Must-Have Travel Apps for Your China Trip

Planning a trip to China? While China offers incredible experiences, navigating daily life without the right apps can be challenging. From bypassing the Great Firewall to ordering street food, here’s a guide to the top apps every traveller needs.

🔍China Travel Must-Have Apps Quick Look

💷 Payment Apps

Alipay

1. QR code payments at shops, restaurants, and transport hubs.
2. Link international credit/debit cards (e.g., Visa, Mastercard).
3. Metro ticket purchases in some cities.

How to use: Download the app, register with your passport, and link your card. Scan QR codes at checkout or show your payment code to vendors.

WeChat

1. Payments via WeChat Pay.
2. Messaging and mini-programs for bookings (e.g., transport, food delivery).

How to use: Link your card in the Wallet section. Use mini-programs by searching keywords like "train tickets" or "food delivery".

🗺️ Navigation Apps

Baidu Maps/Amap (高德地图)

1. Offline maps and real-time traffic updates.
2. Public transport routes and walking directions.

How to use: Type destinations in English or Chinese (use translation apps). Follow voice-guided navigation or check bus/metro times.

💬 Translation Apps

Google Translate

1. Text, voice, and camera translation.
2. Offline Chinese language support.
   How to use: Select Chinese, type/speak text, or point the camera at signs/menus. Requires VPN for full access.

Waygo

1. Instant camera translation for printed text (no internet).
2. Supports Chinese, Japanese, Korean.
   How to use: Point your camera at text (e.g., menus, signs) for instant translations.

📅 Travel Planning

Trip.com

1. Book trains, flights, hotels and attractions & tours in English.
2. E-tickets and 24/7 customer support.

Get More Discounts with the Trip.com App

How to use: Search destinations, select dates, and pay with international cards. Tickets are emailed or saved in-app.

🔓 VPN Apps

ExpressVPN

1. Access blocked sites (Google, Instagram).
2. Secure browsing and streaming.

How to use: Download and set up before arriving in China. Connect to a UK/US server to bypass restrictions.

🚇 Public Transport

China Metro/MetroMan China

1. Metro maps and route planning for major cities.
2. Timetables and service alerts.

How to use: Select start/end stations. Follow colour-coded lines and transfer tips.

Didi (Didi Chuxing)

1. Book taxis, private cars, or bikes.
2. English interface and linked payments.

How to use: Enter your destination, choose a ride type, and pay via Alipay/WeChat.

🍜 Food & Services

Meituan

1. Food delivery and restaurant bookings.
2. Discounts for attractions and local services.

How to use: Search for food/services, add to cart, and pay with Alipay/WeChat.

Dianping

1. Restaurant reviews, ratings, and photos.
2. Filter by cuisine or location.

How to use: Search nearby eateries. Use screenshot translations for reviews.

🚆 Train Tickets

Railway 12306

1. Official train ticket bookings.
2. Identity verification is required (about 3–5 days)

How to use: Switch to the English interface, log in, and verify your identity before purchasing tickets.

📱 Social & Guides

Xiaohongshu (rednote/Little Red Book)

1. User-generated travel tips and photos.
2. Trends on local hotspots.

How to use: Search keywords like “Shanghai street food”. Use translation tools for posts.

China Travel Apps FAQ

1. What apps do I need to travel to China?

Essential apps include Alipay (cashless payments), Baidu Maps/Amap (navigation), Google Translate (with VPN), Trip.com (booking flights/trains/hotels), and ExpressVPN (access blocked sites).

2. What app is mostly used in China?

WeChat (微信) is the most used app for messaging, payments, and daily services. Over 1 billion users rely on it for socialising, booking transport, and even ordering food.

3. What does China use instead of WhatsApp?

WeChat replaces WhatsApp in China. It offers messaging, video calls, and WeChat Pay. Note: WhatsApp is blocked, so download WeChat before arrival.

4. How to pay in China without cash?

Use Alipay or WeChat Pay for cashless payments. Link your Visa/Mastercard to pay via QR codes at shops, restaurants, and metro stations.

5. How to book train tickets in China?

Use Trip.com (English-friendly) or China Train Booking for high-speed rail.

6. What’s the best app for food delivery in China?

Meituan offers food delivery, restaurant bookings, and discounts. Use Google Translate to navigate addresses.

China Travel Guide