Portable Power Bank Rental
Never run out of battery in China — shared power banks are everywhere and incredibly convenient.
What Are Shared Power Banks?
Shared power bank stations are a common sight across China. You'll find cabinet stations in restaurants, malls, convenience stores, hotels, metro stations, and hospitals. Each cabinet holds 6-12 power banks ready for rent.
The process is simple: scan the QR code on the cabinet with your phone, a power bank pops out automatically, charge your phone on the go, then return it to any cabinet of the same brand. Every power bank comes with built-in cables including Lightning, USB-C, and Micro-USB connectors, so you don't need to carry your own cable.
Info: These services are available 24/7 in most locations, and you can rent and return across different cities as long as you use the same brand.
Major Brands
Meituan
Yellow cabinetsOne of the most widespread networks, often found in restaurants and food courts affiliated with Meituan's delivery platform.
Energy Monster
怪兽充电 — Green cabinetsThe largest shared charging company in China with extensive coverage in shopping malls, airports, and tourist attractions.
Jiedian
街电 — Blue cabinetsCommon in convenience stores, hotels, and entertainment venues. Good coverage in tier-1 and tier-2 cities.
Laidian
来电 — White cabinetsFrequently found in transportation hubs, business districts, and larger retail chains across major cities.
Warning: You must return the power bank to a cabinet of the same brand. A Meituan power bank cannot be returned to an Energy Monster cabinet. The app or mini-program for each brand shows nearby return locations on a map, so check before you rent.
How to Rent
Find a cabinet
Look near restaurant entrances, cashier counters, mall pillars, hotel lobbies, and metro station corridors. Cabinets are brightly colored and clearly branded.
Scan the QR code
Open Alipay or WeChat and scan the QR code displayed prominently on the cabinet. This opens the brand's mini-program automatically.
Authorize the deposit
First-time users will be asked to authorize a ¥99 deposit. This amount is frozen on your account but not actually charged — it's only deducted if you fail to return the power bank.
Power bank slides out
After authorization, a power bank automatically slides out from the cabinet with an audible click. Pull it out gently.
Start charging immediately
Connect the built-in cable to your phone and start charging. The power bank typically holds 5000-10000 mAh, enough for 1-2 full phone charges.
How to Return
Find a cabinet of the same brand
Open the mini-program in Alipay or WeChat and use the built-in map to locate nearby return points. The map shows available empty slots at each location.
Insert into an empty slot
Push the power bank into any empty slot on the cabinet. You'll hear a click as it locks into place. Make sure it's fully inserted.
Fee calculated automatically
Charging stops immediately and the rental fee is calculated based on duration. The amount is automatically deducted from your Alipay or WeChat Pay account.
Deposit released
The ¥99 deposit authorization is released immediately upon successful return. You'll receive a confirmation notification in the mini-program.
Pricing
Tip: For most travelers, a few hours of charging costs less than ¥10 — much cheaper than buying a power bank. The daily cap makes it economical for full-day sightseeing.
Tips for Foreigners
Check the brand before renting. Before you scan, make sure that brand has return locations near your destination. The mini-program map will show you all nearby cabinets.
Avoid single-cabinet locations. Don't rent from a brand that only has one cabinet in the area. If that cabinet fills up when you try to return, you'll need to find another location further away.
Use the mini-program map. Always check return point availability before heading out. The map shows real-time slot availability at each location.
Hotel lobby cabinets are convenient. Many hotels have power bank stations in the lobby. This is perfect for returning the power bank before going to bed after a long day of sightseeing.
Info: If you encounter any issues with a rental — such as being unable to return the power bank — contact customer service through the mini-program. Most brands offer English-language support or can resolve issues via chat.