Online delivery has become an integral part of everyday life in China, with platforms such as Meituan and Taobao Flash Shopping making it easy to have meals, groceries, and a wide range of other products delivered directly to your door.

In this article, we will provide a guide on how to use these top food delivery apps. 

 

How to create an account on Meituan

1. Click on 登录/注册 (log in/register).

2. SMS verification

After downloading and opening the Meituan app, you will be prompted to enter your phone number to sign up. This allows Meituan to send you an SMS verification code to create an account. Tap the "获取短信验证码" button to receive the 6-digit code on your mobile.

Once you receive it, enter the verification code on Meituan, and your account will be created. This quick and easy process lets you register with just your phone number, eliminating the need to create separate login credentials.

 

How to order on Meituan

1. To place an order, start by tapping the "外卖" tab to access the food delivery section. This will display a list of restaurants for you to browse. You can either scroll to find a specific restaurant or use the search bar to look up restaurants near you.

2. Once you've selected a restaurant, browse its menu and tap to add items to your cart. 

 

3. Review your full order details. If everything looks correct, tap "提交订单" to complete the purchase. Before finalizing your order, Meituan will prompt you to choose whether you need cutlery. You are encouraged to select "No cutlery needed" to help protect the environment. 

4. Then choose your payment method. You can pay through Alipay, WeChat Pay, or Digital RMB wallet. 

The app will provide updates on expected wait times and driver tracking. Just sit back and wait for your meal to be delivered right to your door!

 

How to order food on Taobao Flash Shopping

Download the app first. Open it and enable location settings so the app can show nearby restaurants. It's better to register an account before you place an order.

Tap the restaurant you want, or scroll down to find something you might be in the mood for. Many restaurants popular among expats are foreigner-friendly and include English translations. If not, many provide photos on their menus, and you can also use a translator app if needed.

Once you've made your selection, click the orange button at the bottom of your phone screen that says "立即支付" (to confirm the order and make the payment).

Enter your address along with the contact person's name and phone number. Ensure the address is detailed, including the road, building, and floor or flat number. You can also select "add a new address" to list your home, workplace, or school.

Then go back to the payment page to review your order again and select your payment method. You can also leave a brief message in the "订单备注" section for the restaurant, such as "need more sauce" or "don't make it too spicy," and for the delivery rider, such as "leave the food on the doorstep."

Updated July 24, 2026