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5 min readβ’2026 Edition
How to Use Dianping (The Yelp of China)
Find Michelin-worthy local eats, hidden alley gems, and real food ratings.
Dianping is China's most trusted food & lifestyle review app. Learn how to locate 'Must-Eat' restaurants and decipher user ratings without knowing Chinese.
Table of Contents
1. The 'Must-Eat List' (εΏ εζ¦)
Dianping's annual 'Must-Eat List' is chosen by millions of real diner reviews without paid endorsements. Look for the orange circular badge 'εΏ εζ¦' on restaurant listings for guaranteed incredible flavor.
A 4.5+ star rating on Dianping with thousands of reviews indicates top-tier culinary excellence.
2. The Visual Photo Ordering Hack
Tap the restaurant page -> Tap 'Recommended Dishes' (ζ¨θθ). You will see the top ranked dishes with photos and prices. Simply show the photos on your screen to the waiter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q:Can I buy set-meal vouchers on Dianping with foreign card?
Dianping vouchers usually require WeChat Pay or Alipay. Link your card to Alipay first, then checkout on Dianping with Alipay.