I. How to Ride a Shared Bike by Scanning a QR Code: A Solution to the "Last Mile" Problem
Shared bikes, as an effective tool for solving short-distance travel problems, are widely distributed in major cities across China.
Detailed Steps:
1. Finding a Bike: Look for Meituan (yellow bikes), Hello (blue bikes), or Qingju (green bikes) shared bikes in designated parking areas next to the sidewalk (usually marked with white lines).
2. Unlocking by Scanning a QR Code:
◦ Open the "Scan" function in WeChat or Alipay.
◦ Directly scan the QR code on the back of the seat or in the center of the handlebars.
◦ The system will automatically redirect to the corresponding mini-program and complete the unlocking operation. Some bikes require scanning a QR code within their dedicated apps (such as "Meituan" or "Hello Bike").
3. Riding and Ending the Trip:
◦ Check the bike's condition (including brakes, tires, etc.). Once confirmed to be in good condition, you can begin riding.
◦ Upon arrival at your destination, park the bike in a designated parking area (the map within the app will provide relevant prompts). ◦ Manually lock the bike. After hearing a "beep," the mobile app or mini-program will automatically pop up a notification indicating the trip is over and payment has been deducted.
Key Points and Tips:
• Proper Parking is Mandatory: Improper parking (such as blocking intersections or parking inside residential areas) will be detected by the system and an additional dispatch fee will be charged (ranging from 5 to 20 yuan).
• Low Cost: The starting price is typically 1.5 yuan for 15-30 minutes, with single-trip passes and monthly passes available for users to choose from.
• Safety is Paramount: During your ride, please strictly abide by traffic rules and be mindful of yielding to motor vehicles and pedestrians.
II. WeChat Registration and Usage: From Daily Chat to Group Creation
WeChat, as China's "all-in-one application," has social networking as its core business.
Registration and Basic Settings:
1. Download and Register: Download the "WeChat" application from the app store and complete the registration process using a mainland China mobile phone number to receive an SMS verification code.
2. Complete Personal Information: Set your profile picture, nickname (you can use your real name or online name), and WeChat ID (your WeChat ID is a unique ID and can only be modified once).
3. Real-Name Authentication (Preparing for Payment Functionality): Go to [Me] -> [Services] -> [Wallet] -> [Identity Information], and follow the system prompts to bind your bank card to complete real-name authentication. This step is a necessary prerequisite for using WeChat Pay.
Adding Friends and Chatting:
• Adding Friends by Scanning a QR Code: Click the "+" in the upper right corner of the interface -> [Scan] to scan the other person's WeChat personal QR code. You can also show your own QR code for others to scan.
• Adding Friends by Searching: Search for and add friends by entering their WeChat ID or bound mobile phone number.
• Chat Functionality: Supports text, voice, and video calls, and allows sending pictures, files, and location information. It also features a rich collection of emojis.
Creating and Managing WeChat Groups:
4. Creating a Group: Click the "+" icon in the upper right corner of the interface -> [Start a Group Chat] -> [Face-to-Face Group Creation] (enter the same password as the people around you) or [Select Contact] to directly invite members to join the group.
5. Group Management:
◦ Change Group Name: [Click the "..." icon in the upper right corner of the group chat interface] -> [Group Chat Name] to change the group name.
◦ Set Group Announcements: Post important notices, and all group members will receive a notification.
◦ @ Function: Enter "@" in the chat input box to choose to @ all members or a specific member.
◦ Save as a Group Chat: Newly created groups will only be permanently saved in the chat list after any member sends a message.
III. How to Use Alipay: Payment and Digital Identity Management Center
Alipay was initially launched as a payment tool and has now developed into a comprehensive service platform covering all aspects of life.
Core Payment Scenarios:
1. Offline Payment: When shopping at supermarkets, restaurants, etc., open the Alipay app, click the "Pay/Receive Money" button at the top of the homepage, and show the cashier your payment code (including barcode and QR code). The cashier will scan the code to complete the payment.
2. Online Payment: When checking out on apps like Taobao and food delivery services, select "Alipay" as your payment method. The system will automatically redirect you to complete the payment process.
3. Transfers Between Friends: Select the recipient on the "Friends" page, or use the "Transfer" function on the homepage, and enter the recipient's Alipay account (usually a mobile phone number) to complete the transfer.
Paying Utilities and Storing Personal Information:
4. Utility Bill Payment: Search for "Utility Bill Payment" on the homepage or go to the "Citizen Center," add a payment account number, and you can pay bills for water, electricity, gas, broadband, landline, etc.
5. Transportation Payment: Use the "Transportation" function on the homepage to obtain electronic bus/subway cards for various cities and use QR code scanning to ride public transportation. The "Car Owner Services" function can be used to pay traffic violation fines.
6. Digital Identity Information Management:
◦ Document Folder Function: Find "Document Folder" on the "My" page to add electronic documents such as ID cards, driver's licenses, and social security cards (photo verification is required when adding).
◦ Social Security and Housing Provident Fund Inquiry and Withdrawal: You can check your social security balance and housing provident fund information in the "Citizen Center." Some cities support online withdrawal of related funds.
Special Features:
• Ant Forest: Accumulate energy through low-carbon behaviors (such as walking, online payments, etc.), which can be used to plant real trees. It also has social interaction functions.
• Health Code/Travel History: Although related functions have been largely phased out, its ability to integrate public services reflects the characteristics of digital life in China.
IV. How to Use Food Delivery Apps: Food Delivered to Your Door in 30 Minutes
The current mainstream food delivery platforms are Meituan Waimai and Ele.me.
Detailed Ordering Process:
1. Select Delivery Address: After opening the app, the first and crucial step is to confirm or select a precise delivery address (such as home address, work address, etc.).
2. Browse and Select Restaurants and Dishes: The system will recommend nearby restaurants based on the user's selected address. Users can filter by food category, rating, sales volume, etc.
3. Place Order and Pay: Add desired dishes to cart -> Proceed to checkout -> Select number of cutlery servings -> Use coupons/discount coupons -> Confirm payment (usually supports WeChat Pay, Alipay, etc.).
4. Wait and Receive Delivery: Users can view the rider's location in real time. The rider will notify the user by phone upon delivery. It is recommended that users say "thank you" upon receiving the delivery, as this is a common courtesy.
Money-Saving Tips:
• Purchase a membership card to receive multiple no-minimum-spend coupons each month.
• Pay attention to promotional activities such as "Daily Coupons" and "Billions in Subsidies" on the homepage.
• Group Purchase Discount: Order with friends to enjoy a more favorable price when the minimum order amount is reached.
V. How to Buy Train Tickets Using 12306: Official Ticketing Guide
"Railway 12306" is the only officially designated ticketing platform of China Railway.
Ticket Purchase Process:
1. Registration and Identity Verification: Register using a mainland China mobile phone number and complete identity verification (real name, ID card number/passport number required).
2. Search and Select Train Numbers and Seats: Enter your departure point, destination, and travel date to search for train numbers. Select the appropriate train number ("G" high-speed rail is the fastest, "D" bullet train is next, "K/T/Z" are regular trains) and seat class (Business Class/First Class/Second Class) according to your needs.
3. Seat Selection and Order Submission: High-speed rail and bullet trains support online seat selection (such as window seat, aisle seat, etc.). Add passenger information and submit the order.
4. Order Payment: Payment must be completed within 30 minutes. Multiple payment methods are supported, including Alipay, WeChat Pay, and online banking.
5. Station Entry and Boarding:
◦ No ticket required! Passengers can directly enter the station and board the train by swiping their original ID card (or passport for foreign passengers) at the gates using card or facial recognition.
◦ If you need a reimbursement voucher, you can print one at the station's self-service machine (blue paper ticket, not required).
Ticket Booking and Waiting List Tips:
• Waiting List Function: If tickets are sold out, you can use the "waitlist" function to queue. When tickets become available, the system will automatically fulfill your order, with a high success rate.
• Pay attention to ticket release times: Ticket release times vary for different stations and trains. Users can check specific information within the app.
• Transfer Ticket Purchase: When direct tickets are unavailable, you can try purchasing connecting tickets (e.g., A to B, B to C). The system has a "connecting transfer" function that provides recommended options.
--- Summary: Traveling Seamlessly in China with a Digital ID
These usage habits collectively construct a Chinese-style digital lifestyle of "one device in hand, worry-free life":
• Unified Entry Point Advantage: WeChat and Alipay, as two super-application entry points, integrate various services such as payment, travel, social networking, and government services.
• Real-Name Registration as a Foundation: Almost all services are built on a real-name authentication system based on mobile phone number + ID card + bank card, ensuring both convenience and security (while also requiring users to protect their personal privacy).
• QR Code Connectivity: QR codes act as a bridge, effectively connecting the physical world with digital services.
• Efficiency-First Philosophy: From fast food delivery to facial recognition entry on high-speed trains, the pursuit of ultimate efficiency is fully demonstrated.
Final Advice for Beginners: It is recommended to start with one function and gradually try it (for example, using WeChat Pay to buy a bottle of water), and then gradually expand the scope of use. At the same time, always remain vigilant and properly protect your payment password and personal information. This way, you can quickly enjoy the enormous convenience brought by these digital lifestyle habits.
