5 Popular Dating Apps in China & How China Daters Rate Them
In this Internet day and age, the multitude of online dating apps have made it much more convenient to find a romantic partner or a casual hook-up (or has it? That's a conversation for another article).
In China it's no different. With a variety of Western dating apps like Tinder and Bumble available, as well as tons of other Chinese dating app options, there are many ways to connect online with people.
Check out these popular dating apps in China and see what anonymous Date Night China listeners have said about their experiences using them.
1. Tinder
Ah Tinder, the most recognizable dating app. Do we even need to explain?
Date Night China Listeners say:
"Great way to get your feet wet in the dating pool, especially if you don’t mind meeting people from all over (i.e. people who are just visiting). If you’re just window shopping, don’t bother. I want a date and I want to get laid…I don’t want a pen-pal! I’ve met some great quality humans and had some incredible dates with people I’ve met online. Take your time, be selective and go with your gut. And remember that there are good people everywhere…that includes Tinder."
"As a guy, I feel that many girls on Tinder in Beijing always write on their bio: 'swipe left if you want a one night stand.'"
"It's Tinder, ya know, same as everywhere else in the world. Mostly used for hook-ups, which is great if that's what you're looking for. Sometimes you'll find people looking for more."
2. Tantan 探探
Tantan is the most popular dating app in China, with the largest pool of potential dates. Similar to Tinder, you swipe left or right on a person to look for a match.
Date Night China Listeners say:
"My friend got married to a girl he matched with on Tantan."
"I met the weirdest girl I have ever talked to on Tantan."
"Met some nice Chinese guys. Difficult to talk though because of the communication/language barriers."
"I didn't use it often. But I did like that you could leave voice messages."
Looking for other Chinese dating apps? Also check out Momo 陌陌 and Let’s have dinner 请吃饭.
3. Grindr
Grindr is the world's largest social networking app for gay, bi, trans, and queer people.
Date Night China Listeners say:
"Most people are straightforward about one night things. It’s convenient but I’d rather not use it to find dates."
"I only used Grindr a few times. People are very direct about what they want."
4. Blued
Blued was launched in 2012 is currently the largest gay social network app in the world. The majority of it's 40 million users are located in China where the app originated.
Date Night China Listeners say:
"On Blued it feels more like people say they want to find someone more than a hook up, but actually they don't. On Grindr people say it more clearly."
5. Bumble
With bumble, women make the first move! If you don’t send a message to your match within 24 hours, the match will expire. With a smaller pool of users than users, you may find it easier to find a great match - or may just run into the same people you saw on Tinder.
Date Night China Listeners say:
"I like the fact that girls can make the first move, and I have met some quality guys on Bumble. There are less people using it than Tinder though, so you quickly run out of people to swipe through."
Dating Apps in China
Like with dating apps anywhere in the world, everyone has their own preferences in the apps they use and what kind of person or relationship they want to find. Be honest and have an open mind - you may just find exactly who you're looking for!
And hey, if these don't work you can always try the People Nearby function on Wechat.
Is your experience using these apps different from these China Daters? Write in and let us know!
Read More:
Listen to the latest Date Night China Podcast Episode: Episode 17: Love, Laughs & LGBT in China.
Have a story to share or interested in being a guest writer? Contact Us.