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How to Use Dianping (大众点评) in China: A Foreigner’s Guide
Dianping (大众点评) is China’s version of Yelp, Google Maps, and TripAdvisor rolled into one. Whether you’re hunting for local street food in Chengdu or booking a karaoke room in Shanghai, Dianping is the go-to app for discovering and rating services. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to use Dianping as a foreigner.
1. Where to Download Dianping
Tip: If you’re in China, download via the Apple App Store or Android app stores. For international users, use a Chinese phone number (or a virtual one) to bypass regional restrictions.
2. How to Register & Log In
- Open the app and tap “Register”.
- Enter a Chinese phone number (or use an international number with a + prefix).
- Verify via SMS code.
- Set up a password.
- Link to WeChat (微信) for easier logins in the future.
Note: WeChat integration is optional but recommended for seamless payments and social features.
3. Can You Switch to English?
✅ Yes! To switch the language:
- Tap your profile icon (top-left).
- Go to Settings > Language.
- Select English (or any other supported language).
The interface, reviews, and search results will now display in English.
4. Key Features for Foreigners
A. Find Local Food & Restaurants
- Search for dishes by keyword (e.g., “Peking duck”).
- Filter by price range, ratings, and distance.
- View photos and real-time reviews from other users.
B. Discover Hidden Gems
- “Top Picks” section highlights trending spots (e.g., Shanghai’s best xiaolongbao).
- “Nearby” tab shows popular local businesses around you.
C. Book Services Instantly
- Movies & Concerts: Check showtimes and buy tickets.
- Spas & Hair Salons: Book appointments directly.
- KTV & Bowling: Reserve private rooms for groups.
D. Get Coupons & Discounts
- Scan for red envelopes (红包) on deals pages.
- Pay with WeChat Pay or Alipay for extra savings.
5. Pro Tips for Using Dianping
- Search Like a Local:
- Use keywords like “地道小吃” (authentic snacks) or “网红打卡” (Instagram-worthy spots).
- Type “北京炸酱面” (Beijing noodles) instead of “noodles” for precise results.
- Read Reviews Smartly:
- Look for reviews with photos (带图) and high star ratings.
- Avoid places with too few reviews (often unreliable).
- Use the Map View:
- Zoom in to see clusters of highly rated restaurants.
- Toggle between “Food” and “Services” to explore different options.
- Pay with WeChat Pay:
- After ordering food delivery, use WeChat Pay for instant transactions.
- No need to carry cash!
6. Why Dianping Matters for Your China Trip
Dianping isn’t just a restaurant app—it’s a window into China’s local culture. From finding the best dumplings in Xi’an to booking a yoga class in Shenzhen, it’s the ultimate tool for navigating daily life like a pro.
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More About Dianping
Dianping, often called the “Yelp of China,” is a user-driven review and discovery platform founded in 2003. With over 770 million annual active users and 14.5 million merchants listed, it covers everything from Michelin-starred restaurants to street food stalls. Unlike niche apps, Dianping integrates real-time reviews, group discounts, and local recommendations, making it indispensable for foodies and travelers alike.
Key Features:
- User Reviews: Authentic ratings and photos from millions of diners.
- 团购 (Group Buys): Discounted meal deals for solo travelers or groups.
- 必吃榜 (Must-Eat List): A curated list of top-rated restaurants across China, updated annually .
- 地图导航 (Map Navigation): Pinpoint nearby eateries and get directions via Baidu Maps.
2. Getting Started: Registration & Interface
A. Download & Sign Up
- Download the App: Search for “大众点评” on the App Store or Google Play. Note: The app is primarily in Chinese, but core features like search and payment support partial English .
- Register:
- Use your international phone number to receive a verification SMS.
- Link your Alipay or WeChat Pay account for seamless payments.
- Language Settings: While the app lacks full English support, use Google Translate’s camera function to translate menus and reviews .
B. Explore the Interface
- 搜索栏 (Search Bar): Enter keywords like “Western food” or “vegetarian.”
- 分类标签 (Categories): Filter by cuisine (e.g., 火锅 hotpot, 川菜 Sichuan), price range, or user ratings.
- 附近 (Nearby): Discover restaurants within walking distance or by subway station.
3. Finding the Best Restaurants
A. Leverage the Must-Eat List
Dianping’s 必吃榜 (Must-Eat List) is a game-changer for foodies. Compiled annually using big data analysis of user reviews, it highlights restaurants with consistently high ratings and local popularity . Look for the iconic “必吃榜” badge to find trusted spots like Beijing’s Peking duck joints or Shanghai’s xiao long bao stalls.
B. Filter Like a Pro
- 评分 (Ratings): Sort by 4.5+ stars for top-tier quality.
- 人均消费 (Average Price): Set a budget (e.g., ¥50-100 for casual dining).
- 外国顾客友好 (Foreign-Friendly): Search for restaurants with English menus or reviews mentioning “foreigners welcome.”
C. Read Reviews Strategically
- 最新点评 (Recent Reviews): Focus on reviews from the past 3-6 months to avoid outdated info.
- 图片 (Photos): Check user-uploaded images to verify dish presentation and portion sizes.
- 差评 (Negative Reviews): Look for patterns (e.g., slow service, hygiene issues) to avoid pitfalls.
4. Booking & Payment Tips
A. Reservations & Waitlists
- 在线预约 (Online Booking): Use the 订座 (Reserve) button to secure tables at popular restaurants.
- 排队取号 (Queue Management): For crowded spots, use the 排队 (Queue) feature to join virtual waitlists and receive SMS alerts when your table is ready.
B. Group Buys & Coupons
- 团购 (Group Buys): Purchase discounted meal packages (e.g., ¥100 for a ¥200 meal) via the 优惠 (Deals) tab.
- 代金券 (Vouchers): Buy ¥50 or ¥100 vouchers for direct discounts at checkout.
Pro Tip: New users often get ¥1 (~$0.14) trial deals for their first purchase .
C. Payment Methods
- Alipay/WeChat Pay: The most seamless options. Link your international credit card to these wallets .
- International Cards: While some restaurants accept Visa/Mastercard, it’s safer to use Alipay/WeChat Pay for in-app transactions .
