China-based app LuTu [1] came to my attention for various reasons: I love to travel, take photographs, document my trips, and share with friends. The app positions itself as a travel photography platform for users like myself. According to its description, it is Qunar’s heavyweight product of the year.
The app allows you to discover the most wonderful places of interests based on your location. There is also a recommendation tab where you can gather inspiration for places to visit based on the most popular photographs or from featured travelers.
At the heart of the app is the taking photos. And apart from having a camera button located at the bottom right of the iPhone screen, users have the luxury of choosing from 12 different camera filters to enhance their shots. The photos will be automatically added to your little travel journal tab, where they can be sorted via a timeline, picture icons, or displayed across the map. Users are also encouraged to share their travel pictures on select chinese social media platforms, such as Sina Weibo, Tencent Weibo, and QQ Zone.
In order to verify its users, the name and picture displayed on the app will be subjected to checks by the team at LuTu. And just like any other normal social app, LuTu allows you to follow users you find interesting.
I think the app isn’t quite stable yet, as the pictures I’ve been trying to upload onto the app don’t display or get uploaded. I’ve uploaded at least five, but only one was successfully uploaded onto my profile. Perhaps it’s because I’m back home in Singapore. I might have to try it again the next time I’m back in China.
As some of you might be aware, Qunar received US$306 million from Baidu last year. But interestingly, the app has integrated Google Maps instead of the Baidu Maps. Our team felt it was a little weird to integrate Google instead of Baidu since Google services are prone to frequent hiccups in China. And it would make more sense since there is already a close relationship between the two companies as well.
Is Qunar planning to take this app global perhaps? We wouldn’t be surprised, since this is after all a travel app. And more Chinese apps are taking their wares to compete on a global stage these days.
If you’d like to try it out youself, you can get it from the App Store.
 |
 |
 |
 |
Stay updated on the go with our mobile app.
Get latest insights with smoother, more personalized experience through TIA mobile app.
