Apps For China Travel: Your Detailed Guide for Exploring China

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Apps for China Travel

Must-Have Apps for Traveling in 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

WeChat

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

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

  1. ​Download & Register BEFORE Arrival:​​ Do this on your home SIM if possible. Verify your account.
  2. ​Set Up WeChat Pay:​​ Link an ​​international credit card (Visa/Mastercard)​​ ASAP. Look for "Wallet" -> "Cards" -> "Add a Card".
  3. ​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.
  4. ​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!

Apps for China Travel | Alipay

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

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

Apps for China Travel | Didi

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

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.

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Apps for China Travel | Meituan

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

9.4/10Outstanding11083 Reviews
People's Square Area Shanghai|0.54km from downtown
Location was good, service was good. Just to mention their centralised air-condition system, every traveller has their own comfortable temperate to feel relax, crowne plaza always kept it at 25 degree in the summer and made it stuffy to sleep well at night. Despite they had a wall-mounted adjustable temperate controller, it was not working. The last time we stayed was during the winter and they kept the temperature at 25 degree and kept the windows shut, which forced us to change hotel at the 2nd night and forfeited the rest. This would be the last time i booked with this hotel.
FromCOP 374,449
9.3/10Very Good5544 Reviews
People's Square Area Shanghai|0.47km from downtown
This hotel is by far the the best hotel you could book in Shanghai ! As a business traveller , I stay at Radisson each and every stay since the past 10 years . Of my recent stay in Feb and August 2025 , it has once again confirmed my expectations . A huge thank you to the hotel check in staff KARA , she arranged a late check out for me at 3 Pm because my flight was very late that afternoon . A huge thank you to Duch ( I think that’s how you spell his name ) , he was the chef at the breakfast , and he made sure my veg needs were well taken care of . A huge thanks to Ken from the concierge staff ! He actually went out of his way to order me something electronic from Taoba and he arranged the delivery to the hotel . Also went the extra mile to bubble wrap it and secure it for me to take as check in baggage . This hotel is beyond incredible ! Thanks guys for everything and I look forward to my next stay here . Keep up the good work everyone !
FromCOP 386,564
9.6/10Excellent7417 Reviews
People's Square Area Shanghai|0.7km from downtown
Here’s the revised version for Shanghai Marriott City Centre: 1. My stay at Shanghai Marriott City Centre was beyond expectations. 2. The staff were friendly and attentive. 3. The room was spacious, clean, and comfortable. 4. Breakfast was delicious with a great variety. 5. Perfect location — I would definitely stay here again.
FromCOP 526,982
9.5/10Outstanding5547 Reviews
Huaihai Road Area/Xintiandi Area Shanghai|1.78km from downtown
Best location for me. The hotel is historical and located in the heart of the old central Shanghai district, surrounded by most of the chic bars and restaurants. Although the interior is outdated, it is still very clean and well maintained.
FromCOP 275,330
9.4/10Outstanding10772 Reviews
Train Station Area Shanghai|2.4km from downtown
We stayed here for 3 nights in a Standard Twin Bed room, which included breakfast. The room wasn't too big or too small — just right for two people. Each bed was about 110 cm wide, which was comfortable enough for a single sleeper. On the first day, we got a room that smelled like cigarette smoke. We thought turning on the AC would remove the smell, but it didn’t, so we couldn’t sleep all night. On the second day, we asked to change rooms and were given one that didn’t smell anymore. Breakfast had a good variety, offering Western, Chinese, and Asian options. There were several types of porridge, and the Chinese dishes tasted authentic and flavorful. We requested a late check-out until 2 PM, and it was approved, but we ended up checking out earlier at around 12:30 PM. The building is surrounded by a variety of restaurants and mobile phone repair shops. The location is quite strategic — it's close to the train station, which made it easy to travel both within the city and to other destinations.
FromCOP 382,709

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Business travel

9.4/10Outstanding9602 Reviews
People's Square Area Shanghai|0.73km from downtown
Amazing location right on Nanjing pedestrian street. Shopping malls and eateries all within walking distance. Staff are friendly and respectful. We asked for a quiet room and it was sorted out very quickly and we were even able to check in a little earlier. A special thank you to the lovely gentleman Alex at front desk who is professional, helpful and is an absolute star ⭐️ Our room on level 5 though having no view was nice and quiet and as described online. The walls are quite thin so you can sometimes hear people next door/upstairs etc… but not too much to ruin the stay. Breakfast was ok. Lots of Chinese and western options so even a fussy eater will find something to eat. Keep in mind if you are being dropped off/picked up by a taxi, it will be done on the street as there is no off road spot at the front of the hotel. Only one lift to enter the hotel which can be a little crowded. Lobby is on level 4.
FromCOP 268,172
9/10Good2259 Reviews
Jing'an District/West Nanjing Road Shanghai|0.85km from downtown
We stayed in the Art Deco room, which was nice. The bath looking out over the city is great. The breakfast was very disappointing. There’s no one there to check you in, explain the process/options or show you to a table. The food is very mediocre but the service is quite terrible. The restaurant staff talk very loudly to each other and don’t seem to understand paying guests are eating their breakfast. They are very unprofessional. I stayed 3 nights and had the same experience every morning. I had to wait 20 mins for a coffee too. If I stay here again I’ll skip the breakfast and instead head over to Starbucks a few mins walk away. I’d booked this hotel mainly for the terrace and restaurant options but all were closed apart from the lobby bistro. Overall, a lovely room with 3 star service.
FromCOP 645,374
9.5/10Outstanding7872 Reviews
The Bund Area Shanghai|1.73km from downtown
This hotel is so~~~~ great. I am so touched by their service. Best Shanghai hotel ever. Those people at the front desk were fantastic. They even provided free Yu Yuan tour with guests. I have to thank so much to Jerry. He helped every thing for us. Very considerate and delicate service. He should be the global best hotelier!!! Location is very good. Right next to the Bund and Yu Yuan, both short walking distance. Don't worry if your room doesn't have a good view since in the 11th floor common balcony, any guests can have a beautiful view of the Shanghai Tower and the Oriental Pearl Tower. I loved their breakfast as well. The lady who checked in for my family for the restaurant was so great. I forgot her name, but maybe Camela. I really appreciate you! 1st floor bell crews were so kind as well. I definitely want to come to this hotel again. My families Shanghai visit was much happier because of these people. If I come again, I will stay with them. Thank you and miss you, everyone.
FromCOP 495,044
8.9/107953 Reviews
The North Bund Area Shanghai|2.55km from downtown
Overall I had a decent experience at this hotel, but the service was lacking, which is a shame since the property is very nice. When you check into a 5 star hotel, there are certain expectations and unfortunately this hotel did not meet them. Upon arrival there is usually a doorman, helping you with your luggage, opening doors and showing you to the reception. There were none when I arrived. That's fine, not really an issue. However after I dragged my luggage to the reception the staff ignored me for a solid minute while I was standing right in front of them. Not exactly a five star welcome. Of course the room wasn't ready so I had to wait 15-20 minutes to get my key. The room was nice and clean with a great view, but had a bit of a strange layout where the sink was in the hallway and the shower in the corner so there's no real place to change clothes unless you close the curtains. It was raining a lot during my stay but the staff were kind enough to lend me a broken umbrella. Better than nothing I guess. That might actually have been her personal umbrella so I appreciate the gesture nonetheless. During my stay I had a strange feeling of not really being welcome, which I've never had at a hotel in China before. Upon checkout the staff tried to pressure me multiple times to give a five star review and include certain names in the review which I did not appreciate. That needs to be earned. If this hotel improves its service it would be 5 star no doubt, but until then it's not really worth the money.
FromCOP 427,313
9.2/10Very Good3883 Reviews
The Bund Area Shanghai|1.27km from downtown
Excellent service and excellent food/drinks. The room design was all well thought of. The service staff were very polite and friendly. Be it lounge, restaurants or reception desk. Specially 张晓蝶 and the gentleman on duty was very friendly and helpful. Wish lots of the success to the hotel
FromCOP 506,608

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Breakfast

9.5/10Outstanding9849 Reviews
Sheshan, Songjiang University Town Shanghai|35.83km from downtown
A One-of-a-Kind Experience – Truly Unforgettable Stay! I recently stayed at the InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland, and I must say it was an extraordinary experience from start to finish. The hospitality was outstanding — from the moment we arrived, the staff went out of their way to make us feel welcome. Everyone was polite, helpful, and many spoke excellent English, which made communication easy and comfortable. The service was impeccable. Whether it was room service, restaurant staff, or concierge, everything was handled professionally and efficiently. Special thanks to the cleaning team — the rooms were always spotless, fresh, and well-prepared every single day. One of the highlights was the night show, which was not only visually stunning but also beautifully integrated with the unique setting of the hotel. It’s a must-see! The views from the room and around the hotel are simply breathtaking. Being inside a former quarry transformed into a luxury resort is truly surreal — the combination of nature and modern design is spectacular. This hotel is more than just a place to stay — it’s an experience in itself. I highly recommend it for couples, families, or anyone looking for something special and unforgettable. Thank you to the entire team at InterContinental Shanghai Wonderland for making our stay so memorable!
FromCOP 891,520
9.5/10Outstanding2544 Reviews
Wujiaochang Commercial Area Shanghai|9.08km from downtown
I had a good 4 nights' stay at the Pagoda Wujiaochang. Checkin / checkout was a breeze. The room is impressive - clean and comfortable with anything one may need in a hotel. The bed is soft and comfortable which is essential especially for a business traveller. Takeaway deliveries are sent up to the room by robots. And the location near the stretch of restaurants along Daxue Road and the train metro access nearby is also a plus. Overall, very good experience. Thanks. KK
FromCOP 314,978
9.5/10Outstanding743 Reviews
Hongqiao Airport/National Exhibition and Convention Center Shanghai|15.59km from downtown
Is the third time that we stay at this hotel an it never disappoints. Is the perfect hotel if you want to stay near Hongqiao station or the airport and it has plenty of dining options around and things to do. The line 2 takes you straight away to the city center and to PVG airport if needed, but bear in mind that PVG airport is very far from here. The hotel breakfast is well balanced with many options, both local and western. The service, gym, pool and amenities are on point. Spacious rooms, nicely cleaned and comfortable. Definitely will come back next time I stop in SH again.
FromCOP 362,335
9.3/10Very Good1429 Reviews
Everbright Convention and Exhibition Center Shanghai|12.35km from downtown
I stayed here for one night. I came here after leaving another hotel that wasn't good. I'm so glad that I came here instead. I really got such a good night's sleep. One of the hotel staff, Ekko, was extra helpful in answering my questions in English, allowing me to stay longer in the lobby while I waited for my friend and even offered me a bottle of water. He was very welcoming! The the bed is so comfortable and soft and the hotel is very clean. And the breakfast is also delicious. You also have a vending machine on the first floor that takes digital payment and a mini refrigerator in your room. There's also a smart TV with HDMI and screen mirroring. It's great value for money and it's also just a really comfortable place to stay. The interior design is really beautiful and eclectic. I think you'll have fun just hanging out in the lobby, good music playing, for a couple hours doing some work at one of the many sitting areas in the lobby, if you're a digital nomad like me. Really nice vibe!
FromCOP 145,925
9.6/10Excellent1916 Reviews
Hongqiao District Shanghai|8.21km from downtown
Citadines Gubei Apartment Hotel is a great place to stay in Shanghai. Convenient location, there are all the necessary shops nearby. The hotel itself is very comfortable, polite staff who always helps. We stayed with the children in a two-storey room and it was just a delight, we were very comfortable. Very comfortable beds. The room has a kitchen area, which was very convenient for us, we even used a washing machine. We liked the breakfast, the choice is very large. We will definitely return to the Citadines Gubei Apartment Hotel the next time we are in Shanghai.
FromCOP 221,366

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Apps for China Travel | Xiaohongshu

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

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​

  1. ​No VPN Needed​​: Works seamlessly inside China (unlike blocked Google services).
  2. ​Handwriting Recognition​​: Draw unknown characters with your finger → get instant translations (e.g., on ancient temple plaques).
  3. ​Culture Context Tips​​: Translates idioms literally: "马马虎虎 (mǎmahūhū)" → "so-so" + explains origin.
  4. ​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.
Pro Tip: Don't forget to check China Visa and China entry requirements if you plan to stay longer than 30 days in China.

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.
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