ratings, read reviews, view photos, and even book or order directly. Users can also post their reviews, and there is a community for a more authentic experience.
Dianping is incredibly popular in China. People use it to check ratings and read honest reviews before deciding where to go. Because it’s trusted by locals, Dianping is also a fantastic tool for travelers. You can explore China like a local, read real reviews, and avoid tourist traps. Locals often use Dianping to discover great food and fun places.
Key Features of the Dianping App
- Restaurant Reviews and Ratings: Easily find great places to eat by checking honest reviews and star ratings from locals. You can view photos and menus before visiting, so you know what to expect.
- Reservations and Delivery: Many restaurants allow you to book a table directly through the Dianping app, making it super convenient. You can also order food directly via the app.
- Lifestyle Services: Need a haircut, massage, movie tickets, or show tickets? Dianping offers local service listings and reviews to meet all your needs.
- Location-Based Search: The Dianping app shows places near you, so you can discover great spots without much planning. You can also switch cities manually in the top left corner.
- Hotel and Flight Booking: Dianping also helps you book hotels and flights. You can check local deals and read user reviews.
- Ride-Hailing: Need a quick ride? You can book taxis or private cars right from the app.
How to Use Dianping as a Foreigner?
Download and Install the App
Search for "Dianping" in your app store and install it. The app is primarily in Chinese, but don’t worry, it can switch to English for travelers.
Create an Account & Switch Language
To book or order, you’ll need to sign up. You’ll need a phone number to register, and using a local Chinese SIM card will make it easier. If you want to switch the language, just tap "我的" - "设置" - "多语言" - "English."
Use Location Services
Allow Dianping to use your location. This way, it can show places near you, making it easy to explore on the go. You can also switch the city manually in the top left corner.
Open the App and Explore
Open Dianping and browse around. You’ll see categories like food, hotels, and services. Try tapping on them to see what’s inside.
Use the Search Bar
Type what you want in the search bar. For example, “restaurants,” “massage,” or “taxi.” You can also type names of places or food types.
Check Reviews and Ratings
Look at the stars and read reviews by locals. Even if you don’t understand everything, photos and ratings give you a good idea.
Book or Order
Once you find a place you like, you can book a table, order food, book a hotel, or call a taxi right from the app.
Payment
Most payments use WeChat Pay or Alipay, which require a Chinese bank account. Sometimes international cards work, but check first.
Keep Your Confirmation Info
After booking anything on Dianping, make sure to save your confirmation details. Take a screenshot, save the QR code, or note down the booking number. This will help avoid confusion when you arrive or if you need to show proof.
😀 Pro Tip: To stay connected throughout your visit, consider getting a China eSIM. Just activate and go!
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Choosing Restaurants and Using Group Deals on Dianping
One of the best things about Dianping is how easy it is to find great places to eat. You can search by food type, location, or even specific dishes. The detailed reviews and photos from locals help you pick the perfect spot, whether it’s a small street food stall or a fancy restaurant.
Dianping also offers group deals, known as Group buying, 团购 (tuán gòu), which are discounts or special offers you can buy in advance. It’s like Groupon for China. Using these deals can save you money on meals, beauty treatments, or entertainment. Simply look for the “团购” section when browsing, and follow the easy steps to buy and use your coupon.
Dianping vs Meituan
Dianping and Meituan are two of the top apps in China and often work closely together. In fact, Meituan owns Dianping, so their services overlap quite a bit. However, each app still has its own focus and strengths.
Feature | Dianping | Meituan |
|---|---|---|
Main Focus | Food & Lifestyle Reviews | Food Delivery & Local Services |
Restaurant Reviews | Detailed Reviews & Ratings | Reviews Available, Less Detailed |
Food Delivery | Available | Very Strong & Fast |
Hotel Booking | Yes | Yes |
Ride-Hailing | Yes | Yes |
Flight Booking | Yes | No |
Best For | Exploring Local Restaurants & Services | Fast Food Delivery & Daily Needs |
Smart Tips for Using Dianping on Your Trip
- Use filters: When searching for restaurants or services, use filters like price range, rating, or distance to quickly find the best options.
- Check recent reviews: Look at the newest reviews to see if a place is still good. Things can change quickly!
- Try group deals: Save money by using Dianping’s group deals, especially for meals and beauty services.
- Plan ahead: Book popular restaurants or services in advance. Some services may require an appointment.
Dianping is more than just an app. It’s your local guide in China. With a bit of patience and these tips, you’ll unlock great food, services, and deals that many tourists miss. Give it a try, and you might find your favorite spots faster than you expect. Happy exploring!
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