China ride-hailing war seen erupting again with new challenger to Didi

World’s No 4 unicorn Meituan to launch ride-hailing services in multiple mainland Chinese cities in direct competition with market giant Didi Chuxing

Meng JingandSarah Daiin Beijing
A commuter shows the Didi Chuxing app on her iPhone in Beijing. The entry of rival Meituan Dianping to the national market is likely to trigger a new price war. Photo: EPA

Meituan Dianping, one of China’s most valuable private tech firms, is gearing up to challenge the monopoly of ride hailing giant Didi Chuxing, a move almost certain to trigger a new price war.

Beijing-based Meituan, known as the Chinese Yelp for its online-to-offline business model offering services from restaurant reviews, food delivery, movie ticketing and travel bookings, is expected to launch a national expansion of its ride-hailing business after debuting the service in Nanjing city in December, according to a Meituan employee familiar with the plans who asked not to be named because the discussions are private.

Print option is available for subscribers only.
SUBSCRIBE NOW
Copyright © 2025 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.