Xiaohongshu: The Ultimate Lifestyle App You Need in China (And Beyond!)

Xiaohongshu: The Ultimate Lifestyle App You Need in China (And Beyond!)

If you're living in China—or even just visiting—there's one app that will transform your daily life: Xiaohongshu (小红书), or "Little Red Book."

Forget Google. Forget Baidu. Forget scrolling endlessly on Instagram or TikTok without finding what you actually need. Xiaohongshu is the most practical, information-packed, and engaging app you’ll use in China. And guess what? It’s becoming just as useful outside China too!

Xiaohongshu 101

Imagine if Instagram, Pinterest, TikTok, and Yelp had a baby—that’s Xiaohongshu! It’s a visual discovery platform where millions of users share:

✔ Reviews

✔ Hidden gem restaurants & cafés

✔ Travel guides

✔ Beauty & fashion tips (Asian skincare lovers, rejoice!)

✔ Life hacks(how to survive—and thrive—in China)

Scared Of Being The Only Foreigner On The Plateform ? You Won't Be!

You might've missed it but recently, there’s been a "TikTok refugee" trend where Western influencers started moving to Xiaohongshu because:

🔹 Less algorithm pressure – Unlike TikTok, your posts don’t need to go viral instantly to be seen.

🔹 Higher-quality content – Users spend time crafting detailed guides, not just quick viral clips.

🔹 Better for niche communities – Whether you’re into Chinese tea, vintage shopping, or hiking secret trails, there’s a passionate group for you!

🔹Some of your favourite celebrities are already on the app! Go follow them to get exclusive Xiaohongshu-style content!

Why Xiaohongshu Is BETTER Than Google or Baidu in China

Let’s be real: Google doesn’t work well in China, and Baidu’s results are often cluttered with ads. Xiaohongshu, on the other hand, is where real people share real experiences.

1. The Best Travel Tips

Looking for:

- "Secret spots" in the Great Wall? ✅

- A hidden café in Beijing with the best matcha latte? ✅

- A local’s guide to avoiding crowds in Shanghai during the week-end?✅

Xiaohongshu users post photo diaries, step-by-step guides, and even maps—making it 10x more useful than generic travel blogs.

2. Foodie Heaven: Find the BEST Restaurants

Instead of guessing on Google Maps, search:

- "Best Sichuan hotpot near me"

- "Affordable brunch in Guangzhou"

- "Vegan-friendly restaurants in Shenzhen"

You’ll get real photos, honest reviews, and even price breakdowns—no more disappointing meals!

3. Lifestyle & Shopping Made Easy

- "Where to buy international skincare in China?" → Xiaohongshu has store recommendations + price comparisons.

- "How to order groceries as a foreigner?" → Step-by-step Taobao/JD guides.

- "Best gyms in Shanghai" -> get honest reviews!

Pro Tip:

If your Chinese is limited, use Google Translate’s camera scan or learn a few key Chinese search terms:

- "推荐" (tuījiàn) = "recommendations"

- "攻略" (gōnglüè) = "guide"

- "测评" (cèpíng) = "product review"

If you want simple posts about the city you're interested in simply search "[Name of the city in Chinese] + Citywalk", it's the easiest way to find all of the content related to one place!

Bonus: Use Xiaohongshu in Your Home Country!

Yes, you read that right! Many users now rely on Xiaohongshu for:

🌍International travel guides (e.g., "Best coffee shops in Paris")

💄 K-beauty & J-beauty product reviews

🛍 Shopping hauls

Since Chinese travelers and shoppers are extremely detail-oriented, their reviews often include:

✔ Exact prices

✔ Comparison charts (e.g., "Dior vs. Chanel lipstick")

✔ Unfiltered pros & cons

Still Overwhelmed? We Can Help!

If you’re moving to China for work, study, or travel, ask us about Xiaohongshu during your internship interview—our mission is to help you prepare and get use to your new life in China: we’ll give you personalized tips!

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Browse our website for more guides on mastering life in China, and to check internship opportunities!

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Jimmy

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Jimmy is in charge of finding you the best internships in China and ensuring you have the best experience in China.

Xiaohongshu: The Ultimate Lifestyle App You Need in China (And Beyond!)

Jimmy

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