Must-Have Apps When Visiting China: The Ultimate Traveler’s Guide
Traveling to China is an unforgettable experience—rich history, vibrant cities, world-famous cuisine, efficient transportation, and a unique blend of ancient traditions and modern innovation. But one thing every traveler should know before visiting is that China operates differently when it comes to mobile apps, internet access, communication, and payments.
Many popular international apps and websites (including Google, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and sometimes even regular email access) may not work due to the country’s internet restrictions. Without the right apps installed before arrival, navigating daily life can become a challenge.
This guide highlights the must-have apps when visiting China, ensuring you can travel smoothly, communicate easily, navigate confidently, and enjoy your trip without stress.
Why You Need Specific Apps for Traveling in China
Before diving into the recommended apps, it’s important to understand why they are necessary:
• Many Western apps are blocked, including Google Maps, Gmail, Facebook, and Twitter.• Mobile payments dominate daily life, and cash is no longer widely used.
• Digital QR codes are used for everything, from ordering food to entering attractions.
• Local apps offer better navigation, translation, and communication within China.
Installing the right apps before you arrive will save you time, money, and headaches.
Essential Apps You Must Have in China
Below are the top apps every visitor should download for smooth travel in China. Each app serves a different purpose—from payments to navigation and communication.
WeChat (微信): The Most Important App in China
| WeChat – Google Play |
Why You Need WeChat
WeChat is more than a messaging platform—it’s the backbone of daily life in China. Locals use it for communication, payments, booking taxis, food delivery, social media, and more.
Key Features for Travelers
• Messaging & Calling: Works better than international apps in China.• WeChat Pay: Allows you to link an international card for easy payments.
• QR Code Scanning: Essential for transportation, shops, restaurants, and attractions.
• Mini Programs: Built-in apps for booking tickets, checking maps, and more.
WeChat makes navigating China incredibly convenient and is a must-have for every traveler.
Alipay (支付宝): Essential for Cashless Payments
China is almost completely cashless. From street vendors to major shopping malls, QR code payments are the standard.
Why Download Alipay
• Easy to link international credit cards, making payments smooth.• Accepted everywhere—from taxis to convenience stores to tourist attractions.
• Offers exclusive tourist services, like metro passes and attraction tickets.
Features Travelers Will Love
• Tour Pass for loading money easily• Ride-hailing services through Didi
• Hotel and flight bookings
Having both WeChat Pay and Alipay ensures you’re never stuck without a payment method.
Didi Chuxing (滴滴出行): The Uber of China
Uber doesn’t operate in China, but Didi works almost the same way—and it’s the easiest way to get around cities.
Why Didi Is a Must-Have
• English interface available• GPS is highly accurate
• Secure, transparent pricing
• Works with WeChat Pay and Alipay
Best Uses
• Airport transfers• City rides during late-night hours
• Long-distance rides in large cities
Didi makes transportation affordable and safe for travelers.
Baidu Maps (百度地图): The Best Map App in China
Because Google Maps often doesn’t work correctly in China, Baidu Maps is the best navigation option.
Why Baidu Maps Is Essential
• Accurate walking, bus, and subway routes• Real-time traffic updates
• Best for locating restaurants, hotels, shops, and attractions
Notes for Travelers
The app is primarily in Chinese, but many travelers use it with built-in translation tools. It’s extremely reliable and preferred by locals.
Apple Maps (for iPhone users)
Apple Maps works much better in China than Google Maps due to local partnerships.
Why Apple Maps Works Well
• English interface• Accurate geolocation
• Reliable walking and driving routes
Perfect For:
• Quick directions• Location search
• Navigation without Chinese reading skills
If you're an iPhone user, Apple Maps may be enough for simpler navigation.
Metro Apps (for Major Cities)
China’s metro systems are among the biggest and most efficient in the world. Every major city has dedicated apps.
Recommended Metro Apps
• MetroMan (one of the best for offline metro maps)• Beijing Subway App
• Shanghai Metro App
• Guangzhou Metro App
Why They’re Helpful
• Real-time train schedules• Route planning
• Station maps
• Exit information (important in huge stations)
These apps are a lifesaver during rush hours or when navigating complex subway systems.
Google Translate (With Offline Packs)
Google Translate – Google Play
|
Why It’s Useful
•I nstant translation of menus, signs, and conversations• Camera translation for printed Chinese text
• Offline mode works without internet
Alternative: Pleco
Pleco is a powerful Chinese dictionary app used by students and expats.
VPN Apps (Very Important Before Arrival)
• YouTube
If you rely on these services, you’ll need a VPN to access them.
Recommended VPN
(Choose one and install before arriving in China.)
• ExpressVPN• NordVPN ( Best VPN from personal experience )
• Surfshark
Important Note:
Always download VPN apps before landing in China because VPN websites may be blocked once you're inside the country.
Meituan (美团): For Food Delivery and Local Services
Meituan is China’s biggest local services app, offering everything from food delivery to massage bookings.
Why Travelers Need Meituan
• Order food from local restaurants• Buy attraction tickets at discounted prices
• Book services like haircuts or hotels
Tip
The app is mainly in Chinese, so use translation features if needed.
Ctrip (Trip.com): Your Travel Booking Companion
Ctrip—known internationally as Trip.com—is China’s most reliable travel booking platform.
Why It’s Great for Travelers
• Book train tickets, flights, and hotels• English-speaking customer service
• Easy online payments
Best Uses
• High-speed train schedules• Last-minute hotel booking
• Local tours and travel packages
Trip.com is essential for planning domestic travel within China.
Dianping (大众点评): The Chinese Yelp
If you want to eat like a local, use Dianping.
Why Dianping Is Useful
• Restaurant reviews and ratings• Photos of menus and dishes
• Local food recommendations
• Booking options for top restaurants
It’s the best way to find reputable dining spots.
Final Thoughts: The Apps You Need for a Smooth Trip to China
Traveling in China becomes significantly easier when you have the right apps. Since the country uses a unique digital ecosystem—and many Western apps are restricted—these tools will help you pay for services, navigate cities, translate languages, communicate with locals, and travel more comfortably.
Must-Have Apps Summary
• WeChat – communication + payments
• Alipay – additional payment option
• Didi – reliable ride-hailing
• Baidu Maps / Apple Maps – navigation
• Google Translate / Pleco – translation
• VPN – access to blocked websites
• Trip.com – train, flight, and hotel bookings
• Metro apps – public transport navigation
With these apps installed and ready to use, your journey through China will be smoother, safer, and far more enjoyable.
