These useful Chinese platforms are making life in China easier. Whether you’re a newcomer or experienced expat, they are worth a closer look. Join us to explore the platforms that can make your life in China not only easier, but also more fun.

5 Platforms to Make Your Life in China Easier

01. Dianping

大众点评
Dàzhòng Diǎnpíng
Dianping

Dianping, a Chinese answer to Yelp, is a platform for discovering and reviewing local businesses and services. Users can explore a wide range of options, including restaurants, hotels, shops, entertainment venues and more.

NOTE
One of the most useful features of Dianping is its ability to provide coupons and discounts. Whether it’s dining at a restaurant, visiting a spa, or enjoying leisure activities, Dianping users can discover and grab exclusive money-saving deals.

Let’s learn a few useful words for you to navigate Dianping.

优惠
yōuhuì
discount/special deal

评价
píngjià
to rate

立即预约
lìjí yùyuē
to reserve now

订座
dìngzuò
ticket reservation

NOTE
Chinese term 订座 (dìngzuò) refers to the act of reserving seats, so it’s commonly used in situations where having a designated or preferred seating arrangement is important (theater, event, cinema, workshop etc).

THAT’S MANDARIN TIP
Various restaurants provide 套餐 (tàocān), a combination of dishes for a fixed price. Don’t miss a chance purchasing a set meal by using Dianping next time you have a meal in a restaurant. It can be more cost-effective than ordering dish separately from the menu, and also a great way to explore new flavors.

02. Sogou Input

搜狗输入法
Sōugǒu Shūrùfǎ
Sogou Input

Ever tried to type Chinese characters on your phone? Sogou Input is an intuitive keyboard that makes Chinese typing a breeze. Sogou Input offers a range of various input methods such as handwriting or voice input, and makes it easy to convert pinyin into characters.

Here are a few features of Sogou Input that you can use:

快捷翻译
kuàijié fānyì
quick translation

This function allows users to translate text while typing, which can be quite helpful for multilingual communication.

语音输入
yǔyīn shūrù
voice input

This feature enables users to input text using the voice and convert spoken language into written text. Just remember that this feature has a limitation and let to input only 400 characters in one minute.

拍照转文字
pāizhào zhuǎi wénzì
photo to text

One of the most helpful features that allows to convert images containing text into editable and searchable text. Once the text is extracted, you can edit it, translate, or use in various ways.

03. Maoyan

猫眼电影
Māoyǎn Diànyǐng
Maoyan
(lit. “cat-eye-cinema”)

From buying movie, show and exhibition tickets to staying updated on latest events, Maoyan is your ultimate entertainment guide. With Maoyan is easier to browse showtimes, select the most convenient screening, secure your ticket — all within the palm of your hand.

Here are the features you can explore:

电影票
diànyǐng piào
cinema ticket

This feature enables you to purchase movie tickets and select nearest and most convenient cinema.

演出
yǎnchū
show

Using this feature, you can choose tickets for a wide array of entertainment options, including shows, events, exhibitions, and even stand-up performances.

玩乐
wánlè
fun

This function offers a diverse range of enjoyable activities, such as DIY classes and workshops.

04. iQIYI

爱奇艺
Àiqíyì
iQIYI

iQIYI is a video streaming platform that offers a huge number of movies and television shows, and brings you the best of global and local entertainment. iQIYI isn’t just a source of entertainment, it’s also a resource for improving your Chinese skills. With a constantly updated library of various content from classic Chinese TV series to the latest trending shows, iQIYI can be a valuable companion on your journey to mastering Chinese. 

iQIYI has some other strong competitors in China, which are also well-known among Chinese netizens: you can check them here 🎥

视频
shìpín
video

电视剧
diànshìjù
TV-drama

字幕
zìmù
subtitles

直播
zhíbō
live broadcast

04. Tantan

探探
Tàntàn
Tantan

Tantan is a popular Chinese dating app that provides a platform for people to connect and meet individuals based on mutual interests and preferences. Like Tinder, you simply swipe through potential matches, depending on whether you like what you see.

NOTE

Tantan app comes with it’s own set of safety considerations and takes measures to enhance users security. However, always trust on your own judgement and take necessary precautions to insure both your safety and a positive experience.

Here are a few words you can learn before making your first match:

匹配
pǐpèi
to match; a match

滑动
huádòng
to swipe

私信
sīxìn
(to send) a private message

赞
zàn
to like; like(s)

Read an interesting article about Chinese pick-up lines (we truly believe pick-up lines would not work here in China) and our experiment of testing these pick-up lines in real-life 探探 (Tantan) conversations.

AND ONE MORE THING…

If you are a That’s Mandarin student, you’ve already experienced learning Chinese in an authentic way with our in-house platform, NihaoCafe. 

And if you are not familiar with NihaoCafe yet, it’s an immersive platform that offers interactive environment where learning Chinese becoming an enjoyable journey. Through a blend of engaging lessons and real-life stories with authentic dialogues, you’ll be able to effortlessly apply your knowledge in modern world.

Take It Further

Do you know any other useful and cool Chinese platforms that can make life in China easier? Share with our community! Leave your ideas in the comments below.