That One China App You NEED for Local Hotspots
Full List of All Essential Apps and important details
If you:
- are going on a trip without a guide and
- am an impromptu planner or
- just very flexible with your meals and downtime
Download Dazhongdianping 大众点评 (the icon in the 1st image)
Features:
1️⃣ Search for food, drinks, recreational activities like karaoke, pool and etc., services like massage and spa, and more.
• Filter for places near your vicinity or your next destination's vicinity as you can see the distance (just make sure when you are near a river to check using the map feature)
• View the average price per pax - great for budgeting
• Get good local recommendations as you are able to view their reviews and actual images.
2️⃣ Buy vouchers for the specific store to get better deals and discounts
3️⃣ Get free drinks/dessert/food item/discounts by doing a 打 卡 on the app (which is just a photo showing you've been to the place)
🫠🫠Cons:
• You do need a local number for verification (I bought nihao mobile sim on shopee so anytime I travel to china i just need to top up in the app)
• And probably one of you, you or your travel partner(s), must be able to read chinese (most of the content is still in chinese)
If you’re planning to explore China without relying on guided tours, having Dazhongdianping (大众点评) on your phone can greatly enhance your experience. Based on my trips, one of the best features is the detailed local reviews and plentiful photos uploaded by other users. This allows you to confidently pick restaurants, cafes, or even spa services nearby. The app’s map function helps pinpoint venues close to your current location or next stop, which is super handy when you’re on the move. Another tip is to buy vouchers directly within the app—this has helped me save quite a bit on meals and entertainment. Also, participating in the app’s check-in feature (called 打卡) can get you freebies like desserts or drinks at selected places. However, I found having a local Chinese SIM card essential for app verification. I personally used a Nihao mobile SIM bought through Shopee which I top up whenever I visit China. Keep in mind, most content is still predominantly in Chinese, so it’s helpful if you or someone traveling with you can read Chinese or use translation tools. Beyond food and fun, the app also lets you explore services like massages, karaoke, and shopping centers. It’s truly a versatile platform for running errands or finding last-minute plans. For newcomers, navigating the interface might feel challenging due to language, but with a little patience, it becomes a valuable travel companion.
