
Apps For China Travel: Your Detailed Guide for Exploring China

By Zora
July 21, 2026

Heading to China? From mobile payments to ride-hailing and translation, having the right apps on your phone is essential for a smooth trip. Here are the must-have China travel apps you need to download before landing.
See all flights

Sydney
SYD|17:20
18h 30m
1 stop
Beijing
PEK|09:50+1
Tue, 29 Sept - Wed, 30 Sept
One way
35% off
From 37,482.00RUB 24,319.00

Sydney
SYD|17:20
23h 40m
1 stop
Beijing
PEK|15:00+1
Tue, 15 Sept - Wed, 16 Sept
One way
33% off
From 37,482.00RUB 25,258.00

Sydney
SYD|20:20
16h 5m
1 stop
Beijing
PEK|10:25+1
Tue, 29 Sept - Wed, 30 Sept
One way
30% off
From 37,482.00RUB 26,389.00

Sydney
SYD|20:20
16h 5m
1 stop
Beijing
PEK|10:25+1
Wed, 30 Sept - Thu, 1 Oct
One way
29% off
From 37,482.00RUB 26,659.00

Sydney
SYD|20:20
16h 5m
1 stop
Beijing
PEK|10:25+1
Thu, 1 Oct - Fri, 2 Oct
One way
29% off
From 37,482.00RUB 26,659.00

Sydney
SYD|17:20
26h 25m
1 stop
Beijing
PEK|17:45+1
Tue, 22 Sept - Wed, 23 Sept
One way
26% off
From 37,482.00RUB 27,880.00

Sydney
SYD|11:05
34h 55m
1 stop
Beijing
PEK|20:00+1
Wed, 9 Sept - Thu, 10 Sept
One way
23% off
From 37,482.00RUB 28,959.00

Sydney
SYD|11:00
25h 15m
1 stop
Beijing
PEK|10:15+1
Mon, 21 Sept - Tue, 22 Sept
One way
19% off
From 37,482.00RUB 30,360.00

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
See all attractions
832125 booked
4.6/528694 reviews
Mainland China 5G eSIM | Supports Google Maps / ChatGPT | Daily/Total Data Plans | 24-Hour Billing | 1–365 Days | QR Code
SIM card
RUB 17.13
362052 booked
4.5/511189 reviews
Mainland China/Hong Kong/Macau/Taiwan 5G/4G eSIM | Supports Google Maps / ChatGPT | Daily/Total Data Plans | 24-Hour Billing | 1–30 Days | QR Code
SIM card
RUB 8.56
1766684 booked
4.6/563171 reviews
Mainland China 5G eSIM | Day Pass/Total Data Package | ChatGPT Available | 24-Hour Billing | 1-365 Days | QR Code
SIM card
RUB 17.13

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
See all attractions
1643 booked
4.9/549 reviews
Imperial Feast at Yuxiandu - Chinese Royal Banquet with grand performance show, optional Hanfu costume and makeup styling
Local cuisine
RUB 5,420.92
4027 booked
4.6/5260 reviews
Mutianyu Great Wall Day Trip & Includes Chairlift/Toboggan Ticket / Optional Private Tour Transfer / No Shopping
Day tours
RUB 3,125.00
31985 booked![Mutianyu Great Wall Day Trip [ZANBUS - Daily departures from 8:00 AM to 11:45 AM]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0356012000sgcf58vC123_C_568_320.jpg)
4.9/57055 reviews
Mutianyu Great Wall Day Trip [ZANBUS - Daily departures from 8:00 AM to 11:45 AM]
Day tours
RUB 1,607.14
1225 booked
4.9/5139 reviews
Beijing Night Tour: Old Hutongs Walk & Food Discovery
Day tours
RUB 1,530.62
7858 booked
4.9/51088 reviews
Forbidden City Tour With Entry Tickets
Live guide
RUB 2,984.69
1253 booked
4.8/549 reviews
Tickets for Shanghai's must-see ERA Acrobatic Show | Circus City QR Code Admission |
Day tours
RUB 3,364.77
3388 booked
4.6/582 reviews
"Shanghai ERA Acrobatic Show Tickets | Circus World"-Instant E-ticket Booking via QR Code
Sports experiences
RUB 3,367.35
1019 booked
4.7/577 reviews
Shanghai Huangpu River nightlife sightseeing cruise ticket + English boarding assistance
Day tours
RUB 1,849.49
2735 booked
4.8/576 reviews
Shanghai Circus World Tickets: ERA2 - Spirit of Shanghai Extravaganza E-ticket
Riding & driving
RUB 3,801.03
1766684 booked
4.6/563171 reviews
Mainland China 5G eSIM | Day Pass/Total Data Package | ChatGPT Available | 24-Hour Billing | 1-365 Days | QR Code
SIM card
RUB 17.13
898 booked![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)
4.8/544 reviews
Half-Day Tour to Zhujiajiao Ancient Town [Explore the Millennial Water Town with Timeless Charm and Lively Atmosphere]
Day tours
RUB 2,429.55
431 booked
4.9/539 reviews
Zhujiajiao Ancient Town + Yu Garden + City God Temple + the Bund Bus Tour with Lunch
Day tours
RUB 4,846.94
243 booked
4.9/513 reviews
Admission ticket for Shanghai Tower 118th floor observation deck + English entry assistance
Day tours
RUB 2,142.86
846 booked![[This Week's Special Offer] 1-day tour to Qingyuan Gulong Gorge full rafting attraction|Optional roundtrip transfer/Attraction Combo Tickets Available / Cliff Ride/ Glass Skywalk](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0352j12000slosn3qBFD4_C_568_320.jpg)
4.8/581 reviews
[This Week's Special Offer] 1-day tour to Qingyuan Gulong Gorge full rafting attraction|Optional roundtrip transfer/Attraction Combo Tickets Available / Cliff Ride/ Glass Skywalk
Day tours
RUB 1,632.66
202 booked
5/519 reviews
Group chat online service | Private One-Day Charter Tour to Qingyuan Gulong Gorge/Private tours available /Cliff Coaster& Glass Bridge Experiences Optional
Day tours
RUB 3,150.52
52 booked![Gulong Gorge Day Tour From Guangzhou: Private Car + Ticket [Optional Late departure!]](https://ak-d.tripcdn.com/images/0353a12000sb7qfbt6964_C_568_320.jpg)
5/51 review
Gulong Gorge Day Tour From Guangzhou: Private Car + Ticket [Optional Late departure!]
Day tours
RUB 10,102.05
220 booked
4.6/514 reviews
Guangzhou Haizhu Lingnan Culture Immersive Feast | Hanfu & Cantonese Opera Interactive Dinner Show
Local cuisine
RUB 5,444.77
2992 booked
4.9/570 reviews
Shenzhen-Hong Kong private charter direct service, cross-border transfer with Hong Kong-Shenzhen dual license shuttle van
City pass
RUB 1,275.52
290 booked
4.1/513 reviews
Guangzhou Galaxy Cantonese Banquet · Dinner Show | Lingnan-Themed Culinary Performance - A Chapter-Style Narrative Celebrating Cantonese Cuisine's Epic History
RUB 4,952.81
186 booked
4.5/514 reviews
One-day tour from Guangzhou to Qingyuan Gu Long Xia Glass Grand Canyon - the world's longest suspended platform
Day tours
RUB 3,845.66
57 booked
4.9/59 reviews
Guangzhou private guided day tour – Chen Clan Ancestral Hall – Museum of the Nanyue King – Temple of the Six Banyan Trees – Sha Mian Island
Day tours
RUB 4,520.10
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
9.3/10Very Good11749 Reviews
People's Square Area Shanghai|0.54km from downtown
Located in a prime downtown spot, it's convenient for getting anywhere. Downstairs is very lively with restaurants, a food street, and a shopping complex all in one.
During weekdays in summer, there were many foreign guests... and quite a few elderly Chinese too. The front desk often had queues for check-in, and there were always people waiting for taxis outside. Business was really good, yet the room offered excellent value for money!
Thanks for the free upgrade to a deluxe suite~ It was newly renovated.
I was on a business trip and decided to bring my mom along so she could relax and enjoy herself.
**Facilities**
They offer a table tennis room, a swimming pool, and a gym.
No robots for food delivery pick-up though.
**Hygiene**
Clean.
**Environment**
The overall environment is good. The old five-star hotel is very well maintained; it doesn't feel old or dated.
The room was newly renovated, but the sense of space wasn't huge, and the bathroom was a bit small.
**Service**
The service attitude was excellent and professional.FromRUB 8,355
9.5/10Outstanding6568 Reviews
People's Square Area Shanghai|0.47km from downtown
Fantastic central location, right opposite People's Square, close to 3 metro lines including Line 2 which goes almost everywhere (and to the airport in 1 hour), and connected to a huge shopping mall adjacent to the hotel.
We had a late arrival due to a flight delay, but the staff was available for check-in.
The breakfast was magnificent with a great selection of savory, sweet, Chinese, and continental options – something for everyone, plus superb freshly squeezed orange juice.
The family suite was immense, though a bit dated, but it suited us perfectly. Housekeeping was done daily.
I was able to communicate with the concierge via WeChat beforehand, and they were very kind.
The only reason I'm not giving a 10/10 is that we didn't receive any information about dining at the hotel's restaurants, visiting the bar, or going to the swimming pool.
For the pool, we had to find its location ourselves, and it was complicated to figure out which floor it was on relative to our building. We were on the 9th floor: we had to go down to the 8th floor, cross into the adjacent building where the 8th floor became the 6th, and then go up to the 8th floor of the new building 😛 It was hard to figure out and understand where we needed to go. The pool and jacuzzi are great and felt wonderful after a day of sightseeing. Swim caps are mandatory but provided by the lifeguard if you don't have one.
There's a magnificent view from the bar located in the upper tower, even if the elevator is tricky to find for going up or down.FromRUB 10,398
9.6/10Excellent8606 Reviews
People's Square Area Shanghai|0.7km from downtown
The room was very clean, and since we had a child with us, we booked a family room. The front desk even gave us a complimentary cake and fruit. They also provided extra kids' toothbrushes and bottled water for the little one. The hotel's location is excellent, with a direct subway connection to People's Square Station from the B1 level of the New World next door, making it super convenient for getting around.FromRUB 12,943
9.3/10Very Good5202 Reviews
Huaihai Road Area/Xintiandi Area Shanghai|1.78km from downtown
Service: Before checking in, I read many reviews complaining about the check-in staff. I definitely experienced it myself. All the staff avoided eye contact; it was hard to find someone to help with check-in, and everyone seemed busy.
There was a young man near the elevator entrance who suggested not standing there. He would just lower his head and walk away when he saw guests; I don't know what purpose it served to have someone standing there.
The bellhop at the luggage storage was enthusiastic, but I suggest increasing the refrigerated storage space and training staff. They shouldn't advise guests to carry their refrigerated items with them when checking out, especially on such hot days; it's better to leave them in the air-conditioned hotel.
The staff at the entrance who helped with luggage and opened car doors were polite, and their service was appreciated.
Some of the hosts at the breakfast restaurant were very warm and friendly. Others were not, and some were only friendly towards Japanese guests. The chefs at the cooking stations were all excellent, and the food was delicious.
Facilities: Older hotels always have shortcomings in their hardware. As soon as I exited the elevator on the guest floor, I smelled dust, and there was a musty smell in the room. The shower equipment was old and difficult to use, the washbasin was quite low, and the small magnifying mirror for makeup/removing makeup was broken; either you had to hold it up very high to see your face, or it would fall down and still not work. This can't be changed in the short term, so it needs renovation.
During renovations, I suggest not installing mirrors facing the bed again. I slept very poorly at night.
Cleanliness: The cleanliness was much better than I expected. There was no dust in the nooks and crannies, which was a pleasant surprise.
Noise: The room was very close to the elevator, but surprisingly, there was not much noise, which was acceptable. However, there was a regular rumbling sound, which I suspect was the subway passing by; it was very noticeable. The sound disappeared after the subway stopped at night and reappeared in the morning.
Overall, it was not a very pleasant experience, but I've tried it. I won't choose this hotel again.FromRUB 9,897
9.4/10Outstanding10322 Reviews
Train Station Area Shanghai|2.4km from downtown
Pullman Shanghai Jing'an Hotel is conveniently located near Shanghai Railway Station, just a five-minute walk away. It's also close to Metro Lines 1, 3, and 4, making it easy to access all of Shanghai's main attractions. The hotel boasts exquisite decor with thoughtful attention to detail. The rooms are spacious and clean, the bedding is comfortable, and the facilities are comprehensive. The front desk staff provide excellent, patient, and attentive service.FromRUB 8,213
Business travel
9.4/10Outstanding12089 Reviews
People's Square Area Shanghai|0.73km from downtown
We have booked more nights initially, but our plan was disrupted by the typhoon unfortunately. Kudos to hotel to be willing to accommodate to our booking twice.
Room is too dim for my liking, but housekeeping staff is helpful to my request. Convenient location that our favourite 莱莱小笼包 and 双喜甜品 is just a corner away. You just need to head down n the whole shopping street is right in frontFromRUB 6,195
9.1/10Good9155 Reviews
People's Square Area Shanghai|0.5km from downtown
I was very satisfied with my stay during my business trip. The hotel was quiet with good soundproofing, and the internet was stable, so working was stress-free. Staff members Lily, Diana, and Quain G proactively provided guidance throughout my stay. The lobby was well-managed and orderly, with no queue-jumping or chaos. The guest rooms were neat and clean, and the toiletries were complete. The surrounding transportation was convenient, making it a great value for business travel.FromRUB 14,434
8.9/102609 Reviews
Jing'an District/West Nanjing Road Shanghai|0.85km from downtown
The THE ONE Suites Hotel, part of the InterContinental Group's Vignette Collection, offered a truly satisfying stay.
**Location:** Situated on Fengyang Road in Jing'an District, it's at the heart of the Nanjing West Road business district. It's within walking distance of Nanjing West Road Metro Station, HKRI Taikoo Hui, Zhangyuan, and Wujiang Road. People's Square and The Bund are easily accessible, making it convenient for dining, entertainment, and shopping. It's bustling yet not noisy, creating a pleasant living atmosphere.
**Rooms:** All rooms are suites, offering spacious accommodations with separate living rooms and bedrooms, designed in a one-bedroom, one-living room layout. The entire space features an Art-Deco retro-modern design with meticulous attention to detail. Each suite is equipped with an open-plan kitchen, induction hob, refrigerator, and a washer-dryer, making it feel like home for short-term stays. The bathroom has a wet/dry separation, a large bathtub, and a smart toilet. The toiletries are of high quality, and the bedding is soft, ensuring a good night's sleep. The city view at night, overlooking Jing'an, is truly calming.
**Service:** The front desk and housekeeping staff were warm, responsive, and efficient during check-in. The breakfast offered a rich variety of delicious options. The hotel also features a terrace, a heated swimming pool, and a gym for relaxation during leisure time.
This hotel is highly suitable for short trips, family travel, or business stays. To have such a spacious suite in the heart of Shanghai at such a great value for money is exceptional. It has definitely been added to my top choices for accommodation in Shanghai.FromRUB 14,242
9.6/10Excellent9323 Reviews
The Bund Area Shanghai|1.73km from downtown
A hidden gem in the bustling city, offering breathtaking Lujiazui night views.
After comparing several Bund hotels for our family trip to Shanghai, we finally chose this Hanjin hotel. Its location, design, and service were all exceptional, far exceeding our expectations!
【Prime Location, Super Convenient for Getting Around】
The hotel is located on Renmin Road in Huangpu District, a 5-minute walk from Yu Garden and Chenghuang Temple, and a 10-minute walk to the Bund riverside promenade. Yu Garden Station on Line 10 is just 700 meters away, making it incredibly convenient for exploring the old town and enjoying the Bund night views without constant travel. It even has a free underground parking lot, perfect for those traveling by car. Despite being in a bustling commercial area, the soundproofing in the rooms is excellent. Closing the window completely blocks out street noise, offering a true oasis of tranquility.
【Public Areas Overflowing with Atmosphere, Perfect for Photos】
The entire building boasts a retro Art Deco Shanghai style, with its iconic bronze streamlined entrance being highly recognizable. The lobby is on the 7th floor, and upon entering, we were immediately struck by the giant bamboo glass chandelier. The wooden textures, warm soft lighting, velvet sofas, and brass furnishings perfectly blend with Hanjin's aesthetic, creating a gentle yet sophisticated ambiance.
The 8th floor houses the quiet Hanjin Study and Tea Room, while the 11th-floor open-air rooftop garden bar is a must-visit spot. It offers an unobstructed panoramic view, perfect for enjoying the evening breeze and overlooking Lujiazui's 'three-piece suit' and the Oriental Pearl Tower. Sunsets and night views are effortlessly stunning here. The hotel is adorned with floral art everywhere, with flower design details hidden in the elevators and corridors, creating a truly immersive atmosphere.
【Exquisite and Comfortable Guest Room Amenities, River View Rooms are Heavenly】
The entire room features a gentle pink and orange Shanghai-style color scheme, with elegant ink-wash floral walls. It boasts a 65-inch TV with screen casting, a smart toilet, a wet and dry separated bathroom, and an oversized scenic bathtub, making bath time incredibly therapeutic.
The bedding is soft and skin-friendly, and the corners are meticulously clean. All drinks and snacks in the mini-bar are complimentary, and free bottled water is always available by the elevators on each floor – a testament to their thoughtful details. The children especially loved it! The front desk offers free popcorn 🍿 in the afternoon, which tastes just like cinema popcorn! The amenities are comprehensive: the 7th-floor buffet breakfast offers a rich variety, covering Chinese, Western, and local specialties; there's a gym and a yoga room for light exercise during leisure time; and the hotel regularly hosts flower arrangement workshops, offering many recreational choices.
【Overall Summary】
This hotel perfectly blends old Shanghai's charm with Hanjin's elegant aesthetic, striking a balance between a bustling location and a peaceful private space. It's suitable for couples, family mini-breaks, and trips with friends. Explore Yu Garden's old streets during the day, stroll along the Bund in the evening, and then return to the hotel's terrace to enjoy the Pudong River night view – it's the top choice for a vacation in downtown Shanghai, and we'll definitely stay here again!FromRUB 8,792
8.9/108655 Reviews
The North Bund Area Shanghai|2.55km from downtown
Facilities: Fully equipped, dear!
Cleanliness: Clean and tidy, yes, good.
Environment: The environment is nice, oh oh oh.
Service: Service is perfect, oh oh oh oh.
Minibar: Delicious, oh oh oh oh oh oh.
Welcome fruit: Tasty, oh oh oh oh oh.FromRUB 9,139
Breakfast
9.5/10Outstanding10333 Reviews
Sheshan, Songjiang University Town Shanghai|35.83km from downtown
An interesting hotel that I visited purely out of curiosity. There's an observation deck on the 14th underground floor where you can see the lake, waterfalls, and mines. Right next to the hotel is the Shimao Wonderland theme park, and the attractions there are really great for testing your courage. In the evening, there's a light and shadow show, telling ancient stories amidst dazzling lights – truly unique and beautiful. The Chinese restaurant at the hotel is delicious, and the water curtain show in the lobby is also quite unique. The rooms are spacious and very clean, with a blend of old money and modern decor. They feature smart curtains and smart sanitary facilities.FromRUB 19,537
9.4/10Outstanding2464 Reviews
Wujiaochang Commercial Area Shanghai|9.08km from downtown
Every stay at Pagoda Hotel Wujiaochang has been a great experience. The location is superb, right in the Wujiaochang business district. It's within walking distance to Hopson One and Wanda Plaza, which is incredibly convenient, and also very close to Fudan University campus.
The front desk staff are very welcoming, and both check-in and check-out are handled very efficiently. The room layout is well-designed, and cleanliness is excellent. The bedding is very comfortable, with just the right balance of softness and firmness.
The smart room control system is very convenient, and the bathroom has a great wet/dry separation. The toiletries also have a pleasant scent. The breakfast offers a wide variety of options and tastes good. Overall, it offers great value for money, and I will definitely choose to stay here again!FromRUB 7,481
9.3/10Very Good528 Reviews
Hongqiao Airport/National Exhibition and Convention Center Shanghai|15.59km from downtown
The Jiayu Hotel is right next to Jiaxuan, essentially two types of accommodations under one brand. Jiayu is more like an apartment-style hotel, which is a great option if you're traveling with children or elderly family members. You can choose a suite with a kitchen, complete with an induction cooktop, range hood, and dishwasher.FromRUB 8,985
9.3/10Very Good1706 Reviews
Everbright Convention and Exhibition Center Shanghai|12.35km from downtown
The location is unbeatable. It's super convenient – just take the escalator up to the second floor from the Purple Vine Road metro station exit towards MixC, and you'll see the hotel. It would be even better if there was a convenience store nearby. The hotel environment is also excellent, with large floor-to-ceiling windows that provide amazing natural light in the morning. The room itself is very tidy. The only downside is that the hallway decor is a bit peculiar, especially the wallpaper – it actually startled me the first time I stayed here. Overall, it's great value for money, and I'll likely stay here again next year when I come to Shanghai.FromRUB 2,969
9.7/10Excellent1949 Reviews
Hongqiao District Shanghai|8.21km from downtown
Cleanliness: Excellent
Ambiance: Very satisfied
Service: Top-notch service
Facilities: Facilities are very new, the refrigerator and washing machine have both been disinfected.
This feels like a hotel with excellent value for money. The cleanliness and ambiance are both superb. I especially love the large refrigerator in the room; it can hold all the drinks I buy.FromRUB 4,306
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
-
What is China's everything app?
The Chinese version of WeChat, Weixin, has been described as China's "app for everything" and a super-app because of its wide range of functions. -
Which app is used in China instead of Instagram?
Little Red Book -
Do I need WeChat in China?
Yes, WeChat is essentially a necessity for navigating daily life in China. It's not just a messaging app; it's a super app that handles everything from communication to payments, transportation, and more. While it's possible to get by without it, especially with some planning and alternative solutions, WeChat significantly simplifies daily tasks and interactions in China.
Disclaimer: This article has been provided by an individual contributor or third party platform. If there is any discrepancy regarding the copyright, please contact us directly and we will delete the content immediately.
Related products
Apps for China Travel
- ● Must-Have Apps for Traveling in China
- ● Apps for China Travel | WeChat
- ● Apps for China Travel | Alipay
- ● Apps for China Travel | Trip.com
- ● Apps for China Travel | Didi
- ● Apps for China Travel | Baidu Maps
- ● Apps for China Travel | Meituan
- ● Apps for China Travel | Xiaohongshu
- ● Apps for China Travel | Baidu Translate
- ● China Travel Tips
- ● Questions about China App
Hi, I am Zora from Shanghai, I've explored many spots across China, and also taken me further abroad including Australia, Malaysia, Finland and so on. For me, travel is about connecting deeply with each place. As a true travel enthusiast, I love diving deep into all the travel hacks, from booking secrets and ride-hailing discounts to travel promotions. I'm here to share every trick I know, guaranteed to help you save big and travel smart. Let's explore the world cleverly together!
391 articles
Blogger
Trending Searches
-
Top Flight Routes
-
Latest Flight Deals
-
eSIM/SIM card