Must-Have Apps for Travelling in China
China runs on apps. Without them, you cannot pay for things, hail a taxi, order food, or find your way around. Download these before you land — some require setup steps that are easier to do outside China.
Payment
Alipay (支付宝)
The Chinese version of PayPal — but used for everything.
Alipay is how most transactions work in China. Street food stalls, supermarkets, pharmacies, taxis, museums — they all accept Alipay QR codes. Cash is increasingly rare and some places no longer accept it at all.
Foreign visitors can now link an international Visa or Mastercard directly to Alipay without a Chinese bank account or phone number. Set this up before you travel.
Download: App Store · Google Play
WeChat (微信)
Built into WeChat — China’s WhatsApp that also pays for things.
WeChat is China’s all-in-one super app: messaging, social media, payments, and more. WeChat Pay works the same way as Alipay — scan a QR code to pay. Most places accept both; having both gives you a backup.
WeChat is also how locals communicate, so you’ll need it to stay in touch with hotels, guides, or anyone you meet in China.
Download: App Store · Google Play
Maps & Navigation
Baidu Maps (百度地图)
The Chinese version of Google Maps.
Google Maps does not work in China. Baidu Maps is the replacement — it has accurate street-level data, transit directions, walking routes, and live traffic. The interface has an English mode. Essential for getting around any Chinese city.
Download: App Store · Google Play
Amap / Gaode Maps (高德地图)
Another Chinese version of Google Maps — often more accurate than Baidu.
Amap (also called Gaode) is the other major maps app in China and is used by many locals. Integrates directly with Didi for ride-hailing. If Baidu Maps is giving you trouble, switch to Amap — many travellers prefer it.
Download: App Store · Google Play
Transport
Didi (滴滴出行)
The Chinese version of Uber.
Didi is the dominant ride-hailing app in China. Shows the price upfront, tracks your route, and is cashless. Has an English mode. Far easier than flagging a taxi, especially if you don’t speak Chinese. Set up before you arrive and link your international card.
Download: App Store · Google Play
Trip.com (携程)
The Chinese version of Booking.com — for trains, flights, and hotels.
Trip.com is the best platform for booking high-speed rail tickets, domestic flights, and hotels in China. Has a full English interface. Foreigners can book train tickets here without needing a Chinese ID — this is not always possible on other platforms. Book on Trip.com
Download: App Store · Google Play
Food & Restaurants
Dianping (大众点评)
The Chinese version of Yelp — for finding restaurants.
Dianping is how locals find restaurants, check menus, and read reviews. Search by area or cuisine, filter by rating, and see photos of the food. Has partial English support. Invaluable for finding where to eat in any neighbourhood.
Download: App Store · Google Play
Meituan (美团)
The Chinese version of Deliveroo — food delivery and much more.
Meituan handles food delivery, hotel bookings, movie tickets, and local services. In your hotel room and want food delivered? Meituan. Many hotels in China actually use Meituan delivery robots to bring orders to your room. Requires a Chinese phone number for full functionality, but the food delivery side works with international numbers in most cities.
Download: App Store · Google Play
Translation
Pleco
The best Chinese dictionary app — doubles as a real-time translator.
Pleco is the gold standard for Chinese language reference. Point your camera at a menu, sign, or product label and it translates instantly. Works offline. Even if you speak no Chinese at all, Pleco’s camera translation will get you through most situations.
Download: App Store · Google Play
Google Translate
Works in China — just not Google Maps.
Despite the Great Firewall, Google Translate functions in China (with a VPN). Download the Chinese language pack for offline use before you travel. Useful for translating menus, signs, and conversations.
Download: App Store · Google Play
DeepSeek (深度求索)
The Chinese version of ChatGPT — and it works without a VPN.
ChatGPT is blocked in China, but DeepSeek is a powerful homegrown AI assistant and an excellent stand-in. Ask it to translate phrases, decode a menu, plan your day, or answer any travel question — all in fluent English, and without needing a VPN. Handy as a pocket guide and translator rolled into one.
Download: App Store · Google Play
Social & Discovery
Xiaohongshu / Little Red Book (小红书)
The Chinese version of Instagram — but actually useful for travel recommendations.
Xiaohongshu (Red Note) is a social commerce app where users share highly detailed reviews, travel guides, and lifestyle content. Search any city or attraction and you’ll find real photos, honest tips, and local recommendations that don’t appear on Western platforms. Read-only works without an account. It is the most powerful platform to ask for travel advice in English.
Download: App Store · Google Play
Douyin (抖音)
The Chinese version of TikTok — the original.
Douyin is TikTok’s Chinese counterpart, operated separately with different content. It’s where Chinese food trends, travel spots, and cultural moments go viral first. Not essential for getting around, but surprisingly useful for discovering hidden restaurants and local experiences that haven’t made it onto any guidebook.
Download: App Store
Quick reference
| App | What it does | Western equivalent |
|---|---|---|
| Alipay | Mobile payment | PayPal |
| Messaging + payment | WhatsApp + PayPal | |
| Baidu Maps | Navigation | Google Maps |
| Amap / Gaode | Navigation | Google Maps |
| Didi | Ride-hailing | Uber |
| Trip.com | Trains, flights, hotels | Booking.com |
| Dianping | Restaurant reviews | Yelp |
| Meituan | Food delivery | UberEats |
| DeepSeek | AI assistant | ChatGPT |
| Xiaohongshu | Travel discovery | |
| Douyin | Short video | TikTok |
Set up Alipay and Didi before you board your flight. Everything else can wait until you land.