1. Introduction
WaysChina ("we," "our," or "us") operates the WaysChina website (wayschina.com) and the WaysChina mobile application (collectively, the "Services"). This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, and protect information when you use our Services.
We are committed to respecting your privacy. Our Services are designed to work with minimal data collection — you can use most features without creating an account or providing any personal information.
2. Information We Collect
2.1 Information You Provide
Currently, our Services do not require user registration. If we introduce account features in the future, we will update this policy accordingly. If you contact us via email, we will receive your email address and message content.
2.2 Information Collected Automatically
When you use our Services, the following may be collected automatically:
- Server Logs: IP address, browser type, device type, operating system, referring URL, pages visited, and access timestamps. This is standard for all web servers and is used for security and troubleshooting purposes.
- API Requests: When the mobile app communicates with our servers, basic request metadata (IP address, device type, requested content) is logged.
We do not currently use any third-party analytics services (such as Google Analytics) or advertising SDKs in our website or mobile app.
2.3 Information Stored Locally on Your Device (Mobile App)
The WaysChina mobile app stores the following data locally on your device. This data is not transmitted to our servers:
- Preferences: Language selection, dark/light mode setting.
- Bookmarks: A list of articles you have saved for quick access.
- Reading History: Articles you have recently viewed.
- Travel Checklist: Your check/uncheck status for travel preparation items.
- Offline Content: When you choose to download articles for offline reading, article text and associated images are stored in a local database (SQLite) on your device.
- Image Cache: Images from articles are cached locally to improve loading performance.
All locally stored data remains on your device and can be cleared by deleting the app or using the in-app "Clear All" function for downloaded content.
3. How We Use Information
We use the limited information we collect to:
- Provide and maintain our Services (website and mobile app)
- Deliver the content you request (articles, guides, tool data)
- Monitor server health and prevent abuse
- Improve our content and Services based on aggregated, non-identifying usage patterns
4. Information Sharing
We do not sell, rent, or trade your information to third parties. We may share information only in the following limited circumstances:
- Service Providers: We use Cloudflare for content delivery (CDN) and Amazon Web Services (AWS) for hosting. These providers may process request metadata (IP addresses) as part of delivering our Services, subject to their own privacy policies.
- Legal Requirements: We may disclose information if required by law, regulation, or legal process.
5. Affiliate Links
Some articles contain affiliate links to third-party products and services. When you click these links, you leave our Services and are subject to the third-party's privacy policy. We may earn a commission from qualifying purchases, but this does not affect the price you pay or the information we collect.
6. Cookies
Our website may use essential cookies for basic functionality (such as language preference). We do not currently use tracking cookies or third-party advertising cookies. The mobile app does not use cookies.
7. Data Security
We implement appropriate technical measures to protect our Services, including encrypted API communication between the mobile app and our servers. However, no method of electronic transmission or storage is completely secure, and we cannot guarantee absolute security.
8. Data Retention
Server logs are retained for a limited period for security and troubleshooting purposes and are then automatically deleted. Locally stored data on your device persists until you delete the app or clear it manually.
9. Your Rights
Depending on your jurisdiction, you may have the right to:
- Access any personal data we hold about you
- Request correction or deletion of your data
- Object to or restrict processing of your data
- Data portability
Since we collect minimal personal data and do not maintain user accounts, most of these rights are satisfied by default. If you have a specific request, please contact us at the address below.
10. Children's Privacy
Our Services are not directed at children under the age of 13. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. If you believe we have inadvertently collected information from a child, please contact us and we will promptly delete it.
11. International Users
Our Services are designed for international travelers visiting China. If you are accessing our Services from the European Economic Area (EEA), United Kingdom, or other regions with specific data protection laws, please note that any information transmitted to our servers may be processed in locations outside your jurisdiction. By using our Services, you consent to this transfer.
12. Changes to This Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. We will indicate the date of the latest revision at the top of this page. Your continued use of our Services after any changes constitutes acceptance of the updated policy.
13. Contact Us
If you have questions or concerns about this Privacy Policy, please contact us at:
Email: [email protected]