UnionPay has unveiled the “Nihao China” app, a comprehensive digital platform aimed at enhancing the travel experience for international visitors. Officially launched at the China International Travel Mart on December 19, 2025, this app functions not only as a travel tool but also as a vital connection to daily life in China. It supports smoother cross-border services and fosters deeper cultural exchanges.
The app offers a user-friendly setup. Users can register using an email address or log in through Apple accounts, enabling them to link international bank cards such as UnionPay, Visa, and Mastercard issued outside China. The platform provides real-time exchange rates for over 160 currencies and connects users to more than 300 platforms for various services, including train tickets via 12306, food delivery through Meituan and Ele.me, hotel bookings on Ctrip, and shopping on JD.com.
Streamlined Payment Solutions
“Nihao China” simplifies payment processes across China’s extensive network. The app integrates acceptance networks for UnionPay, Alipay, and WeChat Pay, allowing users to scan all QR codes through one application in over 1,000 service scenarios. Notably, the app also facilitates tax refunds in major cities like Beijing and Shanghai, with intentions to expand these services nationwide for international visitors, enhancing the refund experience.
In addition to payment integration, the app covers metro systems in 43 major Chinese cities and public bus networks across over 1,760 county-level regions. Travelers no longer need to purchase separate transit cards; they can simply tap and go. An English-language map feature guides users to nearby ATMs, currency exchange points, and essential services based on their location.
Advanced Features for Travelers
The app’s real-time translation capabilities support conversations in Chinese and English, with smart recognition for Japanese, Korean, Arabic, and Russian. In-app page translation allows seamless navigation in users’ native languages. Additionally, the smart assistant offers responses to inquiries about attractions, transportation, and dining, while providing customized route planning that combines various travel modes.
Future updates are set to enhance the app further. Upcoming features include integrated visa services, such as application guidance and appointment booking, virtual SIM card activation for instant mobile data upon arrival, and one-tap reservations for popular destinations like the National Museum of China.
UnionPay is dedicated to building a more inclusive payment ecosystem for international travelers. To date, over 200 million UnionPay cards and more than 200 UnionPay-partner wallets issued outside China allow seamless payments across 183 countries and regions, with a particularly strong presence in China. Furthermore, UnionPay has introduced over 10 million SplendorPlus Cards, offering benefits across various categories for those who travel, study, or work in China.
With the launch of the “Nihao China” app, UnionPay aims to improve its acceptance network and services, creating a more user-friendly and secure payment experience for international visitors. This initiative represents a significant step toward making travel in China more accessible and enjoyable for tourists from around the world.
