PayPal Scan WeChat Pay QR Codes China ： US Travelers Pay No Bank Account Needed

US travelers can now use PayPal to scan WeChat Pay QR codes across China for everyday purchases. No new app, local wallet, or Chinese bank account required. Funds must come from PayPal Balance (bank cards not supported). Service is live now.

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PayPal Scan WeChat Pay QR Codes China ： US Travelers Pay No Bank Account Needed

Source: OT-Team(G), Paypal

US PayPal users can now use the PayPal app to make in-store QR code payments at Weixin Pay merchants across the Chinese mainland, allowing them to pay for everyday purchases without downloading another app, opening a local wallet, or setting up a Chinese bank account.

The new service, enabled by PayPal World and TenPay Global, Tencent’s cross-border payment platform, gives US travelers access to China’s QR-based payment system through an app they already use.

China has one of the world’s most developed QR payment ecosystems, with QR codes widely used for everyday purchases at shopping malls, restaurants, convenience stores and tourist attractions. With PayPal World connecting PayPal to Weixin Pay’s merchant network, US travelers can now use PayPal to access that payment experience.

According to PayPal, users can either scan a merchant’s Weixin Pay QR code, enter the purchase amount and confirm payment, or, at merchants that support the function, present their PayPal in-app payment QR code for the cashier to scan.

Users continue to pay through their existing PayPal accounts. The amount charged in Chinese yuan is converted into the user’s familiar currency before the payment is confirmed.

“Travel should be about experiencing a new destination, not figuring out how to pay,” said Alexander Bellabarba, Senior Vice President, Global Product Solutions, PayPal. “PayPal World gives users a simple, familiar way to pay overseas using the PayPal app they already have.”

Wenhui Yang, CEO of TenPay Global (Singapore), said the company would work with PayPal World to “build a more open and inclusive global payment network together.”

“We will work with PayPal World to further connect more international digital wallets with the Weixin Pay merchant network,” Yang said. Through the partnership, international visitors will be able to use their home wallets to make QR code payments at “tens of millions of Weixin Pay merchants in the Chinese mainland.”

PayPal Scan WeChat Pay QR Codes China ： US Travelers Pay No Bank Account Needed

One important limitation: PayPal balance only

While the new option could make payments more convenient for US travelers, there is an important limitation to be aware of before leaving for China.

According to the current PayPal World FAQ, the service for in-store QR payments in the Chinese mainland currently uses funds in the user’s PayPal Balance. Bank cards and other funding sources linked to a PayPal account cannot currently be used directly for these in-store payments.

Travelers planning to rely on PayPal as a primary payment method should therefore make sure they have sufficient funds in their PayPal Balance before their trip.

PayPal also recommends updating the app to its latest version, setting up Auto Reload for convenient top-ups, enabling location services, and becoming familiar with the in-store payment process before departure.

The service is now available

The rollout follows an announcement by Tencent in May that TenPay Global would work with PayPal World to enable overseas PayPal users to scan Weixin Pay QR codes, initially making the service available to US PayPal users.

That capability is now officially available.

The launch comes as international travel to China continues to grow. China welcomed more than 68 million international visitors in 2025, a 15.5% year-over-year increase, according to the World Travel & Tourism Council.

For US travelers heading to China, the change could remove one familiar source of friction when paying for everyday purchases. At a restaurant, shopping mall or other Weixin Pay merchant, seeing a Weixin Pay QR code may no longer mean reaching for WeChat.

In some cases, opening PayPal may now be enough to pay.

Train Seat for Bags ： 2 Girls Refuse Standing Passenger (2026)

Two girls bought 3 train tickets, used one for bags, and refused a standing passenger. Official rules say ticket holders control seats. Viral debate on fairness vs. rights.

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Train Seat for Bags ： 2 Girls Refuse Standing Passenger (2026)

Two Girls Buy Three Seats, Use One for Bags & Refuse a Standing Passenger Who Wants to Sit There

Here's a question you probably never thought you'd need to answer: Can you buy a train seat… for your snacks?

On August 18, a story went viral that had the internet divided.

Two young girls bought three hard-seat tickets for a train ride. They sat in two of them. The third? They used it to hold their snacks and luggage.

When a female passenger with a standing-only ticket asked if she could sit in the empty seat, the girls said no. She asked again. She even called the train attendant over to mediate.

The attendant's response was blunt: "The seats belong to them. It's not up to me – you'll need to work it out with them directly."

The passenger pleaded: "We're all on the same train - can't we be a little considerate?"

The girls didn't budge. The seat stayed empty. The snacks stayed put.

And the internet exploded.

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Some people defended the girls:

"They paid for the ticket. The seat is theirs to use however they want. It's not illegal, and it's not against the rules."
"If two people want more space and can afford an extra ticket, why shouldn't they?"

Others saw it differently:

"Seats are meant for people, not snacks. An empty seat while people are standing is a waste."
"If this becomes normal, the whole system will fall apart."

What the Official Rules Say

The next day, a reporter called the 12306 hotline - China's official railway customer service - to get a clear answer.

The response was straightforward:

"Normally, one person can only buy one ticket. But if multiple tickets were purchased, they all belong to the purchaser. If someone else wants to use that seat, they need the ticket holder's permission."

In other words: yes, the girls had the legal right to keep the seat empty.

Source: 齐鲁晚报

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Niu Lai ： Viral Bad Animation Film Becomes China Box Office Hit

Niu Lai, a low-budget animation film, went viral for terrible graphics and confusing plot, grossing over 11.4M yuan after a 7,705 yuan start. It's drawing crowds against Hollywood blockbusters, with cinemas adding screenings despite state media criticism.

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It's so bad, it's become a box office hit.

Niu Lai, a low-budget animation film about a cow in a dream sequence has seen a huge jump in ticket sales after going viral for its confusing plot and terrible graphics.

Niu Lai ： Viral Bad Animation Film Becomes China Box Office Hit

screenshot from msn

It grossed just 7,705 yuan ($1,140; £843) in the first 10 days after its release, but has now made more than 11.4 million yuan, according to movie tracking site Mao Yan. That means it is holding ground against Hollywood blockbusters like The Odyssey and Spider Man: Brand New Day.

"You may regret for 80 minutes if you watch it, but if you don't, you'll regret it for life," one popular social media post about the film said.

Other social media users have hailed the movie as the antidote to the AI slop that is taking over social media algorithms.

They are sharing clips praising Niu Lai's "hand-crafted" method - a reference to the poor animation quality - as "proof" that its creators did not use AI.

"That's some serious craftsmanship," a Weibo user wrote.

Another social media user called it "pure handmade" and the biggest "dark horse" of the summer movie season.

Others say they are rooting for the movie because they desperately hope for a "bullish" stock market - a reference to the fact that the words "bull" and "cow" share the same character in Chinese.

"If the index reaches 4,000 tomorrow I will go to the cinema to support this movie," one Weibo user wrote.

"It is a terrible movie but has a great name," another comment linking the movie to stock investments said.

Niu Lai was a low-budget, lowkey production from the outset, and had received almost no publicity before its release earlier this month.

But now it has proved so popular that cinemas have added screenings of the film in response to the soaring demand.

But given that it does not even have a proper promotional poster, cinema staff have resorted to drawing their own posters to entice audiences to watch.

"This record is unprecedented and will likely remain so," a Weibo account dedicated to tracking movies noted.

But not everyone is celebrating its unexpected success. Over the weekend, a commentary by state-owned Beijing News warned that cinemas risk "losing the trust" of viewers if they "continue to lower their standard" with additional screenings of Niu Lai.

Mentioning previous movies that had been mocked for poor quality, Niu Lai has "once again lowered the bar for audiences' expectations of poorly made films", reads a commentary by state-owned Beijing News.

It urged cinemas to "act as gatekeepers for the audience, and clearly reject films that are obviously not up to standard instead of letting films like Niu Lai run rampant".

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Editor:Vivi G

Hair Loss Treatment China ： English-Speaking Scalp Care for Expats

International patients in China can get professional hair loss treatment with English-speaking support at Barley Microneedle Hair Transplant. Services include scalp assessment, non-surgical management, medication guidance, and long-term follow-up. Clear pricing and private consultations provided.

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Hair Loss Treatment China ： English-Speaking Scalp Care for Expats

Hair loss can be frustrating, especially when you are living abroad and unsure where to find professional treatment you can comfortably understand and trust.

For international residents in China, Barley Microneedle Hair Transplant Hospital offers professional scalp assessment, non-surgical hair-loss management, and long-term scalp care with English-language support throughout the process.

Understand the Cause Before Choosing Treatment

Hair loss can happen for many reasons, including hereditary factors, seasonal shedding, stress, lifestyle changes, or scalp conditions.

Barley’s experienced hair specialists provide detailed scalp examinations to better understand the condition of your scalp and hair follicles before recommending a treatment plan.

Hair Loss Treatment China ： English-Speaking Scalp Care for Expats

For mild or early-stage hair loss, non-surgical management may be recommended rather than immediately considering a transplant. The aim is to choose an approach appropriate for your individual condition.

Professional Hair-Loss Medication Guidance

Where medication is recommended, patients receive clear guidance on how it should be used, including dosage, ingredients, possible side effects, and long-term considerations.

Real Expat Case (Before & After)

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Non-Surgical Scalp & Follicle Care

For people experiencing early or moderate hair loss, Barley offers a range of non-surgical scalp-management options, including scalp therapy, mesotherapy, and follicle-focused care.

Treatment plans can also take different hair and scalp characteristics into account, including those commonly seen among Western, Middle Eastern, African, and other international residents.

Patients can also receive practical advice on everyday hair care, such as shampooing, exercise, lifestyle habits, hair coloring, and sun protection.

English-Speaking Support — No Language Stress

One of the biggest concerns for foreigners seeking medical or cosmetic treatment in China is communication.

Barley provides English-speaking consultants and medical support, helping international patients understand their scalp examination, recommended treatment, medication instructions, and aftercare.

English-language reports and care guidance are also available, making the entire process easier to follow.

Clear Pricing & Private Consultations

Treatment costs are explained in advance, helping patients understand what they are paying for before proceeding.

The clinic also provides private consultation spaces and follows standardized medical procedures designed to maintain hygiene, privacy, and patient comfort.

Long-Term Support While You Live in China

Hair-loss management is usually an ongoing process rather than a one-time treatment.

International residents can return for regular scalp reviews and follow-up consultations, with treatment plans adjusted when necessary based on their progress and scalp condition.

If you are living in China and concerned about thinning hair or ongoing hair loss, Barley Microneedle Hair Transplant offers an English-friendly option for professional scalp assessment and personalized hair-restoration guidance.

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