Immerse yourself in China for a few days, and you’ll quickly experience a digital lifestyle that effortlessly streamlines daily tasks. Smartphones in China are not just communication tools; they serve as multi-functional devices, offering solutions for everything from booking appointments to paying bills—all accessible at your fingertips.
China’s digital landscape is distinguished by its integration of services. Unlike many Western countries, where multiple apps are needed for different functions, China’s major platforms—such as Weixin (WeChat), Alipay, Baidu, Douyin (TikTok), and Meituan—have simplified the digital experience through the use of mini programs. These mini programs allow users to access various services within a single app, removing the need to download and install numerous applications. For expats and travelers in China, Weixin has become an essential tool, and its newest feature is a game-changer: instant translation within any mini program. This functionality supports 18 major languages, including Chinese, English, and French, breaking down language barriers and greatly improving user navigation.
WeChat has launched a new feature called “Mini Program Translation.” This update introduces a translation button located in the top right corner of WeChat mini programs. By tapping it, users can instantly translate the text on the current page, making it easier to understand and use various functions. To cancel the translation or change the translation language, users can click on “…” for additional options.
WeChat explains that the first step to using this feature correctly is to set the translation language by going to “Me – Settings – General – Translation.” The selected language will then become the default for all translations. WeChat also announced that this translation capability supports 18 languages, including Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese (*****), Traditional Chinese (Hong Kong), English, Indonesian, Malay, Spanish, Korean, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian, Thai, Vietnamese, Arabic, Turkish, German, and French. The translation feature has already been rolled out for all Android WeChat users. For iOS users, the feature is available starting from version 8.0.51, with a phased rollout currently underway.
China’s digital ecosystem showcases its innovation and offers a glimpse into the future of mobile technology, where convenience and efficiency take center stage. Whether you’re a local resident or a foreigner, one thing is evident: in China, smartphones simplify life by providing an all-in-one solution.
