WeChat is everything
Messaging, payments, booking, social media, government services — all in one app. Without WeChat, daily life in China is significantly harder. Set it up before you arrive.
🏠 Daily life in China
Daily life in China comes down to small habits — laundry, groceries, schedules, household routines — that locals do on autopilot and newcomers learn by watching.
In China, daily life comes down to a few things: wechat is everything, cash is nearly gone, and face (miànzi) matters.
Cash is nearly gone
China leapfrogged cards straight to mobile payments. Alipay and WeChat Pay are used for everything from street food to rent. Tourists can now link foreign cards. Carry some cash as backup.
Face (miànzi) matters
Causing someone to lose face publicly — through criticism, embarrassment, or confrontation — damages the relationship permanently. Praise publicly, correct privately. Always leave room for graceful exits.