How to Book Chinese Attraction Tickets on WeChat & Alipay

A "mini-program" (小程序) is a lightweight app that lives inside WeChat or Alipay — no download needed. To book a ticket, you open the attraction's own mini-program and tap around. Here's how to find it:

• a
  In WeChat: from the chat list, either tap the search bar at the top, or pull down from the top of the screen to open the mini-program search. Type the attraction's official Chinese name (e.g. 故宫博物院).
• b
  In Alipay: tap the search bar on the home screen and type the attraction name + "预约" (reservation), e.g. 故宫 预约.
• c
  The official mini-program usually appears as the first result with a verified badge. Tap it to open.
• d
  Tip: once found, tap "⋯" → "Add to Favorites / 添加到我的小程序" so you can reopen it in one tap on booking day.

This is the step foreigners mess up most. Next to many search results you'll see a small blue badge (蓝V) — that means the account is officially verified. You want this one, not a reseller.

• a
  Look for the blue "V" or "认证" badge next to the account name. On WeChat it's a small blue circle-V; on Alipay it's a blue checkmark.
• b
  Tap the account → check the operator / 主体. It should be the museum, scenic-area administration, or a government culture-tourism bureau — not a travel agency.
• c
  Avoid accounts that say "官方授权代理 / authorized agent" or show tour packages — those are third parties who mark up prices and may not guarantee entry.

Real-name booking means the ticket is tied to you. You'll add each visitor's passport info once, then reuse it. Get this right or you'll be turned away at the gate.

• a
  Tap "游客信息 / Add Visitor" and choose document type "护照 / Passport."
• b
  Enter your surname and given name exactly as printed on the passport, in Latin letters. If the form splits Surname / Given Name, put them in the right fields — don't mash your full name into one box.
• c
  Type your passport number carefully — no spaces, match the machine-readable zone at the bottom of the page. Double-check before submitting.
• d
  Add a phone number. If it demands a Chinese (+86) number, use your hotel's front desk number or a local SIM — see the eSIM guide. Some programs accept your home number with country code.
• e
  Save the visitor so you can re-select them on future bookings with one tap.

Now the actual grab. Many spots open a calendar a week ahead; you pick a date and a time slot, then pay.

• a
  Tap "预约购票 / Book Tickets," pick your date and time slot (morning/afternoon). Greyed-out slots are sold out.
• b
  Select your saved visitor(s), confirm the price, and pay via WeChat Pay or Alipay (foreign cards work if you set them up — see the payment guides).
• c
  On success, you'll get a reservation QR code / 预约码. Screenshot it immediately and save it to your photo album — signal at the gate can be weak.
• d
  At entry: show the QR code + your physical passport. Staff scan both; the name must match.