Essential Apps for Travelers in China

A quick guide to the must-have apps that make your trip in China smoother — from payments and transport to food and navigation. Most apps now support foreign cards and English interfaces.

1. Alipay (支付宝) – Mobile Payment Made Easy

Use for: Paying anywhere, booking taxis, metro tickets, attractions, and more.
Why it matters:

• Works almost everywhere — from big malls to tiny food stalls.
• Now supports international credit/debit cards (Visa, MasterCard, etc.).
  Travel tip:
  Download the international version and complete real-name verification with your passport. You can also top up with your bank card directly.

2. WeChat (微信) – The All-in-One Super App

Use for: Messaging, social media, and mobile payments.
Why it matters:

• Everyone in China uses it for chat, file sharing, and payments.
• You can pay bills, buy movie tickets, book cabs, or even rent bikes through mini-apps.
  Travel tip:
  Link your foreign bank card (if supported) or use WeChat Wallet → “Balance” → “Add card.” Also useful for staying connected with locals and hotels.

3. DiDi (滴滴出行) – Your Go-To Ride-Hailing App

Use for: Booking taxis or private rides (similar to Uber).
Why it matters:

• English interface available.
• Reliable coverage in all major Chinese cities.
  Travel tip:
  Use “DiDi Global” version from App Store/Google Play. You can pay via Alipay, WeChat, or foreign cards.

4. 12306 China Railway (铁路12306) – Train Tickets Official App

Use for: Checking schedules, booking high-speed and regular train tickets.
Why it matters:

• The only official app for railway tickets.
• English version available.
  Travel tip:
  You’ll need a passport for registration. If it feels tricky, use Trip.com (Ctrip) as an easier alternative (they use the same data source).

5. Dianping (大众点评) – Local Food & Lifestyle Finder

Use for: Finding restaurants, cafes, attractions, salons, and reviews.
Why it matters:

• China’s version of Yelp or TripAdvisor.
• Great for discovering authentic local spots with user photos and prices.
  Travel tip:
  Switch the app language to English. Focus on ratings and photos even if reviews are in Chinese.

6. Ctrip (Trip.com / 携程旅行) – Booking Flights, Hotels & Trains

Use for: Planning and booking travel within China.
Why it matters:

• English interface, 24/7 support in multiple languages.
• Reliable for domestic and international flights, hotels, and tours.
  Travel tip:
  Highly recommended for foreign travelers — accepts international cards and passport info easily.

7. Red (Xiaohongshu / 小红书) – Lifestyle & Travel Inspiration

Use for: Discovering travel tips, cafes, hidden spots, and photo locations.
Why it matters:

• Think of it as Instagram + Pinterest + Google Maps for local trends.
• Great for finding places popular among young Chinese travelers.
  Travel tip:
  Search in English or use photo recognition. Many posts have English captions and maps attached.

8. Apple Maps (for iOS) / Amap (高德地图 for Android) – Reliable Navigation

Use for: Walking, driving, and public transport navigation.
Why it matters:

• Apple Maps works well for iPhone users in China.
• Amap (Gaode) is the most accurate navigation app for Android users.
  Travel tip:
  Amap has an English interface — go to Settings → Language → English. Works offline in major cities if maps are pre-downloaded.

Quick Reference Table

Final Tips

• Always download apps before arriving in China and complete account setup early.
• Most require real-name verification (passport upload).
• Use a local SIM card for better connection and verification.
• Combine Alipay + DiDi + Amap for a near-frictionless travel experience.

Enjoy your trip — with the right apps, China becomes surprisingly easy to explore!