Xiaohongshu: The Rising App Changing Travel and Lifestyle Inspiration
Chinese app “Xiaohongshu” (Little Red Book) the new Tiktok?
With recent news about a potential TikTok ban in the U.S., many users are lookin
g for alternative platforms. One app that has skyrocketed in popularity is Xiaohongshu—also known as RedNote in the U.S. It recently became the most downloaded free app in the U.S. App Store, as noted by the Financial Times.
In this blog post, I’ll introduce you to Xiaohongshu, unpack what makes it different, and share my personal experience using the app to discover city walks, Instagrammable locations, and must-visit spots. Whether you’re a traveler seeking inspiration or someone looking for a TikTok alternative, Xiaohongshu is worth exploring—and I’ll show you why!
What is Xiaohongshu?
Xiaohongshu, often translated as "Little Red Book," is a Chinese lifestyle and social commerce platform that combines the best features of Instagram, Pinterest, and Yelp. The app thrives on user-generated content, offering authentic reviews, recommendations and inspiration for everything from fashion and beauty to travel and food.
Xiaohongshu is both a social media app and a shopping platform. Users share their experiences but can also purchase products directly within the app, making it a hub for inspiration and action.
With over 300 million active users, Xiaohongshu is hugely popular in China. The platform appeals to a diverse audience but is especially loved by Gen Z and Millennials. These users are drawn to its real-life recommendations, aspirational content and the sense of community it fosters.
Why Xiaohongshu is Becoming Popular Globally
Xiaohongshu stands out by prioritizing authentic, unfiltered experiences. Users share real advice and honest reviews, from their favorite restaurants to the best hiking trails. This authenticity makes it a trusted platform for people who want genuine recommendations rather than overly commercialized content.
Xiaohongshu is a good for lifestyle enthusiasts. You can search for scenic city walks, hidden gems or the most Instagrammable spots, the platform offers a wealth of tips shared by locals and visitors alike.
As TikTok faces uncertainty in the U.S., many users are exploring other platforms to fill the void. Xiaohongshu has emerged as a natural alternative, offering short-form, visually appealing content with a focus on discovery and community.
Key Features of Xiaohongshu
One of Xiaohongshu’s standout features is its user-created travel guides. These guides are often tailored to specific interests, whether you’re searching for a street food crawl, scenic city walks or off-the-beaten-path adventures.
Location-based recommendations help the travel experience. With interactive maps, users can easily discover nearby attractions, restaurants, cafés, and shops that match their interests. The app blends reviews with online shopping, creating an ecosystem where users can discover and purchase products directly. From skincare essentials to travel gear, the app allows users to find highly recommended items and buy them in just a few clicks.
The platform’s interface is designed to be intuitive and visually appealing, with short-form content that’s easy to navigate. Posts are meant to be objective, relatable and approachable, often featuring personal anecdotes or tips that resonate with users.
How to Get Started with Xiaohongshu
Although Xiaohongshu is primarily a Chinese app, it’s accessible for English speakers who are curious and eager to navigate its features. Here’s how to get started:
Download the App: Search for Xiaohongshu (小红书) or RedNote on your app store.
Sign Up: Use your phone number, email, or social media account to register.
Select Your Language: The app supports English for navigation, but most user-generated content is in Chinese.
Set Preferences: Choose your interests (e.g., travel, food, fashion) to tailor your feed.
Finding Content:
To dive deeper into Xiaohongshu, it helps to know some common Chinese keywords for searches. Here are a few to get you started:
City Walks (城市漫步): Use this to find walking routes or scenic urban paths.
Hidden Gems (小众景点): Look for unique, lesser-known spots.
Instagrammable Locations (网红打卡点): Explore picture-perfect places that are trending among users.
Travel Tips (旅行攻略): Find guides for trips and destinations.
Food Recommendations (美食推荐): Search for the best local dishes and street food.
Pro Tip: Many posts have detailed descriptions in Chinese, so tools like Google Translate can help you understand more nuanced content.
Posting Tips:
Contributing your own content is a great way to engage with Xiaohongshu’s community and practice Chinese:
Share your experiences: Write posts in English or, if confident, practice writing in Chinese.
Use visual storytelling: Pair photos and videos with captions. For example:
"Exploring Bangkok’s best street food spots! (探索曼谷最好的街头美食！)"
Engage with others: Reply to comments and interact with other users.
Engaging Keywords for Commenting:
Great recommendation! (很棒的推荐！)
I want to visit here! (我也想去这里！)
Thank you for sharing! (谢谢分享！)
Why Learning Keywords Enhances the Experience:
By understanding and using these common terms, you not only unlock Xiaohongshu’s vast content but also gain a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Chinese language and culture. It’s a fun, interactive way to practice while discovering new places and ideas!
Conclusion
Xiaohongshu is a versatile tool for uncovering the authentic side of travel, lifestyle and culture. With its focus on genuine user experiences, it bridges the gap between inspiration and practical advice. Whether you’re searching for hidden walking routes, must-try restaurants, or photo-worthy locations, Xiaohongshu has something to offer every traveler and lifestyle enthusiast.
Now is the perfect time to dive in and explore what Xiaohongshu has to offer. Start by browsing your favorite topics, creating an account and even sharing your own experiences. Don’t let the language barrier hold you back—translation tools and practice can make it a rewarding cultural experience.