MUST-HAVE: The Big 6
Without these 6 apps, you literally cannot function in modern China. They're like oxygen for daily life.
for Travelers to China
Everything App - Messaging & Payments
WeChat Pay is accepted everywhere. Essential for messaging, payments, QR scanning, and accessing mini-programs for daily life in China.
Alipay
for Travelers to China
Payment & Shopping Platform
Alternative payment method with travel booking, online shopping, and QR payments. Essential backup when WeChat Pay isn't accepted.
Didi
for Travelers to China
Ride-hailing & Transport
China's Uber with English support. Essential for calling taxis, ride-shares, and navigating language barriers with transparent pricing.
AMAP
for Travelers to China
Navigation & Maps
China's most accurate navigation app with English support. Essential replacement for Google Maps with offline capabilities and real-time traffic.
Meituan
for Travelers to China
Food Delivery & Local Services
China's super app for food delivery, restaurant bookings, movie tickets, and local services. Essential for dining and entertainment experiences.
12306
for Travelers to China
High-Speed Railway Booking
Official app for booking China's high-speed railway tickets. Essential for traveling between cities with real-time schedules and seat selection.
๐ Highly Recommended Apps
Trip.com (ๆบ็จ)
Travel booking
Book flights, hotels, train tickets, and attractions. Foreigner-friendly with English support.
Baidu Translate
Translation
Camera translation, voice translation, and text translation. Works offline too.
Xiaohongshu (ๅฐ็บขไนฆ)
Travel inspiration
Chinese Instagram with travel recommendations, food spots, and local tips.
Pleco
Chinese dictionary
The best Chinese-English dictionary with camera character recognition.
๐ฑ App Setup Tips
โ Before You Travel
- โข Download all apps while still abroad
- โข Create accounts and verify phone numbers
- โข Add payment methods to WeChat and Alipay
- โข Switch Didi and Gaode Maps to English
- โข Download offline maps and translation data
โ ๏ธ Common Setup Issues
- โข Some apps require Chinese phone number
- โข Payment verification can take 24-48 hours
- โข Download apps from Chinese app stores if needed
- โข Keep screenshots of QR codes for offline use
Complete Your China Travel Kit
Explore our comprehensive resources to make your China trip unforgettable