Apps For China Travel: Your Detailed Guide for Exploring China
Must-Have Apps for Traveling in China
If you come to travel in China, you need to prepare in all aspects of food, clothing, accommodation and transportation. These apps will be able to help you solve most of the scenarios you need in China. Getting to know these apps in advance will make your trip to China smoother!😀Pro Tip: To stay connected throughout your visit, consider getting a China eSIM. Just activate and go!
Category | App Name | Notes |
Communication | Also used for payments (if set up) | |
Payment | Alipay | Widely accepted; cash alternative |
Navigation | Baidu Maps | Better than Google Maps in China |
Translation | Google Translate | Download Chinese language pack |
Translation | Pleco | Great for learning Chinese characters |
Ride-hailing | DiDi | Link international card for payment |
Travel Booking | Trip.com | Formerly Ctrip; covers China well |
Subway Navigation | MetroMan | User-friendly for tourists |
Food & Dining | Dianping | Chinese Yelp |
Apps for China Travel | WeChat
Like whatsapp, wechat is mainly a tool for communication. However, it also has the functions of payment and scanning codes to order food in restaurants. When traveling in China, wechat is definitely a software that you must download and understand. I have listed its main functions for you:
Essential Communication
The dominant way locals communicate. Necessary for contacting hotels, tour guides, drivers, restaurants (reservations, questions), or fellow travelers. Unlike WhatsApp, WeChat works reliably without a VPN.
Mandatory Digital Payments
- WeChat Pay is one of China's two dominant cashless payment systems (alongside Alipay). You can pay with WeChat almost at anywhere.
- Setting Up: Absolutely critical to set up WeChat Pay before arrival and link an international credit card (supported by WeChat, though setup can sometimes be fiddly). Alternatives like "TourCard" exist if linking fails.
Access Key to "Mini-Programs"
This is WeChat's secret sauce for tourists. You can regard Mini-Programs as lightweight apps within WeChat, no separate download needed!
Examples Vital for Travel:
- Public Transport: Scan city metro/bus QR codes using Mini-Programs.
- Ride-Hailing: Access DiDi directly.
- Travel Booking: Use Trip.com for flights, trains, hotels, tours.
- Food Ordering / Reviews: Access Dianping (大众点评 - like Yelp) for reviews and reservations.
- Bike-Sharing: Scan Meituan bikes.
- Attractions: Book tickets or access audio guides.
- Translation: Mini-Programs for quick translation.
QR Code Scanner
- Pay: Scan vendor QR codes instantly to pay.
- Add Contacts: Scan someone's WeChat QR to add them.
- Access Everything: Scan codes everywhere - menus, attraction info points, museum exhibits, hotel check-in, airport services, posters, even adding WiFi sometimes. WeChat is your go-to scanning tool.
Key Setup Tips for Travelers
- Download & Register BEFORE Arrival: Do this on your home SIM if possible. Verify your account.
- Set Up WeChat Pay: Link an international credit card (Visa/Mastercard) ASAP. Look for "Wallet" -> "Cards" -> "Add a Card".
- Add Funds: If card linking works, top up a small balance (¥100-200) for initial small purchases before your bank authorizations kick in each time. If linking fails, research "TourPass" or "TourCard" alternatives.
- Search for Mini-Programs: Immediately find key ones like DiDi, Trip, Dianping.
😀Pro Tip: To stay connected throughout your visit, consider getting a China eSIM. Just activate and go!
Book China eSIM Now
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Apps for China Travel | Alipay
When it comes to payment methods, another one that cannot be ignored is Alipay. It is listed as one of the two most popular payment methods in China along with wechat pay. Unlike wechat, alipay focuses on payment, but compared with wechat, it also has some different functions and advantages.
The biggest difference between wechat and Alipay mainly lies in that wechat is used for social interaction. Usually, small transfers between acquaintances are mainly made through wechat. Alipay, on the other hand, mainly focuses on electronic payments. Online shopping and utility bills are still mainly handled through Alipay. However, when you use the Taobao software, wechat usually cannot make payments, so Alipay still has its place.
Why Alipay over Wechat?
- Alipay revolutionizes the payment experience for international travelers with its TourPass feature. This dedicated prepaid balance system bypasses China's strict bank account requirements, allowing foreigners link international Visa or Mastercard cards more easily.
- Top up once, and you can pay seamlessly everywhere—from street vendors to high-end boutiques, but you still to need to show your code on WeChat to Pay.
- Unlike WeChat Pay, transactions rarely face declines, making Alipay the most reliable cashless tool for visitors.
Apps for China Travel | Trip.com
Trip apps are essential digital tools for travelers exploring China, combining itinerary planning, real-time navigation, local discovery, and booking services in one platform. These apps solve most travelers‘ challenges including:
- Transport Booking: Secure high-speed train and flight tickets
- Attractions: You can find the ticket of any attraction and how to book it
- Hotels: You can book hotels with discounts
- Car Hire: Provide car rental service
- Integrated Payments: Pay via Alipay and WeChat Pay inside partnered apps
Things to Do in China
Beijing
Shanghai
Guangzhou
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![Mutianyu Great Wall Day Trip [ZANBUS - Daily departures at 8/9/10 AM]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0356012000sgcf58vC123_C_568_320.jpg)
![Half-Day Tour to Zhujiajiao Ancient Town [Explore the Millennial Water Town with Timeless Charm and Lively Atmosphere]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0352m12000pbrd487A4C6_C_568_320.jpg)
![1-day tour to Qianlonggou Waterfall + Xitou Village + Baishuizhai Scenic Area [Summer Resort]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images//0583912000n1b59osD361_C_568_320.jpg)
Apps for China Travel | Didi
DiDi Chuxing is China’s largest ride-hailing platform. With over 550 million users, it’s the #1 app for booking taxis, private cars, premium rides, and even buses across 4,000+ cities. For travelers, it’s a lifeline: no language haggling, no cash payments, and real-time tracking in a country where street taxis can be challenging.
It is not only affordable in price, but also available in most cities in China. Whether you are looking for a cheap car or a more comfortable one, Didi offers different types of rides (such as the fast ride "Express", or the more advanced "Lux").
Besides, unlike taxis, the Didi app will display the price in advance, so it won't surprise you.
And especially for English users, you just need to select the destination on the software and provide the last four digits of your mobile phone when getting on the bus.
Apps for China Travel | Baidu Maps
Baidu Maps is China’s answer to Google Maps – but optimized for the country’s unique infrastructure. With 1.3 billion+ users, it’s the most accurate tool for navigating cities, public transport, and hidden alleyways where global apps fail.
Baidu Maps has also launched an English version of the map, which not only supports English navigation but also covers various travel methods such as walking, cycling, public transportation and driving.
According to the official introduction, the English version of Baidu Maps has built over 1.5 million precise points of interest data, covering more than 100 subcategories of information in 19 major categories such as food, hotels, and life services. Whether it is looking for restaurants, scenic spots or supermarkets, the English version of the map provides intuitive information, greatly eliminating the inconvenience caused by language barriers and offering a comprehensive reference for foreign tourists.
Apps for China Travel | Meituan
Meituan is China’s "everything app" — merging food delivery, travel booking, local services, and entertainment into one platform. With 650M+ users, it handles 70% of China’s food delivery orders and powers millions of daily bookings. For travelers, it’s the digital key to authentic local experiences beyond tourist traps.
Core Functions for Travelers
Food Delivery: Order from 10M+ restaurants (street stalls to high-end). Multilingual photo menus & reviews.
Services: Book massages, haircuts, pet grooming, and repair services.
Ride Services: Hail taxis, bikes, and e-scooters.
China Hotels Recommendation
5 star
Outstanding11938 Reviews
People's Square Area Shanghai|0.54km from downtown
This time, when I brought my child to Shanghai for a trip, I still chose the Crowne Plaza Shanghai Nanjing Road. After a tiring full day at Disneyland, we arrived at the hotel and were grateful for the room upgrade to a suite. After checking out, we realized we had left a bag behind. A big thank you to staff member #066 who helped us find it and even arranged for it to be couriered home. The service here is absolutely amazing! Thank you very much! ❤️❤️FromAU$ 132
Outstanding6444 Reviews
People's Square Area Shanghai|0.47km from downtown
I made a special trip to leave a review after my stay, and it was a perfect experience. The hotel boasts an excellent location and a warm, tranquil interior design. The rooms are well-laid out, and the cleanliness standards are strict. The bedding and bathroom amenities are of good quality.
What truly impressed me most was the hotel's overall service quality. The staff are well-trained, proactive in anticipating guests' needs, respond efficiently, and are friendly and approachable. There's no mechanical, rote service; instead, every interaction feels genuinely warm. While good facilities are fundamental, the exceptional, personalized service is undoubtedly the hotel's biggest highlight. Consequently, I extended my stay by another night, and Lynn at the front desk thoughtfully accommodated my request. This is definitely a hotel I'll choose again.FromAU$ 162
Outstanding8270 Reviews
People's Square Area Shanghai|0.7km from downtown
The hotel's location is excellent, right next to Nanjing Road Pedestrian Street, and only a few minutes' walk to Metro Line 2, making getting around super convenient. The hotel's design is luxurious, grand, and elegant, upholding Marriott's quality standards. The front desk and lobby staff are all very friendly; they even offered us drinks when we checked in. Cora, the guest service manager at the front desk, was incredibly efficient and professional during our check-in process. Because my other booking was split into three separate reservations, she expertly consolidated them for a continuous three-night stay, saving me the hassle of changing rooms daily. Even though I forgot to add a note when booking, she managed to put my sister and me on the same floor. Huge thanks to her for getting our three-day Shanghai trip off to such a great start! The hotel breakfast is abundant and delicious, with Shanghai-style scallion oil noodles available daily, plus many freshly made noodle and wonton stations. There's a wide selection of both Chinese and Western options. The cleaner responsible for my room, 2805, did an outstanding job; after a day out, we returned to a clean and tidy room, which was a pleasant surprise! The city view from the room is also beautiful. All in all, it was a very happy and satisfying stay! Definitely a 5-star recommendation!FromAU$ 212
Very Good5278 Reviews
Huaihai Road Area/Xintiandi Area Shanghai|1.78km from downtown
Booked Garden Hotel for my mom's birthday, and they even sent a box of chocolates, which was a thoughtful touch. The room facilities are quite old, but it was clean, very business-oriented, and spacious. The butter cookies I specifically bought were delicious! My mom particularly praised the service, saying it truly lives up to its reputation as a classic five-star hotel in Shanghainese people's hearts. It was very pleasant to take a walk in the garden after dinner. The breakfast the next day had a Japanese focus, with onsen eggs, natto, and smoked salmon. Overall, a good experience.FromAU$ 138
Outstanding10560 Reviews
Train Station Area Shanghai|2.4km from downtown
This time, my family and I stayed in an Executive Suite at the Pullman Shanghai Jing An. First off, the hotel's location is incredibly convenient. It's right near Shanghai Railway Station, so if you're coming by high-speed rail, you're there in just five minutes after exiting the station. There's also Metro Line 1 right outside, about 50 meters away, making it easy to get to many famous Shanghai attractions. The suite consists of a bedroom and a living room, which was more than enough space for our family. The living room has a sofa bed that unfolds into a small bed, which was very practical. The room itself was clean and tidy, with complete amenities, and the kids really enjoyed the screen-mirroring TV. The front desk service was excellent, both during check-in and check-out. We'll definitely stay here again.FromAU$ 137
Business travel
Good2525 Reviews
Jing'an District/West Nanjing Road Shanghai|0.85km from downtown
I stayed at this hotel back when it was still the Kempinski and always had a pleasant experience. This time, under the new IHG Vignette Collection branding, the stay fell far short of expectations.
Upon arrival, there was no one outside to assist with luggage. Staff members only rushed out after they saw me already pulling my bags from the car myself. The check-in process was noticeably slower, and I wasn’t offered an upgrade — which used to be a regular, appreciated gesture during my previous stays. I was given one of the smallest rooms I’ve ever had in this hotel.
The room itself had several issues. The microwave didn’t work at all, so I couldn’t heat up the takeaway I’d brought. The bedroom TV remote wasn’t responsive; I struggled with it for a long time and eventually just managed to turn the TV off, but not control it. The worst part was the noise from the room above — constant, disruptive sounds that went on until well past midnight, severely affecting my sleep. I did call reception about it, but the noise continued.
Checkout felt impersonal and rushed. No one asked how my stay was. I simply handed over my room key and that was it. When my pre-ordered car had trouble finding the hotel entrance, I handed the phone to a staff member expecting them to guide the driver. Instead, he simply found out where the car was parked, handed the phone back, and left me to drag my luggage there on my own.
The only positive is the central location, which remains excellent. But for service, room comfort, and attention to detail, this was a letdown. I hope they can bring back the standards they used to have.FromAU$ 232
Excellent9305 Reviews
The Bund Area Shanghai|1.73km from downtown
Location: Superb!
It's about 500 meters to the Bund and 500 meters to Yu Garden and the City God Temple. Within 2 kilometers, you'll find nothing but commercial areas, making it convenient to go anywhere.
Service: The hotel staff use robots to deliver express packages to your room – excellent service!
Facilities: The hotel's restaurant serves excellent, delicious food.
Hygiene: The hotel is very clean, and the rooms are spacious. Our whole family was very satisfied.FromAU$ 148
Good8603 Reviews
The North Bund Area Shanghai|2.55km from downtown
I’d love to highly recommend this hotel. My stay exceeded all expectations. The lobby features an elegant style with pleasant lighting and layout, creating a quiet and cozy atmosphere. The staff are warm and courteous throughout. Special thanks to Jerry, who is efficient, thoughtful and extremely friendly. Check-in was smooth and seamless, with great attention to detail and professional service. The place is clean and tastefully decorated, making guests feel totally at ease. It’s ideal for both leisure trips and business stays. Truly a wonderful experience. Strongly recommended!FromAU$ 167
Good3795 Reviews
The Bund Area Shanghai|1.27km from downtown
Opted for the room type with a separate TV area and it was such a good decision for families. My kid could be sleeping in the room while I was working or watching TV outside. However, beds are SMALL, only a super single so even though kids under 6 could stay in the room for free, it was quite a squeeze on the bed to fit both the adult and the child. Hotel service is good though, gave a complimentary westin bear to my child and the concierge helped me with my restaurant bookings though they gave me some wrong info on the reservation dates window period. Their gym was AMAZING had a wide variety of equipment not normally found in most gyms like a pull up bar, assisted squat rack. Only missing a dips bar. However the swimming pool seemed alright only. Indoor and sufficient but lacked in looks appeal.FromAU$ 211
Very Good5788 Reviews
People's Square Area Shanghai|0.9km from downtown
It was an interesting stay. Great location right off the shopping boulevard. The hotel has a bar and two restaurants. A spa, a foot spa, and gym. We had lounge access which was a nice bonus but not really worth the extra money. You get free breakfast, appetizers from 6-8, and lounge access for coffee and sodas from 1-930.
The breakfast was yummy. Offered a wide selection of food with regional dishes to western foods. One of the few places I’ve traveled outside the US that has actual bacon. We never waited but there was a sign saying there were peak hours.
Check in was great. I had an issue with a bag left in a DiDi and the front desk agent went out of his way to help me get in touch with driver to recover my bag.
The room much like the rest of the hotel feels trapped in that fake opulence that was popular awhile back. The shower was awkward because of its shape but it did have a rain shower which was nice. One of the few hotels I’ve been in lately that didn’t have the bath stuff bolted to the wall (though it probably wouldn’t fit). Huge tub and large fluffy towels. My daughter and I both left with some bug bites from our stay not bed bugs but definitely something. The biggest drawback to the room is the lack of functional outlets. One bed has no open plugs or usb ports the other bed has a wonky extension cord with some usb ports. Found one other usb in the room in the desk area.
The hotel is doing some work apparently later this month so hopefully they bring it into this century.
One thing I didn’t discover until the next day is there is an entrance from the back of the hotel right on the big shopping street. There’s also a cute little food court right there where you can grab a pretty decent variety of food.
One warning is didi and food delivery have a hard time with the addressFromAU$ 127
Breakfast
Outstanding10449 Reviews
Sheshan, Songjiang University Town Shanghai|35.83km from downtown
The Deep Pit Hotel offers stunning views and a tranquil, pleasant environment, providing a truly immersive experience. Our butler, Bruce, was professional and incredibly warm, offering thoughtful and meticulous service that truly enhanced our trip. He clearly put a lot of care into everything.FromAU$ 301
Very Good2544 Reviews
Wujiaochang Commercial Area Shanghai|9.08km from downtown
My stay at the Shanghai Pagoda Junting Design Hotel in Wujiaochang was fantastic! The location is absolutely perfect, right in Wujiaochang Chuangzhi Tiandi. It's super close to the subway, University Road, and major shopping areas, making it incredibly convenient for dining, entertainment, and exploring. The room design is very stylish, with a panoramic floor-to-ceiling window offering great views, and the tatami area was very comfortable. The bedding was incredibly soft, ensuring a great night's sleep. The bathroom featured double sinks and a smart toilet, and the toiletries were exquisite. The service was thoughtful; check-in at the front desk was quick, and the staff were very friendly. Breakfast was extensive, with local Shanghainese snacks and freshly made noodles. They even offered free late-night snacks! The hotel was clean, and overall, it offered excellent value for money. I highly recommend it for both business and leisure travelers!FromAU$ 117
Outstanding555 Reviews
Hongqiao Airport/National Exhibition and Convention Center Shanghai|15.59km from downtown
I stayed at the Hyatt House Shanghai Hongqiao CBD and found it to be a very solid choice, especially for business travel. The location is excellent, situated directly opposite the railway station and the airport, which makes onward travel extremely convenient.
The rooms are spacious, clean, and comfortable, providing everything needed for a short business stay. The staff are friendly, helpful, and efficient, which adds to the overall positive experience. Breakfast is perfectly adequate and does the job well.
For business trips in particular, or if you need to continue your journey by train the next day as I did, this hotel is a very convenient and comfortable option. Overall, I had a good stay and can definitely recommend it.FromAU$ 132
Very Good1640 Reviews
Everbright Convention and Exhibition Center Shanghai|12.35km from downtown
My overall experience with the business I conducted at this location was incredibly pleasant, and I absolutely have to commend Audrey, the front desk staff member. Her thorough and thoughtful service throughout left a deep impression on me, and I'm writing this review to express my gratitude.
As soon as I walked through the door, the front desk staff immediately stood up and greeted me warmly. Her tone was gentle and friendly, and she maintained a sincere smile, instantly easing any awkwardness I felt as a first-time visitor. I hadn't brought all the necessary documents with me and had many questions about the process, required materials, and fee standards. I was worried it would take a long time and that the staff might become impatient, but she was incredibly patient throughout, without a hint of perfunctoriness or laxity.
She clearly explained each step of the process item by item. For technical terms I didn't understand, she rephrased them in easy-to-understand language and explained them repeatedly. Thoughtfully, she took out a pen and paper, wrote down a detailed list of materials I needed to provide, and noted important considerations for each item, saving me from making multiple trips. While I was waiting for the procedures to be processed, she saw me standing and proactively guided me to the seating area, even offering me drinking water. Her attentiveness was evident in every detail.
When handling the business, she was skilled and efficient, verifying information carefully and meticulously. She double-checked every detail with me to prevent any errors. Midway through, I added several additional questions related to various different services, and she answered each one in detail, proactively informing me about related benefits and precautions, showing incredible thoughtfulness.
Throughout our entire interaction, her demeanor was appropriate, polite, and humble, and her speaking pace was just right. She showed empathy for the customer's difficulties and displayed no impatience or perfunctoriness. Her professionalism and service awareness were impeccable. It's precisely because of such a diligent, responsible, and thoughtful front desk employee that the overall image of the establishment has been greatly enhanced, making my entire process smooth and worry-free.
Such excellent service deserves high praise. If any friends or family have similar needs in the future, I will definitely recommend this establishment, and I hope the store will generously reward this dedicated staff member!FromAU$ 47
Excellent1938 Reviews
Hongqiao District Shanghai|8.21km from downtown
I've found a real gem in this modern tower. The hotel occupies floors 15 to 18, and the reception is a 10/10 – the staff are super friendly, they offer coffee, tea, and little pastries, and there's also a very comfortable coworking area.
The rooms are like a small studio with a kitchenette: microwave, washing machine, dryer, a full-size fridge, and plenty of closet space. The bed and pillows are extremely comfortable, and the shower… wow! The water pressure is amazing, absolutely wonderful. The door is floor-to-ceiling, so steam from long showers doesn't escape into the rest of the room. The sink area is a bit small, but it's fine for one or two people. Special mention: the magnifying mirror and the Japanese toilet – a real luxury that I really appreciated.
We were so comfortable that we ended up extending our stay by 3 more days.
The only downside: the metro is about 1 km away, maybe a bit more. But the value for money is so good that what you save on the hotel easily covers a taxi ride. From now on, this will be my go-to place in Shanghai.
Highly recommended. I'll definitely be back.FromAU$ 82
Apps for China Travel | Xiaohongshu
Xiaohongshu is China’s hybrid of Instagram × Pinterest × TripAdvisor, where 300M+ users (mostly Gen Z/young professionals) share authentic reviews, hidden gems, and visual guides. For travelers, it’s the best platform to find local-approved spots beyond tourist traps and scripted guides.
Advantages to Use Xiaohongshu
1️⃣ Find Authentic Local Experiences: Search the restaurant or hotel you are interested, and get the authentic review.
2️⃣ Get reliable Tips: When searching for related spots or travel guides, Xiaohongshu is usually the best choice because they are all written by locals based on their own personal experiences
3️⃣ Keep up with the popular trends: Search for relevant travel destinations and you will get things like popular shooting poses and methods, as well as the best shooting locations
Apps for China Travel | Baidu Translate
Baidu Translate is one of China's most robust translation tool, specializing in real-world travel scenarios with deep AI training on Mandarin idioms, local slang, and travel terminology. Unlike Google Translate, it excels at handling China-specific challenges like handwritten menus, dialect variations, and offline functionality.
✅ Advantages for China Travel
- No VPN Needed: Works seamlessly inside China (unlike blocked Google services).
- Handwriting Recognition: Draw unknown characters with your finger → get instant translations (e.g., on ancient temple plaques).
- Culture Context Tips: Translates idioms literally: "马马虎虎 (mǎmahūhū)" → "so-so" + explains origin.
- Free & Ad-Light: Zero cost, minimal pop-ups (unlike many global apps).
China Travel Tips
1. Visa & Documentation
- Apply Early: Secure your tourist visa (L-visa) well in advance. Requirements vary, so check the latest rules with the Chinese embassy.
- Register Locally: If staying in private accommodation (not hotels), register with local police within 24 hours (hotels handle this automatically).
2. Digital Essentials
- VPN (Virtual Private Network): Install one before arriving. Popular apps (Google, WhatsApp, Instagram) are blocked. Recommendations: ExpressVPN, NordVPN.
- Mobile Payment: Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay (foreign cards now supported). Cash is declining, but carry some RMB for small vendors or rural areas.
- Apps to Download:
- Navigation: Baidu Maps (Google Maps doesn’t work well).
- Transport: Didi (ride-hailing), MetroMan (subway guides).
- Translation: Pleco or Google Translate (download offline Chinese packs).
3. Connectivity
- Local SIM Card: Buy at airports (China Mobile/Unicom) or major malls. Passport required. Prefer eSIMs like Airalo if compatible.
4. Shopping & Bargaining
- Markets: Haggle politely in markets (e.g., Silk Market). Start at 30-50% of the quoted price.
- Receipts: Keep for luxury purchases; required for customs declarations.
5. Best Times to Travel
- Spring (Apr-May) & Autumn (Sep-Oct): Mild weather, fewer crowds.
- Avoid: Golden Weeks (Oct 1-7; late Jan/Feb for CNY) – everything is crowded.
Questions about China App
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What is China's everything app?
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Which app is used in China instead of Instagram?
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Do I need WeChat in China?
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