Why You Need Apps for Traveling in China
Traveling in China is an amazing experience—modern cities, ancient history, stunning landscapes, and food you’ll never forget. But it also comes with some challenges. Google services don’t always work, credit cards are rarely accepted, and English isn’t widely spoken outside big cities.
That’s why having the right apps on your phone can completely change your trip. From ordering food to booking train tickets, everything in China happens through apps. If you prepare ahead of time, you’ll travel smoother, save money, and feel more confident.
Here are the 9 essential apps every foreign traveler should download before coming to China in 2025, with real-life examples of how you’ll actually use them.
1. WeChat (微信): Your All-in-One Super App
If you download only one app before coming to China, make it WeChat. It’s far more than a messaging app—it’s China’s digital ecosystem.
- When you’ll use it:
- Adding your tour guide or driver so they can share meeting points.
- Sharing your live location when meeting friends in busy areas like Beijing’s Wangfujing or Shanghai’s Nanjing Road.
- Chatting with locals who might not use WhatsApp or Messenger.
- Key features: Messaging, voice calls, group chats, social media (WeChat Moments), QR code scanning, and even payments.
- Tips:
- You can register with a foreign phone number.
- For payments, link a foreign credit card or top up the wallet in advance.
2. Alipay (支付宝): The Must-Have for Cashless Payments
China is almost cashless now—most restaurants, shops, and even street vendors only accept QR code payments. Alipay is the most foreigner-friendly way to pay.
- When you’ll use it:
- Paying for hotpot dinner in Chengdu.
- Scanning QR codes to pay for souvenirs at a local market in Xi’an.
- Buying train tickets or booking hotels directly.
- Key features: QR code payments, currency exchange, booking services, and bill splitting.
- Tips:
- You can link foreign credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Diners Club).
- If your card doesn’t work, preload money into the wallet.
3. Didi (滴滴出行): Your Ride-Hailing Solution
Think of Didi as China’s Uber. It’s the easiest way to travel when taxis are hard to find or when language barriers get in the way.
- When you’ll use it:
- Landing at Beijing Capital Airport at midnight and needing a ride to your hotel.
- Going from your hotel in Guilin to the Li River cruise dock.
- Getting around when you don’t want to figure out complicated bus routes.
- Key features: Ride-hailing, carpool, and premium rides with English-speaking drivers in some cities.
- Tips:
- Payments are done via Alipay or WeChat Pay.
- Drivers usually don’t speak English, but the app automatically translates messages.
4. Gaode Map (高德地图 / Amap): Navigation That Actually Works in China
Google Maps doesn’t work reliably in China, so Gaode Map (also called Amap) is the go-to option.
- When you’ll use it:
- Navigating the Shanghai Metro system.
- Finding the fastest walking route to your hotel from a train station.
- Checking real-time traffic if you’re taking a taxi to the airport.
- Key features: Accurate directions for walking, driving, public transport, and biking.
- Tips:
- The app supports English.
- Download offline maps for when you don’t have good internet access.
5. Baidu Translate (百度翻译): Breaking the Language Barrier
Not everyone in China speaks English, especially outside major cities. Baidu Translate makes communication simple.
- When you’ll use it:
- Ordering food at a restaurant without an English menu.
- Talking with a taxi driver in a small town.
- Shopping at local markets where bargaining happens in Chinese.
- Key features: Photo translation, voice-to-voice translation, and offline translation packs.
- Tips:
- Download offline Chinese-English language packs before your trip.
- The camera function is great for menus, street signs, and labels.
6. Ctrip / Trip.com (携程): Booking Trains, Flights, and Hotels in One App
If you plan to travel between cities in China, Ctrip (internationally called Trip.com) is essential.
- When you’ll use it:
- Booking a last-minute high-speed train from Shanghai to Hangzhou.
- Reserving a domestic flight from Chengdu to Lhasa.
- Changing hotel reservations when you decide to stay longer in Xi’an.
- Key features: Flights, trains, hotels, car rentals, and attraction tickets.
- Tips:
- You’ll need your passport details to book tickets.
- High-speed train tickets often sell out, so book early.
7. Dianping (大众点评): China’s Yelp for Food and Lifestyle
When it comes to food, locals don’t use Yelp—they use Dianping.
- When you’ll use it:
- Finding the best xiaolongbao restaurant in Shanghai.
- Looking up reviews of teahouses near West Lake in Hangzhou.
- Checking if a local noodle shop in Chengdu is popular with locals.
- Key features: User reviews, photos, menus, and star ratings.
- Tips:
- The app is in Chinese, but you can translate using Baidu Translate.
- Focus on photos and star ratings if you can’t read the reviews.
8. Meituan (美团): Local Deals and Food Delivery
If you love food delivery or want discounts on activities, Meituan is your friend.
- When you’ll use it:
- Ordering late-night noodles delivered straight to your hotel.
- Buying discounted entrance tickets for a local attraction.
- Booking a massage after a long day of sightseeing.
- Key features: Food delivery, coupons, local services, attraction tickets.
- Tips:
- Foreign cards don’t always work—use Alipay or WeChat Pay.
- Hotel staff can help if you’re struggling with the Chinese-only interface.
9. Xiaohongshu (小红书 / RED): Lifestyle and Travel Inspiration
This app is a mix between Instagram and Pinterest. It’s where young Chinese people share travel experiences, food recommendations, and shopping tips.
- When you’ll use it:
- Searching for the best spots to take photos of the Great Wall.
- Finding hidden coffee shops in Beijing’s hutongs.
- Discovering shopping guides for cosmetics and souvenirs.
- Key features: User-generated content, lifestyle tips, shopping recommendations.
- Tips:
- Content is mainly in Chinese, but photos and videos are easy to understand.
- Use it for inspiration before you go to a new city.
Conclusion: Download Before You Go
Traveling in China without the right apps can be frustrating—but with these 9 apps, you’ll navigate like a local, eat like a foodie, and plan your trip with confidence.
- WeChat & Alipay cover communication and payments.
- Didi & Gaode Map make transportation stress-free.
- Baidu Translate helps with language.
- Ctrip, Dianping, Meituan, Xiaohongshu cover booking, food, activities, and inspiration.
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