What happens if you try to use Xiaohongshu (RED) in China
Xiaohongshu works perfectly in China. It is a domestic platform with rich content on travel, food, fashion, and lifestyle.
What works
- Browsing content
- Searching for travel tips
- Restaurant and attraction recommendations
- Shopping features
- Creating posts
What doesn't work
- Interface is primarily in Chinese
- Some features require Chinese phone verification
Do you need a VPN?
No VPN needed
Xiaohongshu is a Chinese app and works without any VPN.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Expecting English interface. Xiaohongshu is primarily in Chinese.
Frequently asked questions
What is Xiaohongshu?
Xiaohongshu (meaning "Little Red Book") is a Chinese social media app combining Instagram-style content with Pinterest-style discovery and e-commerce. It has over 300 million monthly users.
Is Xiaohongshu the same as RedNote?
Yes. RedNote is the English name/branding for Xiaohongshu that gained popularity in 2025 when US TikTok users migrated to the platform.
Can foreigners use Xiaohongshu?
Yes. You can download the app and browse content. Creating an account and posting may require additional verification.