Vadim Andreev, CEO & Co-Founder of Rokky, has shared his crucial tips with us for those preparing for ChinaJoy 2025.
ChinaJoy is one of the biggest events on the global gaming calendar. Thousands of professionals, including developers, publishers, investors, and others, converge in Shanghai every August. As someone who’s been to ChinaJoy quite a few times, I’ve come to realize that navigating the event and the city can be a challenge even for the most hardened of global conference goers.
That being said, here is some practical advice to help international attendees make the most of ChinaJoy 2025 – and avoid the most common pitfalls.
Payment: WeChat Pay and Alipay
Let’s start with something that surprises many visitors: in most places across China, Visa and Mastercard don’t work. I don’t just mean for taxis or small shops, but even cafes, restaurants, and retail outlets. The two dominant mobile payment platforms in China are WeChat Pay and Alipay.
Both are tied into a super-convenient digital ecosystem, allowing you to pay quickly by scanning QR codes or tapping your phone – just be prepared to upload photo ID, such as a passport, for verification.
Make sure to download both apps well before you arrive. Then, test out linking your card to both. Foreign cards can be finicky, spending limits vary across apps, and sometimes behave unpredictably. Testing out the apps and having both of them installed ensures you give yourself the best chance for smooth payments.
Both WeChat and Alipay offer English-language interfaces, which makes onboarding much easier for international visitors. If you don’t see all the features right away, don’t worry. Once you land in China, the apps will detect your location and automatically update to show the full range of local options.
A crucial warning: do not use a VPN while accessing either WeChat or Alipay. Doing so will almost certainly get your account locked, and recovering access is notoriously difficult and time-consuming. It’s a hassle you want to avoid at all costs.
Getting Around: Maps and The DiDi App
Shanghai is a humongous and bustling city, and getting from point A to point B is vital when you’re planning meetings. The solution: download the DiDi app. DiDi is essentially China’s Uber and works on the same principle: request a ride, get picked up, and pay seamlessly through WeChat Pay or Alipay.
Traditional taxis can be tricky. Many won’t accept foreign cards, and negotiating fares can sometimes be a challenge if you don’t speak the language. DiDi solves the payment problem and gives you upfront pricing and driver ratings; plus, the app is available in English. All you have to do is sit back on your way to the venue, your hotel, or your 7:30 pm reservation at Taian Table.
It’s also worth remembering that your regular map apps like Google Maps won’t work once you’re on the ground, and many essential services – like your Google account, Gmail, and social media – will also be blocked.
To avoid running into roadblocks, download the DU Map app in advance, which works well in China. And while you’re at it, install a reliable VPN of your choice before departure. This is essential for staying connected to the tools and platforms you rely on, especially if you need access to Gmail, Slack, or Google Drive during your trip.
Just remember my advice from earlier: while a VPN is a must-have for most internet use, do not use it when accessing apps like WeChat or Alipay, or you face being locked out of your accounts.
Watch Your Step
One of the most underestimated challenges for visitors is walking distances. Chinese city blocks can be unusually long. What looks like a short walk on your phone’s map can actually be a long hike.
My advice: always double-check the scale on your map and factor in the size of blocks before committing to walking. If you’re short on time or energy, it’s usually better to grab a DiDi.
Find Quiet Spaces for Meetings
ChinaJoy is a buzzy event, which you can imagine can be a double edged sword for meetings. The exhibition halls are packed with booths, flashing lights, and constant chatter – great for atmosphere, but less ideal for serious business discussions.
If you’re planning to sit down for serious business discussions, consider booking a meeting room or table at the closest WeWork, which is conveniently located near the Kerry Hotel. It’s quiet, professional, and well-equipped. Just make sure you download the Chinese version of the WeWork app, which differs from other international versions.
Some people try the Kerry Hotel lobby itself for meetings, but that tends to be crowded and noisy.
Hire a Translator if You Can
If you don’t speak Chinese and don’t plan to have a Duolingo crash course, it’s worth thinking about hiring a translator in advance. Having someone who understands the language and local business customs can help you navigate cultural nuances, smooth over potential misunderstandings, and demonstrate your respect for Chinese partners. It’s an investment that often pays off handsomely when relationship-building.
Don’t Decline Dinner Invitations
One of the most important things I’ve learned about doing business in China is the role of dinner invitations. Saying no to a dinner invite is a big no-no. People often mistake them for just meals. No, these dinners are crucial social events where trust and relationships are built.
If your host brings alcohol (and they usually do), there’s an unspoken rule to finish your drink as a sign of respect, even if you don’t want to finish all the food on your plate. Chinese vodka (baijiu) is strong, and people serve it generously, so it’s smart to pace yourself and stay hydrated.
Business Card Etiquette
Business cards are still an essential tool in China, but there are some etiquette points to observe. Prepare two versions of your card – one in English and one in Chinese. When you exchange cards, always present them with both hands and accompany the gesture with a slight bow. Giving items with two hands shows respect.
ChinaJoy offers incredible opportunities, but being aware of cultural nuances is key to making your trip smooth and productive.
With these tips in your toolkit, you’ll navigate the ChinaJoy conference floor like a pro and build connections in one of the most exciting gaming markets in the world.
