QR Codes in China: Your All-in-One Travel Tool

QR Codes in China: Your All-in-One Travel Tool

In China, QR codes are everywhere. They’ve become an essential “all-in-one tool” for both daily life and travel. Here’s how travelers typically use them:

1. Payments
WeChat Pay and Alipay QR codes are the most common payment methods. Restaurants, shops, and attractions almost always accept them. Tourists simply scan the merchant’s QR code, enter the amount, and pay—either via a linked bank card or an international payment option.

2. Transportation & Travel
QR codes make getting around easy. You can scan to ride the subway, buses, shared bikes, or even taxis. High-speed train and flight tickets come as electronic QR codes that can be scanned directly at check-in or boarding.

3. Attractions & Tickets
Bought your tickets online? You’ll get a QR code. Just scan it at the entrance to enter. Some attractions even provide maps or audio guides through QR codes.

4. Dining & Shopping
At many restaurants, you can scan a QR code on your table to order and pay without waiting for a server. Once you order, your food is automatically delivered to your table.

5. Information & Services
QR codes are used everywhere: public spaces, attractions, hotels, and more. Scan to access information, download apps, or contact customer service. Hospitals, parcel pick-ups, and parking payments also rely heavily on QR codes.

Summary
In China, QR codes aren’t just for payments—they’re a central part of getting information, making transactions, and handling daily services.

Pro Tip: Before traveling to China, download WeChat and enable WeChat Pay to make your trip seamless.