It’s no secret that China remains a leading force in the mobile payments sector thanks to the easy access of smartphones. In 2016, the transaction volume of mobile payments in China has reached RMB 35.33 trillion ($5.61 trillion), and is projected to reach RMB 295.99 trillion ($47 trillion) in 2019, according to research firm Analysys (易观).

Simply by scanning QR codes, smartphone users can pay bills and purchase goods via mobile payment apps. We walk around the streets in China to find out how mobile payments and QR code technology has changed everyday life in China—we even saw QR codes on door plates.

Customers can pay with Alipay or WeChat Pay at a news stand in Beijing. (Image credit: Timmy Shen/TechNode)
The payment goes directly to the vendor’s WeChat wallet. (Image credit: Timmy Shen/TechNode)
It takes only a few seconds to process a transaction. (Image credit: Timmy Shen/TechNode)
Nearly all the food vendors in major cities provide mobile payment options. (Image credit: Timmy Shen/TechNode)
Fruit vendors in Liuzhou, Guangxi (Image credit: Linda Lew/TechNode)
You can use WeChat Pay to buy kaolengmian (烤冷面 in Chinese) in Beijing—or you can go with Alipay to get a “hongbao” before paying. (Image credit: Timmy Shen/TechNode)
You can buy chestnuts with mobile payments, too. (Image credit: Timmy Shen/TechNode)
You can also scan the QR code to pay at this small grocery store in the wall in Beijing. (Image credit: Timmy Shen/TechNode)
A vendor selling socks on the sidewalk at Sanlitun, one of the busiest high-end shopping areas in Beijing (Image credit: Timmy Shen/TechNode)
Now, if you ever get lost in Nanjing, just scan the QR code on a door plate and get more information about the address and a nearby police station. (Image credit: Timmy Shen/TechNode)
These QR codes will lead you to the WeChat official accounts of local police stations and Nanjing PD. (Image credit: Timmy Shen/TechNode)
If you’re a frequent traveler, these vending machines with QR codes at train stations may come in handy for you. (Image credit: Timmy Shen/TechNode)
You can even order meals with a QR code scan on a high-speed train in China. (Image credit: Timmy Shen/TechNode)

Timmy Shen

Timmy Shen is a technology reporter based in Beijing. He's passionate about photography, education, food and all things tech. Send tips and feedback to timmyshen@technode.com or follow him on twitter at...

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