If you missed the big news, Uber's Shanghai division and Didi have merged. They've got a big monopoly now (they also own Kuaidi), so if you want to use ride sharing in Shanghai, you're going to be going through them. Do not pass go, do not collect 200 dollars. Today, Didi ceased operations of the English-language version on iPhone in Shanghai and launched a new Uber app just for China.

Learn about what's new and how to download and use the China Uber app after the jump.

*** If you're on iPhone and updated your Uber app this morning, you might have gotten the message, "Unfortunately Uber is currently unavailable in your area." This change has been months in the planning. To get the Chinese version, you've got to do a bit of footwork: Switch your App Store region to "China" in iTunes and enter in a Union Pay bank card. Then download the Chinese Uber -- you'll also have access to all the other apps only available in the Chinese app store. At this time, the China Uber app only offers Baidu Pay, Union Pay, and Alipay. No one uses Baidu Pay and Union Pay requires a Chinese ID card, so you're likely going to be using Alipay. The good news is that unlike the old Uber app, Alipay does work for foreigners with verified accounts. Find out how to set up Alipay here.

The Big Changes On The New App

(1) The new app is in Chinese even if your phone's system language is English. (2) There are only two car options available as of now: People's Uber and Uber Black. (3) Starting prices for trips is 13rmb -- the same as Didi. Overall, the thing feels like a big downgrade from the international version. And now with Didi controlling the whole market, expect higher fare rates. The good news is that, as far as we know, the international Uber on Android still works, as does the iPhone version if you don't make the upgrade. Hold on to that as long as you can, but don't expect it to last.