Essential Apps for China
Install these before you arrive. Your phone is your lifeline in China.
MUST HAVE — Install Before Landing
Alipay
PaymentPay everywhere. Link foreign card or use Tour Pass.
All-in-one: messaging, payments, mini-programs, everything.
Amap (高德地图)
Maps+NavigationBest maps app in China. Supports English. Taxi hailing, walking, transit.
Didi
TransportationChina's Uber. English version available. hailing taxis and ride-sharing.
Pleco
Translation/DictionaryBest Chinese dictionary. OCR camera translation, flashcards.
VERY USEFUL
Baidu Maps
MapsAlternative to Amap. Also supports English.
Meituan
Food Delivery+ServicesFood delivery, hotel booking, movie tickets, everything local.
Needs Chinese phone #Ctrip/Trip.com
Travel BookingBook trains, flights, hotels. English interface available.
12306
Train BookingOfficial train booking app. English version available.
Needs Chinese phone #WeChat Translate
TranslationBuilt-in camera translation in WeChat.
Tencent Translate
TranslationExcellent voice and camera translation for Chinese.
Dianping
ReviewsFind restaurants and reviews. Like Yelp for China.
Needs Chinese phone #NICE TO HAVE
Xiaohongshu
Travel GuideChina's travel buzz app. Real experiences, restaurant reviews.
Needs Chinese phone #Taobao
ShoppingChina's Amazon. Almost everything is cheaper here.
UnionPay
PaymentChina's card network app. Useful backup payment method.