🎯 Find What You Need
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⚡ 30-Second Overview
The absolute minimum you need to know
Search: Baidu
Google doesn’t work. Use Baidu instead.
Chat: WeChat
Everyone uses it. For everything.
Shop: Taobao
Amazon + eBay combined. Lowest prices.
Food: Dianping
Yelp on steroids. Find food & deals.
💡 Pro Tip: Download these 4 apps on Day 1. You’ll use them daily.
🎯 The Essential 5: Must-Have for Daily Life
⚡ Quick Start
- Go to baidu.com
- Use Chrome Translate
- Search in English or Chinese
🎯 Core Features
- Web search
- Maps (百度地图)
- Cloud storage (百度网盘)
💡 Pro Tips
- Baidu Maps is more accurate than Google Maps in China
- Use Baidu Translate for Chinese-English translation
- Baidu Wangpan offers free 2TB cloud storage
⚠️ Watch Out
First results are often ads. Look for “广告” (advertisement) labels.
WeChat 微信
The Super App of China
SUPER APP
⚡ Quick Start
- Download WeChat app
- Register with phone
- Add contacts via QR code
🎯 Core Features
- Messaging & calls
- WeChat Pay
- Mini Programs
💡 Pro Tips
- WeChat Pay works everywhere – taxis, restaurants, street vendors
- Use “Scan” for instant payments and adding friends
- Mini Programs = apps within WeChat (no download needed)
⚠️ Watch Out
Need a Chinese bank account for WeChat Pay. Set up ASAP after arrival.
Taobao 淘宝
Everything Store
www.taobao.com
ESSENTIAL
💡 Pro Tips
- Use image search to find products
- Check seller ratings (crown = best)
- Negotiate prices via chat
Dianping 大众点评
Yelp + Groupon
www.dianping.com
ESSENTIAL
💡 Pro Tips
- 团购 = group deals, save 30-50%
- Check real customer photos
- Book restaurants & services
Alipay 支付宝
Payment + Services
ESSENTIAL
💡 Why You Need It
- Alternative to WeChat Pay
- Works with international cards
- Pay utilities, phone bills
📋 Complete List: All 10 Websites
🔍 Search & Information
💬 Social & Messaging
WeChat 微信
Everything app – chat, pay, services
MUST HAVE
🛒 Shopping & E-commerce
🏠 Life Services
🎬 Entertainment
🚀 Getting Started Guide
📅 Day 1: Essentials
- Download WeChat – you’ll need it immediately
- Set up Alipay with your passport
- Install Baidu Maps for navigation
📅 Week 1: Expand
- Open a Chinese bank account
- Link bank to WeChat Pay
- Register on Taobao for shopping
- Download Dianping for food
📅 Month 1: Master
- Explore WeChat Mini Programs
- Use 58.com for apartment/job
- Book travel on Ctrip
- Try group buying on Dianping
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a VPN in China?
Many international websites (Google, Facebook, Twitter) are blocked in China. The websites listed here all work without a VPN. For accessing blocked sites, research VPN options before arrival, as VPN websites are also blocked in China.
Can I use these websites in English?
English-friendly: Ctrip, JD.com (limited)
Chinese only: Taobao, Dianping, Baidu
Tip: Use Chrome’s translation feature or translation apps. Many expats navigate successfully without reading Chinese.
How do I make online payments?
WeChat Pay and Alipay dominate. You’ll need:
1. Chinese phone number (get at the airport)
2. Chinese bank account (bring passport to any major bank)
3. Link bank to WeChat/Alipay (bank staff can help)
Note: Some international cards now work with Alipay.
Should I use websites or apps?
Always use apps when available. Chinese services are mobile-first:
• WeChat – app only
• Taobao – app is much better
• Dianping – app has more features
• Baidu – both work well
What if I can’t access these sites from abroad?
Some Chinese websites restrict international access. Solutions:
• Use the mobile app instead of the website
• Try different browsers
• Access from within China
• Use international versions (e.g., Ctrip has Trip.com)
🎧
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