Use WeChat SuperApp to manage everything in China
In my previous post, I talked about my trip from the USA to China during COVID 19, where I talked about how indispensable WeChat was for going through the process. This is a follow-up post. I’m on Day 4 of the 14-day enforced quarantine as I am writing up this post, and I want to share some snippets of how task members use WeChat to help quarantined travelers contactless, with a touch of my reverse cultural shock.
Who am I?
First of all, I’m human. More specifically, I was born in southern China and I lived on three continents in the past decade: Asia, Europe, and North America. I have been participating in and adapting to different styles of life. My perspectives were shaped and reshaped. To avoid going crazy by having a fluid identity, I like writing articles to share cultural perspectives. Life is a short journey. So here I am, living as an insider-outsider on earth, observing and sharing my seeing with you.
Get back to business
All right, this article isn’t about me. After arriving at my quarantine hotel, I didn’t need to interact with the staff members at all. The only thing I needed to do was scan a QR code to join a quarantine WeChat group.
I want to show you snippets of exchanges (translated version)in my quarantine group chat to give you a look and feel of how task members helped quarantined travelers without any contact. Besides, I hope you could enjoy the virtual dynamics. All names were faked and protected for privacy reasons.
Day 1: Join the WeChat Group
Exchanges about WiFi issues:
The one with Chinese Karen:
End of Day 1
I was surprised that we were invited to join a group chat for posting requests and issues directly to the hotel. It enabled tasks to be completed quickly. More surprisingly, the staff managed to keep track of every request and take care of them one by one.
It was also interesting to see how guests start to interact with each other. There was a point where the host had communication issues with an American guest and they called for help from the guests. It felt natural afterward that guests started to help out each other’s questions on the group chat.
A community was created.
Day 2: Use WeChat to Pay Remotely
The one where American guest wants more salt:
By scanning a QR code, I paid the quarantine bill. What I did was a tap on the QR code image, long press on the QR code, then select an option “to identify and scan the QR code”. It took me to a screen where I pay an amount. I did already have a bank account linked to my WeChat, so it must make the process easier. Gradually I also learned that QR codes are very strong. They are scannable whether they are a printout, on a screenshot, on a picture that was taken from a slanted angle, etc.
Why did I put the snippet of the American’s request for more salt? Because, why not?
Day 3: Medical staff is also in the club
The one to share body temperature in the group:
The one where medical staff popped up:
I mentioned in the last post that the medical team came to visit on Day 1, and they asked me to check and share my temperature in the group chat every afternoon. “To send it in the group chat? ”I thought I heard it wrong because I considered body temperature personal. “Yes.” They said it like it couldn’t be more normal. Later I found that nobody had any problem with sharing their body temperature.
It felt cute to see the medical staff was also in the same group chat. Yes, “cute” was my reaction. I became associate hospitals and medical staff with the word “unapproachable” after living in America because I always had to go through what I considered as hurdles to see a doctor. But now they popped up in the WeChat group like a friend. So yes, cute.
Day 4: Purchase supplies from the store
The one I requested stuff:
I found the QR code from the previous messages. I scanned the QR code and added the store owner. Below is our 1:1 exchange.
A new connection was introduced to my quarantine life — the store owner. It was at a store associated with the hotel. They used a mini-program for customers to view items and make a purchase. When I said that I didn’t see any photos, they sent pictures in the chat. The whole process was very personalized. I was amazed. I placed the order in the morning and I got the delivery by noon.
WeChat Life is super dynamic
Hope you enjoy the snippets. It was very refreshing to experience this interaction dynamic on WeChat. Different actors were in the same group for any needs. Connections were built. Requests were made. Problems were solved. Communication and actions were almost instant. People share different forms of content. Providers use different tools to complete tasks, such as showing store items or making transactions. This dynamic reflects on the cultural soil that nurtures it. I was shocked, looking forward to exploring more of my homeland. Especially, what is China’s life like outside of my quarantine room? 🧐
