This study investigates the factors driving the adoption of financial technology (FinTech) applications among rural residents in China. The research builds on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and incorporates innovation awareness and financial awareness as additional variables. A survey of 386 respondents from rural communities was conducted to test the hypothesized relationships. The results indicate that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, innovation awareness, and financial awareness positively and significantly affect the intention to adopt FinTech applications. Perceived usefulness also partially mediates the relationship between perceived ease of use and behavioral intention. The study suggests that policymakers and FinTech companies can promote FinTech adoption in rural areas by offering education and training programs to improve financial literacy, designing user-friendly FinTech products, and fostering a culture of innovation. The findings provide valuable insights for enhancing financial inclusion in rural regions.This study investigates the factors driving the adoption of financial technology (FinTech) applications among rural residents in China. The research builds on the Technology Acceptance Model (TAM) and incorporates innovation awareness and financial awareness as additional variables. A survey of 386 respondents from rural communities was conducted to test the hypothesized relationships. The results indicate that perceived usefulness, perceived ease of use, innovation awareness, and financial awareness positively and significantly affect the intention to adopt FinTech applications. Perceived usefulness also partially mediates the relationship between perceived ease of use and behavioral intention. The study suggests that policymakers and FinTech companies can promote FinTech adoption in rural areas by offering education and training programs to improve financial literacy, designing user-friendly FinTech products, and fostering a culture of innovation. The findings provide valuable insights for enhancing financial inclusion in rural regions.