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Useful Apps

Dianping for Travelers in China

Find your next meal, a good café and a few places worth a detour.

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You have an hour before dinner and a neighborhood full of possibilities. A dumpling shop looks lively, a café has a quiet courtyard, and a small workshop catches your eye. Dianping helps you take a closer look before choosing where to go.

Known in Chinese as 大众点评, Dianping brings together local businesses, visitor photos and reviews. Use it to discover food and experiences, then decide what fits your day.1, 2

English support is listed for the iOS app. Some content may still need translation, and language options can differ across versions.1

On this page

When You’ll Use It

Find your next meal

Look for a nearby noodle shop, a local specialty or somewhere to linger over dinner.

Pause for coffee

Browse cafés, bakeries and dessert spots, using photos to find the atmosphere you want.

Try something nearby

Explore ideas such as pottery workshops and other local activities. Check the venue’s booking and language arrangements before committing.1

Discover Places

Explore food, local favorites and places nearby.

Rankings & Guides

Browse local rankings and compare popular restaurants.

Dining Deals

Look for restaurant vouchers and set-meal offers.

Adapted from official App Store artwork. Interface language, listings and offers may vary.

Adapted screens: Dianping App Store artwork

Get Ready to Explore

  1. Install and check the language

    Use the official download links on this page. Look for the language options available in your version; the exact settings and translated content may vary.1, 2

  2. Choose your city and area

    Check that you are searching the city you will visit. Use your hotel or a planned stop as a starting point. Location access can help surface nearby places once you arrive.3

  3. Start with browsing

    Basic browsing and search do not require an account under Dianping’s published policy. If another feature asks you to sign in, follow its prompts. An existing Meituan account can be used with its registered phone number.3

Find a Place You’ll Enjoy

  1. Start with the neighborhood

    Search around where you already plan to spend time. Pick something you feel like eating or doing, then compare a few places nearby. A convenient, appealing choice can fit your day better than a long journey to a famous name.

  2. Let the photos tell you more

    Look at food, tables and the room itself. Is it a quick counter meal, a lively group restaurant or somewhere for a quiet break? Compare photos from several visitors, and keep pictures of dishes you would like to ask about.1

  3. Read beyond the rating

    Use the star rating as a starting point. Read several recent reviews for details that matter to you: favorite dishes, portions, atmosphere and waiting. Where a per-person spending figure appears, treat it as a budget cue; check the menu for what you actually plan to order.

  4. Check the exact branch

    Confirm the address, opening hours and any floor or mall information before leaving. Keep the Chinese business name and address, then search for the same branch in Amap or DiDi. For an activity, confirm the session time and whether instruction is available in a language you understand.2

Our Amap guide can help you plan the route and find the entrance.

Before You Buy a Deal

You may see discounted set meals or vouchers, often labeled 团购. Treat these as an optional extra. You can use Dianping to choose a place without buying a deal.1, 3, 4

Before paying, check the participating branch, included items, number of people, valid dates and times, reservation requirements and refund conditions. Ask the restaurant to confirm anything unclear, and mention the voucher before ordering. Follow the redemption instructions on the actual offer.4

If You Get Stuck

Some text is still in Chinese

Use a screenshot with a translation tool you already know, if needed. Keep the original business name and address for navigation. For a dish or deal that is unclear, show the original page to staff and ask them to confirm.

I cannot find the right place

Try the Chinese name from the venue’s official page or your booking, and check the city and branch address. If several results look similar, compare the storefront photos or ask your hotel to help identify the right one.

A sign-in or purchase step does not work

Follow the country-code and verification options shown, and check the payment methods offered for that purchase. For an existing order, use its help or support entry. If you only need to choose a restaurant, return to browsing and ask the venue about booking or payment directly.

Sources & Updates

Sources checked on 25 October 2026. Language coverage, merchant information and available services may change. Confirm the branch, current opening hours and the terms of any offer before visiting or buying.

Sources by section and question