How to Use Dianping App: Food & Service App in China

If you’re planning a trip to China, one app you definitely don’t want to miss is Dianping App. It’s like Yelp but much bigger in China. You can find good places to eat, cafes, spas, entertainment and all kinds of local services you can imagine. Dianping will help you explore China with real reviews and ratings from locals.

What is Dianping App?

Dianping started in 2003 as a website for restaurant reviews. Over the years, it grew into a big platform covering lots of lifestyle services like food delivery, hotel bookings, beauty salons, and entertainment. Dianping app lets users check ratings, read reviews, see photos, and even book or order directly. Users can also post their reviews on the App. There is a community for a more real experience.

It’s super popular in China. People use it to check ratings and read honest reviews before they decide where to go. Because it’s so trusted by locals, Dianping is a great tool for travellers too. You can explore China like a local and avoid tourist traps.

Top Features of Dianping

Restaurant reviews and ratings: You can easily find where to eat by checking honest reviews and star ratings from locals. You can check photos and menus before you visit, so you know what to expect.

Reservations and delivery: Many restaurants let you book a table directly through Dianping app. It's super handy. Or you can directly book food delivery on it.

Lifestyle services: Need a haircut, massage, movie, or tickets to a show? Dianping has you covered with local service listings and reviews.

Location-based search: Dianping app shows places near you, so you can discover spots without much planning.

Hotel & flight booking: Dianping also helps you book hotels and flights. You can also check local deals and user reviews.

Ride-hailing: Need a quick ride? You can book taxis or private cars right from the app.

How to Use Dianping App as a Foreigner?

1. Download and Install the App

Search for “Dianping” in your app store and install it. The app is mostly in Chinese. But don’t worry if it looks tricky at first. It can switch to English for travellers.

2. Create an Account & Switch Language

To book or order, you may need to sign up. You’ll need a phone number to register. Using a local Chinese SIM card makes this easier. If you need to switch language, just tap "我的"-“设置”-“多语言”-“English”.

3. 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. Or you can also switch the city manually at the top left corner.

4. 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.

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. Payment

Most payments use WeChat Pay or Alipay, which need a Chinese bank account. Sometimes international cards work, but check first.

9. 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.

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 called 团购 (tuán gòu) — these are discounts or special offers you can buy in advance. It’s like a Groupon for China. Using these deals can save you money on meals, beauty treatments, or entertainment. Just look for the “团购” section when browsing, and follow the simple steps to buy and use your coupon.

Dianping vs Meituan

Dianping and Meituan are two top apps in China that often work closely together. In fact, Meituan owns Dianping, so their services overlap a lot. But each app still has its own focus and strengths. 

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 what suits you best.

Check recent reviews: Look at the newest reviews to see if a place is still good. Things can change fast!

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 need 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 favourite spots faster than you expect. Happy exploring!

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