Alipay, one of China’s most popular digital payment apps, has just reached a major milestone: its contactless payment feature, Alipay Tap, now has 200 million users. The announcement, made at the 2025 INCLUSION conference in Shanghai, showcases the rapid evolution of the Tap feature since its launch in 2024/XNUMX. Alipay Tap is transforming the way locals and tourists pay, making payments for hotels, restaurants, and attractions incredibly convenient.
Since its launch, Tap! It has been upgraded from simple QR code scanning to a smooth one-click payment process. Users only need to unlock their phones and complete the payment with a tap on the merchant terminal or Alipay Tap Tag, without even opening the app. No need to scan QR codes or navigate through apps; The mobile phone only needs to interact with the terminal to complete the payment. This faster and more convenient experience is especially loved by travelers, making Tap! It has become an essential tool in the travel industry where every second counts.
Alipay Tap has expanded to over 1,000 payment scenarios
Alipay Tap has grown rapidly and has covered more than 1,000 real-world scenarios across China, providing solutions to help local residents and tourists easily complete their daily tasks. The app now supports a range of services, from vending machine payments and bike sharing rentals to power banks, all with just one touch. More than 80% of Alipay users favor this new Tap! function, it can be seen that its widespread application is reshaping the landscape of consumer interaction, especially in the tourism industry.
For tourists visiting China, the solution has also expanded beyond local users. International visitors can now link their foreign cards to Alipay accounts, making it easier to pay for services and plan their trips seamlessly. This is particularly beneficial for tourists looking to immerse themselves in the local culture, experience the convenience of digital payments, and eliminate the need for currency exchange.
Alipay Tap enhances engagement for travel-related merchants
Chinese merchants have also experienced the benefits of using Alipay Tap!, with some reporting significant improvements in customer engagement and repurchase rates. In particular, businesses in the travel and hospitality industries have leveraged Alipay Tap! to enhance their loyalty programs and provide faster and more efficient services. For example, a national snack chain used Tap! to gain millions of new members and significantly increase repurchase rates, directly increasing its profitability.
Alipay’s penetration in the tourism industry is not limited to payment systems; It has become an important part of the entire visitor experience. From quick checkout at shops and cafes to local transportation services like bike rentals and the subway, the system aims to provide visitors with a smoother and more connected journey throughout their journey.
Expanding Coverage: Alipay Expands into Wearables
Looking ahead, Alipay is expanding the Tap! ecosystem beyond smartphones and working with partners such as Xiaomi, Rokid, and RayNeo to bring Tap! to wearable devices such as AR glasses and smartwatches. This will make it easier for users to use this service and provide more ways to interact with the digital ecosystem on the go.
The seamless integration of this technology is expected to further enhance the visitor experience, with visitors being able to make transactions anytime, anywhere, without having to pull out their phones or cards. This is especially useful for tourists exploring popular tourist destinations in China, where speed and convenience are crucial.
The future of Alipay in the travel industry
As Alipay Tap continues to revolutionize payment solutions, its role in the travel industry is expected to continue to grow. The convenience brought by digital payment solutions to tourists, coupled with the continuous development of emerging AI platforms, ensures that Alipay remains at the forefront of China’s digital economy. From offering AI assistants to streamlining payments through wearable devices, Alipay is reshaping the way travel interacts with technology, making travel more seamless, efficient, and enjoyable.
Simplify travel with Alipay Tap
Whether you’re a newcomer or an ordinary fellow, Alipay Tap can be a game-changer for exploring China. With it, getting around is a breeze: just a touch of your phone and getting around with ease. Rent a bike, grab a bite to eat, take the subway – all these everyday chores can now be done easily on the app, covering more than a thousand common scenarios. As technology continues to advance, we expect Tap to make every trip smoother, making payments a behind-the-scenes operation that tourists almost imperceptibly enjoy it.
