HAIKOU, China, December 24, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — At China International Travel Mart on December 19, 2025, UnionPay officially launched the “Nihao China” app, a unique digital platform designed to provide a more seamless travel experience.
More than a travel tool, the app serves as a digital bridge connecting visitors to daily life in China, promoting smoother cross-border services and deeper people-to-people exchanges.
One app, all payments
Getting started is simple. Users can register with an email address or sign in directly through Apple accounts, then link international bank cards, including UnionPay, Visa and Mastercard, issued outside mainland China. The app displays real-time exchange rates for over 160 currencies.
For online payments, “Nihao China” connects to more than 300 platforms covering train tickets via 12306, food delivery via Meituan and Ele.me (Taobao Shangou), hotel reservations on Ctrip and shopping on JD.com.
For in-store scenarios, the app integrates UnionPay, Alipay and WeChat Pay acceptance networks, allowing users to scan all QR codes with one app in more than 1,000 service scenarios.
The app also facilitates tax refunds in major cities, including Beijing and Shanghai, and plans to gradually expand the service to cover all tax refund scenarios for international visitors across China, providing a more efficient and convenient refund experience.
Seamless mobility across China
The application covers the subway systems of 43 major Chinese cities and public bus networks in more than 1,760 county-level regions, creating a rail-bus payment network. No need to buy separate travel cards – just tap and go.
The English map helps locate nearby ATMs, currency exchange points and other essential services based on your location.
Smart tools, zero language barriers
Real-time translation supports Chinese-English conversations, with intelligent recognition added for Japanese, Korean, Arabic and Russian. The translation of pages in the application guarantees smooth navigation in your native language.
The app’s smart assistant goes beyond translation, answering questions about attractions, transportation and restaurants, while providing personalized route planning combining public transportation, walking and other modes of travel.
Upcoming improvements and service expansion
The app will continue to evolve with upcoming features, including integrated visa services such as application guidance, appointment scheduling and status tracking; virtual SIM card activation for instant mobile data on arrival; and one-click reservations for popular museums and scenic spots, including the National Museum of China.
Building a more inclusive payment ecosystem for international travelers
Beyond the “Nihao China” app, to date, more than 200 million UnionPay cards and more than 200 UnionPay partner wallets issued outside mainland China have been able to pay seamlessly in 183 countries and regions around the world, including China.
In addition, UnionPay has introduced more than 10 million SplendorPlus cards from 59 issuers in 20 international markets, providing benefits to five selected categories of merchants, including airport VIP lounges, transportation, tourist attractions, culture, arts and cuisine for those traveling, studying or working in China.
UnionPay remains committed to improving its acceptance network, products and services to create a friendlier and more secure payment experience for international visitors.
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SOURCE UnionPay International
