For most of my friends from abroad, traveling to China is an exciting and mysterious adventure — and that’s exactly why being well-prepared makes all the difference!
In today’s China, where mobile internet is incredibly advanced, I strongly recommend that you install a few essential apps on your phone, even if you’re just here for a short trip. Trust me, these apps will make your journey so much smoother and more efficient, helping you avoid unnecessary hassles so you can focus on what really matters — the food, the sights, and… maybe even a few charming locals.
WeChat is the most important app you’ll need in China. It’s much more than a messaging platform—it’s essentially an all-in-one app for communication, social networking, payments, and even transportation. Locals use WeChat for almost everything, so having this app is essential.
- Features:
- Messaging, voice, and video calls（Translations are available in conversations to facilitate real-time communication across languages）
- Sending location and photos
- WeChat Pay (used to pay for taxis, meals, shopping, etc.)
- Moments (a social media feed)
- Official accounts for travel updates, restaurant bookings, and more
- Why You Need It: Cash is less commonly used, and credit cards aren’t always accepted. WeChat Pay is a major payment method, making it crucial for purchasing anything from street food to metro tickets.
Alipay
Similar to WeChat Pay, Alipay is another ubiquitous mobile payment platform in China. Many stores, restaurants, and services accept either WeChat Pay or Alipay, so having both will cover all your bases.And it’s also essentially an all-in-one app for payment、transportation、translation、Didi、takeout、ordering tickets
- Features:
- Mobile payments for shopping, restaurants, transportation
- Alipay Tour Pass for foreign visitors (allows international cards to link and load money)
- Discounts on tourist attractions
- Transportation、translation、Didi、takeout、booking tickets、hotel、flights
- Why You Need It: Not all places accept cash or foreign credit cards, and Alipay offers an easy way to pay for almost anything in China, especially for tourists.
Amap
Since Google Maps is restricted in China, Amaps is the go-to navigation app. It’s accurate and includes routes for walking, driving, public transportation, and biking，and Now there is an English version, which is very friendly to foreign tourists.
- Features:
- Real-time traffic updates
- Detailed directions for public transit, walking, and biking
- Location-sharing with friends
- Why You Need It: It provides real-time information on buses, metros, and routes.It’s a lifesaver for getting around cities, especially in complex metro systems.
Tip: You can switch to English in the settings, but place names might still appear in Chinese characters.
Didi
Didi is China’s version of Uber, and it’s essential for booking rides. While taxis are available, Didi is often more convenient as you can pay directly through the app using WeChat Pay or Alipay.
- Features:
- Book rides with taxis or private cars
- Offers carpooling options
- Available in most cities across China
- Why You Need It: Taxis can be difficult to hail in busy cities, and Didi allows you to avoid the hassle of language barriers or needing to carry cash. The app also has an option for English speakers.
Baidu Translate
Peggy Translate
Both apps support offline queries and use, and do not require a VPN, making them very stable and convenient to use in Chinese mainland.
- Features:
- Chinese-English dictionary
- Camera-based character recognition
- Real-time text and voice translation
- Why You Need It: If you don’t know Chinese, the app’s real-time translation, image translation, offline mode, and no VPN are very useful for you.
Trip
Trip is a comprehensive travel app for foreigns for booking hotels, flights, trains, and tours within China. It’s widely used by both locals and international tourists.It is a subsidiary of Ctrip, China’s largest online travel service platform.
- Features:
- Book flights, trains, buses, and hotels
- Reviews and recommendations for local attractions
- Discounts and package deals for sightseeing and tours
- Why You Need It: Trip is incredibly useful for booking high-speed train tickets, domestic flights, and hotels. The app is available in English and is user-friendly for international travelers.
VPN (Virtual Private Network)
Since many popular Western apps (like Google, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp) are restricted in China, having a VPN is crucial if you want to access these services. Make sure to download a VPN before arriving in China, as VPN apps are blocked within the country.
I would recommend the following three VPNs because they have been tested to work in Chinese mainland, and many foreign tourists have very good feedback.
Astrill:
Astrill: Reliable even during internet crackdowns. It’s a bit pricey, but definitely worth it if you’re staying for a while.
Letsvpn:
Letsvpn: Affordable and surprisingly reliable for daily use. Great for budget travelers.
ExpressVPN:
ExpressVPN: Some users report inconsistent performance in China. I keep it as a backup just in case.
- Why You Need It: A VPN allows you to bypass internet restrictions and access blocked websites and apps like Gmail, YouTube, and Facebook.
Tip: Not all VPNs work well in China, so do some research and choose one known to function in the country。
12306
China Train Booking
For traveling by train, the official 12306 app is China’s national railway service, And there is also an English version and English customer service. China Train Booking is an alternative app available in English that simplifies the process of buying train tickets.
- Features:
- Book high-speed and regular train tickets across China
- Check train schedules and seat availability
- Why You Need It: China’s high-speed rail network is vast, and trains are one of the best ways to travel between cities. Having a reliable app to book tickets is crucial, especially during peak travel seasons.
Mei tuan
Dianping
Meituan/Dianping are two great apps for finding local restaurants, attractions, and services. It’s similar to Yelp but with added functionality like food delivery. Actually, the two apps are very similar and belong to the same company, which stems from a well-known merger and acquisition in the industry. Either way, you can download any one you like.
- Features:
- Find local restaurants and read reviews
- Book restaurants, buy tickets for attractions
- Food delivery (like UberEats)
- Get discounts or offers in restaurants, shopping malls, entertainment venues, etc
- Why You Need It: Whether you want to find the best local street food or book tickets to a museum, Meituan/Dianping are the go-to app for restaurant reviews and activity bookings.