Tech Update: Google and WhatsApp don't work in China, so which apps do the Chinese use?
In today's digital world, can you imagine living without essential apps like WhatsApp, Instagram, Google Maps, Facebook, or UPI? Probably not, but there's one country that ignores all these popular apps and uses its indigenous versions. You guessed it right: we're talking about China and the advanced Chinese apps used there. In fact, Chinese apps from WeChat to Baidu, Douyin to Alipay, are the top choice of billions of users in China. Let's explore the Chinese versions of these popular apps that rule the Dragon Nation.
WeChat Instead of WhatsApp
Just as WhatsApp is used for messaging in China, WeChat is also dominant in China. You could even call it China's super app. In addition to chatting, this app offers numerous features like online payments, audio-video calls, banking, ticket booking, and mini apps. People in China even use this app for tasks like paying bills, shopping, and office communication.
Douyin App for Social Media
The app known worldwide as TikTok is called Douyin in China. This app is used throughout China as a form of social media. Users create creative videos with music, filters, and effects. Now, it's also possible to purchase products through this app.
Xiaohongshu App for E-Commerce
Just like we shop on apps like Amazon, Facebook, or Meesho, the Xiaohongshu app is used in China. You can think of it as a fusion of e-commerce and social media. People share posts related to fashion, beauty, travel, and lifestyle, and others can purchase those products. This app is especially popular among women.
China's UPI App: Alipay
Just as we use UPI for online payments, AliPay is used in China. This is China's largest digital payment app, owned by the Alibaba Group. This app is the backbone of China's cashless economy.
Taobao for Online Shopping
The Taobao app can be thought of as China's Amazon or Flipkart. It's an online shopping platform from Alibaba. Many small merchants sell their products on this app, offering everything from clothing, gadgets, and household goods. Taobao is very popular in China for online shopping due to its affordable products and offers.
The Baidu app is China's Google.
The Baidu app can be considered China's Google. It's a search engine, but it also offers services like maps, translation, news, video, and AI chat. Furthermore, many of Baidu's apps come with very advanced features. For example, the Maps app shows you the time of red light overflows directly on the app.
Meituan is China's Swiggy-Zomato.
In China, the Meituan app is used to order food online, book hotels, and travel tickets. It can be considered a combination of Swiggy, Zomato, and MakeMyTrip. People can also book movie tickets through this app.
Disclaimer: This content has been sourced and edited from Dainik Jagran. While we have made modifications for clarity and presentation, the original content belongs to its respective authors and website. We do not claim ownership of the content.
