How to Use Little Red Book (Xiaohongshu): China's Lifestyle Community

Have you ever wanted a window into the latest trends, honest product reviews, and daily life inspiration from China? Welcome to Xiaohongshu, also known as "Little Red Book" or "Red". It’s not just an app; it’s a massive lifestyle community where millions, especially young people, share and discover everything from makeup tutorials and travel guides to niche hobbies and shopping tips.

This guide will walk you through what Xiaohongshu is and exactly how to start using it, from setting up your profile to discovering your new favorite content.

What is Xiaohongshu?

Launched in 2013, Xiaohongshu began as a platform for sharing overseas shopping experiences but has since grown into one of China's most influential social media and e-commerce platforms. With over 300 million active users, it’s a hub for authentic, user-generated content (UGC).

Its official slogan, "Your Lifestyle Interest Community," perfectly captures its essence. Unlike platforms focused solely on entertainment, Xiaohongshu is built around shared interests and real-life experiences. Users, primarily Gen Z and millennials, come here for trustworthy recommendations and to connect with like-minded people.

Getting Started: Your First Steps on Xiaohongshu

Getting on board is straightforward. Here’s how to go from download to daily user:

1. Download and Register

• Search for “Xiaohongshu” or “Little Red Book” in your smartphone’s app store (Apple App Store or Google Play Store) and install it.

• Open the app and register using your mobile phone number. You'll receive a verification code to complete the process.

• During setup, the app will ask you to select at least four topics you're interested in (like fashion, gaming, food, travel). This helps tailor your initial feed.

2. Set Up Your Profile
A good profile helps you connect with the community. Tap the "Me" icon at the bottom right to edit:

• Profile Photo & Bio: Choose a clear photo and write a short bio that tells others about your interests.

• Nickname: Pick a memorable name. Many users incorporate their focus area, like "TravelBug Alex" or "CleanBeauty Jane".

3. Understanding the Interface

• Home Page (Discover): This is your main feed, filled with recommended "notes" (posts) based on your interests and interactions. Simply swipe vertically to browse.

• Search Page: The magnifying glass icon is your most powerful tool. You can search by keywords or use the image search function. A unique feature, especially on the HarmonyOS version, allows you to circle any picture (even from outside the app) to find related posts instantly.

• Post Button: The big “+” sign in the center is for creating your own notes.

• Messages: Your notifications and private messages are here.

• Profile Page ("Me"): Manage your notes, favorites, and account settings here.

How to Be a Pro User: Browsing, Interacting, and Creating

Discovering Great Content
The key is to actively use the search function. Looking for a review of a specific FC Mobile player? Or a recipe for Sichuan noodles? Just search directly. The more you interact (like, save, follow) with posts you enjoy, the smarter your personalized feed becomes.

Interacting with the Community

• Like, Save, Comment: Show appreciation for helpful notes. The "Save" feature is widely used to bookmark notes into personal collections.

• Follow: Follow users whose content you love to see their posts regularly.

• Voice Comments (New Feature): On some versions, you can now send or listen to voice comments, adding a more personal touch to conversations.

Creating Your Own "Note"
Sharing is at the heart of Xiaohongshu. To post:

1. Tap the "+" button.

2. Select photos or videos from your album. High-quality, visually appealing images are crucial.

3. Edit your media with filters or stickers, then tap Next.

4. Write a compelling title and detailed description. Add relevant #hashtags (e.g., #FCMobileGuide, #StudyAbroadTips) so others can find your post.

5. Before publishing, you can set the viewing permissions—choose "Public," "Followers Only," or "Private" (only you).

6. Hit Publish. New notes often get a "cold start" push in the first 1-6 hours, and if they perform well, they may see a larger boost within 24 hours.

Tips for New Users

• Be Authentic: The community values real experiences and honest reviews. Overly promotional content often doesn't perform well.

• Mind Your Privacy: Use the "Who Can See" settings when posting if you're sharing personal moments.

• Explore the "Creation Center": If you plan to post regularly, check this section (under your profile). It offers data insights, creative tools, and inspiration to improve your content.

• You Can Use It on PC: Visit the official website xiaohongshu.com to browse on your computer, though the full creation features are in the mobile app.

In short, Xiaohongshu is your gateway to a vibrant world of lifestyle discovery and sharing. By setting up your interests, engaging actively, and contributing your own authentic notes, you'll quickly become part of the community. Ready to find your next great idea or share your own expertise? Dive in!