China Shared Services & Everyday Convenience

Colorful shared bikes and e-bikes have become a common sight in Chinese cities. They're a practical way for locals to commute and for visitors to explore parks or backstreets like a resident.

However, for short-term international travelers, using them independently can be challenging. Most apps require a Chinese phone number and ID for verification, and the interfaces, instructions, and customer support are almost entirely in Chinese. Unlocking, paying, and even finding the right parking spot may pose hurdles if you don't read the language.

Worried about your phone running out of battery while exploring? Shared power banks are here to help. Found at malls, cafés, subway stations, and even on restaurant tables, they work like digital-era charging stations.

To use one, just scan the QR code and follow the steps to register. A small deposit is usually required for first-time users. Once done, the power bank unlocks. When you're finished, you can return it to any available slot from the same service network - no need to go back to where you picked it up. It's a flexible system made for life on the move.

Taxis and app-based ride services make getting around easy, even if you don't speak Chinese. Didi Chuxing, similar to Uber, is the most widely used platform, available in most cities. Navigation apps like Amap also offer ride-hailing with multiple service and price options.

These apps support English - you can enter your destination in English, and the driver will receive the translation. Payment is seamless: link your international credit card (Visa, Mastercard, etc.), and the fare will be deducted automatically after each ride. Of course, traditional taxis are still available; you can flag one down or book via an app. Just make sure the driver starts the meter.

What if you could enjoy local dishes without leaving your hotel? In China, it's just a tap away. Open an app like Meituan or Elema, and you'll find hundreds of restaurants - from congee and dim sum to burger joints and cloud kitchens.

Delivery is fast - often within 30 minutes - with riders bringing meals at just the right temperature. In Shanghai, the future is already here: drones deliver coffee and lunches in areas like Lujiazui and the West Bund, cutting delivery time to around 12 minutes. These smart drones use temperature-controlled boxes and obstacle-avoidance tech for safety and freshness.

Join our "City of the Future" tour to see this system in action, learn how drones are reshaping urban logistics, and even receive a meal delivered by one.

Traveling light? If you've forgotten sunscreen or need a power adapter, just order one via JD.com or Taobao. In major cities, delivery can take half a day; elsewhere, often by the next day.

A key part of this system are the 24/7 self-service pickup stations found in many neighborhoods. Even after staff leave, you can scan a QR code to enter, find your package using a pickup code, and self-checkout by placing it in the recognition zone. It's fast, intuitive, and contact-free - a small example of how technology here is designed around the user.

These everyday services are more than just tools - they reflect the spirit of innovation that defines modern China. We hope they help you feel at home, so you can focus on enjoying the scenery, culture, and moments that matter. China's charm lies not only in its history and landscapes, but also in the thoughtful, smart solutions that make life easier. We look forward to welcoming you again - and to you discovering even more of what makes this country unique.