How common is food delivery in China?

How common is food delivery in China? A guide for foreign travelers

If you want to feel the pulse of modern urban life in China, trying food delivery is essential. When it comes to the question “How common is food delivery in China?”, the answer is: it is extremely common, deeply integrated into daily life, and among the most advanced in the world in terms of convenience and efficiency.

For foreign travelers, delivery is not only an interesting cultural experience, but also a real “lifesaver” on days when you don’t want to go out. This guide explains how it works and how you can use it.

---

1. Reality on the ground: a country where “almost anything can be delivered”

In China’s medium and large cities, wàimài (外卖) — food delivery — is far more than occasionally ordering a pizza. It’s a way of life.

• Two major platforms:
  The market is dominated by two giants: Meituan (美团) and Ele.me (饿了么). You’ll see delivery riders in yellow (Meituan) and blue (Ele.me) everywhere — they are the backbone of this system.

• Amazing variety:
  Through delivery apps, you can order almost anything, including:

  • Food from both high‑end restaurants and tiny local eateries
  • Coffee and bubble tea
  • Groceries, fruit, and snacks
  • Over‑the‑counter medicine from pharmacies

• Extreme convenience:
  Whether you are in a hotel room, office, or sitting on a bench in a park, a few taps on your phone will usually get food delivered within 30–45 minutes.

---

2. How can foreign travelers use delivery services?

Although delivery apps are primarily designed for local users and are mostly in Chinese, foreign visitors can still use them — especially by taking advantage of payment apps you may already have set up.

Best option: use mini‑programs inside Alipay or WeChat

You don’t necessarily need to download the full Meituan or Ele.me apps. The simplest method is to access their services from within Alipay or WeChat.

• Step‑by‑step guide:

  1. Open your payment app:
     Open Alipay, ideally already linked to your international bank card.

  2. Find the delivery entry point:
     On the main screen, look for or search “饿了么 (Ele.me)” or “美团 (Meituan)” mini‑programs and tap to open.

  3. Grant location access:
     The app will ask permission to access your location. Once allowed, it will locate your hotel and show restaurants that deliver to your address.

  4. Order by pictures (key trick):
     Even if restaurant names and menus are in Chinese, don’t worry — almost every item has a clear photo. Browse the pictures and tap the “+” button to add dishes you like to your cart.

  5. Confirm your order and address:

     • When you’re done, go to checkout.
     • The most important step is the address. The app will usually auto‑fill your hotel’s location.
     • To be safe, you must manually add your room number.
     • Pro tip:
       Before ordering, ask the hotel front desk for the hotel’s full Chinese address and save it in your phone. At checkout, paste this Chinese address into the address field and then add your room number.

  6. Complete payment:
     Tap to place the order. Payment is processed via the card you’ve linked in Alipay.

---

3. Important tips and things to watch out for

• Ask your hotel front desk for help:
  If this is your first time using delivery or you’re unsure about the address details, the hotel front desk is your best ally. They can help you set up the address, recommend popular local restaurants, and even place the order for you if necessary.

• Communicating with the delivery rider:
  Delivery riders usually do not speak English and may call you if they can’t find the exact drop‑off location or enter your building.

  • Strategy:
    In the order remarks, ask the hotel staff to type in Chinese something like:
    “请送到酒店前台，谢谢。” – “Please deliver to the hotel front desk, thank you.”
    The rider will then leave the food at the front desk, and hotel staff will let you know when it arrives.

• Contactless delivery:
  In many hotels and apartment buildings, there are dedicated shelves or racks for deliveries. Riders will leave your order there, take a photo, and send you a notification. You can then go down and pick it up using your order details.

---

For travelers who are tired from sightseeing, dealing with bad weather, or simply wanting a quiet evening in the hotel room, using China’s food delivery services is a fantastic option. It may feel a bit unfamiliar the first time, but with “ordering by pictures” and help from your hotel, you’ll quickly enjoy the convenience and taste of local food without even leaving your room.