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!
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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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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.
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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
Outstanding11932 Reviews
People's Square Area Shanghai|0.54km from downtown
The hotel back door is just right beside Nanjing Pedestrian Street which makes it extremely convenient for shopping, dining & sightseeing.
The Bund is just about 15mins walk from the hotel.
It's an old school hotel! Hence, don't expect the rooms to have a smart technology system. Hopefully, the hotel will upgrade the rooms with smart technology system which is able to make things more convenient.
We have a free upgraded room. The room is very spacious & clean.
The room's heating air conditioner isn't blowing air, so a fan is needed to improve air circulation in the room.
Ms Starry Cui & all hotel staff are very friendly & helpful.FromAU$133
Outstanding5941 Reviews
People's Square Area Shanghai|0.47km from downtown
I stayed at this hotel for three days and wanted to share my brief thoughts. When booking a hotel in Shanghai, I looked at many options and paid close attention to the negative reviews for each, and the Radisson Hotel was no exception. Many of the negative comments mentioned outdated facilities. However, after considering the brand, location, and price, I ultimately chose this hotel, though I was still a bit apprehensive. Upon arrival, I was pleased to find the hotel's location excellent, right at the intersection of Nanjing Road and People's Square, making it convenient to reach various popular attractions. The lobby has a typical luxury hotel style. Every detail in the room also conveyed that, despite its age, the quality is definitely on par with its competitors. The furniture is well-crafted with good materials, and the fixtures and sanitary ware are all from reputable brands. The overall condition is actually better than some newer hotels. Furthermore, the front desk staff upgraded us to a junior suite and provided an extra bed free of charge, adding a special touch to our short vacation.FromAU$134
Excellent7766 Reviews
People's Square Area Shanghai|0.7km from downtown
I've lost count how many times I've stayed at Agile 😊 and each time leaves an impression. This visit had a slight disappointment though: the pool 🏊♀️ was closed for a month-long renovation, and while there was a notice in the room, it was still a bit of a bummer 😞. However, the breakfast 🍳 for several consecutive days deserves high praise! We had two days of Chinese-style 🥢 and one day of Western-style breakfast, with a wide variety of delicious options that really satisfied our taste buds! Even during the New Year's Day holiday, despite the large number of diners, the restaurant staff actively guided guests and provided warm and thoughtful service! A special thanks again to Cashew (Yao Guo) for her wonderful service! Looking forward to 🥰 my next trip here!FromAU$206
Outstanding5754 Reviews
Huaihai Road Area/Xintiandi Area Shanghai|1.78km from downtown
I come to Shanghai every two or three months, and I always stay here.
**Ambiance:** The red maple leaves in the garden have turned, and they're so beautiful. It truly lives up to its reputation as a Japanese-managed hotel; even the environmental details have that special touch. This is why I love this hotel. Plus, the express checkout is super convenient.
**Service:** This time, I felt the service quality had declined a bit. I called for things to my room twice and had to wait a long time, then call to follow up. Especially when the room heating wasn't enough, I was freezing while waiting. Later, the housekeeper proactively brought an extra blanket.
However, as a loyal guest, I didn't feel a special sense of belonging.
**Facilities:** The remote control by the bed is really difficult to use. The settings jump around, and it's hard to tell what you're adjusting. It's usually fine, but in winter, the room temperature just wouldn't go up. It was truly freezing.
**Breakfast:** Still delicious.FromAU$160
Outstanding10908 Reviews
Train Station Area Shanghai|2.4km from downtown
🌟 **Arrival Experience: A Welcoming Embrace**
From the moment we stepped out of the car, the concierge team greeted us with genuine smiles and prompt service. The front desk staff were professional and efficient, swiftly handling our check-in while thoughtfully introducing the hotel facilities and special services. The lobby's elegant design and subtle fragrance instantly made us feel relaxed.
🛌 **Guest Room: A Perfect Blend of Luxury and Technology**
The room was spacious and well-laid out, with breathtaking views from the floor-to-ceiling windows. The bedding was the epitome of comfort – high-thread-count sheets felt incredibly soft against the skin, and the mattress offered just the right amount of support, ensuring we slept soundly every night. The mini-bar was well-stocked, and the complimentary daily replenished drinks and snacks were a thoughtful touch.
🍽️ **Dining: A Top-Tier Feast for the Senses**
Breakfast offered an abundant selection, from freshly squeezed juices and local specialties to Eggs Benedict; every dish was exquisite and delicious. The evening dining was stunning, perfectly blending traditional flavors with creative twists. The lobby bar had an elegant atmosphere, and the mixologists were incredibly skilled. Room service was also swift and efficient, with no compromise on quality.
💎 **Facilities and Service: Impeccably Professional**
The gym had state-of-the-art equipment, and the pool's water was crystal clear with a serene environment. What impressed us most was the attitude of all the staff – every employee we passed proactively greeted us and offered assistance. Housekeeping service was incredibly responsive, and the turndown service was meticulous, even down to the thoughtful placement of slippers.
📍 **Location and Surroundings**
The hotel boasts an excellent location, right next to Nanjing Road and The Bund, making getting around extremely convenient.
✨ **Summary: More Than Luxury, It's About Heartfelt Care**
This wasn't just a stay; it was an experience of being well-cared for and full of delightful surprises. Pullman Shanghai Jing An truly exceeded expectations; every detail showcased respect and care for guests. If there were an option beyond ”five-star,” we would undoubtedly choose it. Heartfelt thanks to all the staff for their efforts; we will definitely be back!FromAU$125
Business travel
Good2512 Reviews
Jing'an District/West Nanjing Road Shanghai|0.85km from downtown
Looking for a high-value stay in Shanghai? Kempinski's all-suite hotel is your top choice! 🤩
A hidden gem in a bustling area.
The location is absolutely perfect! 👏🏻 Right outside, you'll find HKRI Taikoo Hui and the Nanjing Road shopping district. It's incredibly convenient for getting around with the West Nanjing Road subway station just steps away! Hotel guests also have access to the fitness center on the third floor, perfect for unwinding after a stressful day.
And you can walk directly to the city's new landmark – the Louis Vuitton building! 💎
The rooms feature bay windows with great views, so you'll wake up to warm sunlight every morning. 🌞
What truly stands out is Kempinski's butler service. From the warm welcome messages upon check-in to the attentive care from the room butler, every day of my stay was delightful! 😃FromAU$239
Excellent8886 Reviews
The Bund Area Shanghai|1.73km from downtown
Staying at Bund Hoshino Resorts KAI Yuyuan with my family was an experience that far exceeded our expectations. The hotel's location is superb, just a five-minute walk to the Bund and Yu Garden, which was incredibly convenient.
Ella at the front desk provided exceptionally thoughtful service. Not only did she proactively upgrade our room type, but she also prepared a special children's toiletries set for us. The room design skillfully blends new Chinese aesthetics with comfort, making for a truly pleasant stay.
The 11th-floor terrace offers expansive views of both sides of the Huangpu River, which was stunning. From the smallest details to the overall experience, this place ensured that three generations of our family all found something to enjoy. It's undoubtedly an ideal choice for family trips to Shanghai!FromAU$169
8351 Reviews
The North Bund Area Shanghai|2.55km from downtown
This stay far exceeded expectations and must give it a full review! It is very close to the Bund, with a prime location and convenient transportation. The surrounding facilities are complete, making travel, shopping, and dining very convenient, making it ideal for both business trips and vacations. The check-in procedures are efficient and fast. The front desk staff are warm and friendly, patiently answering various questions and proactively providing thoughtful service, instantly bringing a sense of warmth.
The room is clean and tidy, with a rational layout. The space is spacious and bright, and it is well-ventilated and well-lit, with no unpleasant odors whatsoever. The bedding is soft and comfortable, with a mattress of moderate hardness, ensuring a good night's sleep until dawn. The toiletries are complete and of superior quality, and the bathroom features a scientifically designed separation of dry and wet areas, ensuring thorough cleaning without stains. The room is well-equipped and brand-new. The air conditioning provides excellent heating and cooling performance, has a full network signal, abundant TV programs, and a stable and sufficient hot water supply. Every detail demonstrates thoughtful attention.
The hotel offers a quiet and elegant environment, with clean and orderly public areas. The decoration style is minimalist and elegant, creating a warm and comfortable atmosphere. The breakfast offers a wide variety of options, combining Chinese and Western elements. The ingredients are fresh and high-quality, delicious, and can meet diverse taste preferences, thus starting a vibrant and energetic day. If you have any needs during this period, contact customer service will be able to respond quickly and properly resolve them. The service is professional and considerate, providing a comprehensive and immersive experience throughout the entire process.
The overall cost-performance ratio is extremely high, with flawless hardware facilities and software services. It offers an excellent stay experience and is highly recommended to everyone! This hotel will be a priority for my next trip, and I will also recommend it to my family and friends around me. I look forward to visiting again! Xiao ding very good😁FromAU$139
Very Good3907 Reviews
The Bund Area Shanghai|1.27km from downtown
This hotel is just beautiful and welcoming. People standing at the front will rush to help opening the door and unload your luggage from the car. The receptionist was really lovely and helpful and provide all the details in English. Then you will be brought to your room.
The room was really lovely. The beds were a bit small for an adult and kids but this is based on foreigners size. The bathroom was not clean properly with stains on the wall, doors and bathtub ( picture attached) but this may be due of the fact that the room was old.
There was a mini bar in the room but no price available.
The hotel have a heated pool and multiple restaurant on site. The kids love the pool.
The hotel is in the middle of all the places that need to be visited. If you go out from the hotel and turn right. You are 10 min walk from Nanjing Road. If you turn left, you are 10 min walk from YuYan Garden. And if you walk in direction of the back of the hotel, you are at the Bund. If you go straight you ll be most likely at people’s square.
We had an amazing stay there and we were joined by our daughter’s friend who booked there aswell to make it convenient for the kids to see each other.
I highly recommend this hotel for families and friends catch up. Really convenient location, really lovely and helpful staff.FromAU$207
Good5200 Reviews
People's Square Area Shanghai|0.9km from downtown
Stayed for 7 days in the Family room in Dec 2025. Overall it was a comfortable stay although the hard product was old.
Room was spacious with one king bed (good for 1 adult and 2 small sized kids) and a single rollaway bed (good for 1 adult). It came with a free mini bar (1 round) and we could get bottled water from housekeeping or from the hotel lobby. There was a stench in the toilet (suspected backflow of air from the sewer) which housekeeping attempted to solve by covering the drains using tissue paper.
Hotel location was good, situated along the shopping street and subway. It is also within walking distance from the bund.
Hotel service was relatively lacking. No attempt was made to assist me with my 4 big luggage at the lobby during arrival and departure.
Would recommend the hotel for less fussy travellers who value convenience over services.FromAU$132
Breakfast
Outstanding10258 Reviews
Sheshan, Songjiang University Town Shanghai|35.83km from downtown
Five stars, no hesitation! This stay was absolutely perfect, from the ambiance to the service, everything was flawless. It truly is an architectural marvel that you *must* visit at least once in your life. I'm completely captivated after staying here.
The hotel's environment is simply breathtaking! The world's only 88-meter-deep 'pit' hotel lives up to its reputation. Its unique design, built into the cliff face, exudes sophistication. The dynamic water curtain in the lobby is elegant and lively, and a glance out the window reveals stunning cliffside waterfalls. By day, you see the lush green mountains and rocky cliffs in perfect harmony; as evening falls, the lights illuminate, creating a serene and romantic atmosphere. Every corner showcases thoughtful design, incorporating a mining-inspired aesthetic. Every photo you take is magazine-worthy, offering an immersive experience of nature and architecture blending seamlessly. A special highlight was the 8:30 PM cliffside light and water show featuring themes from 'Shan Hai Jing' (Classic of Mountains and Seas) and a drone performance. Light and water intertwined, drones intricately depicted mythical imagery in the sky, and the cliff face transformed with dynamic light and shadow. The visual and auditory impact was incredible, creating an amazing atmosphere. It's an immersive dive into the collision of technology and culture, an experience definitely not to be missed.
The room experience was a delightful surprise! The room design is simple yet grand, with meticulous attention to detail. The sapphire-themed interior felt luxurious. Thoughtful amenities like a Dyson hairdryer and high-end toiletries were provided, and the facilities were comprehensive and modern. The entire room was spotlessly clean, the bedding was soft and comfortable, and the independent bathtub and scenic balcony were definite bonuses. Waking up to the natural scenery in the morning was incredibly blissful, making for a perfectly comfortable stay.
The dining experience was a culinary feast! The Chinese restaurant, Cai Feng Lou, lived up to its Black Pearl Restaurant rating. The beef was tender and juicy, and the soup was rich and flavorful. Every dish used high-quality ingredients and had authentic flavors, truly showcasing the essence of Chinese cuisine. The Western restaurant, Fish Eye, had an incredible ambiance, surrounded by an aquarium underwater. The seafood was fresh and sweet, and the Western dishes were exquisite and delicious, both visually appealing and tasty. Whether it was a main meal or a casual snack, everything was incredibly satisfying.
And the service was impeccable! A special shout-out to our exclusive butler, Alice. From communicating our needs before check-in and providing detailed explanations of the facilities upon arrival, to offering thoughtful reminders and responding to requests throughout our trip, she was patient, attentive, and incredibly thorough. She anticipated every need, making the entire journey feel so warm and cared for. All the hotel staff were also enthusiastic and professional. The bellhops proactively helped with luggage, and the restaurant staff were attentive and meticulous. You could feel their genuine service attitude everywhere you went. The overall experience was absolutely fantastic.
This stay was comprehensively satisfying. The environment, rooms, dining, and service all exceeded expectations. It's definitely a top choice for a vacation or getaway. I'm already looking forward to my next visit and highly recommend it to everyone! 🌟FromAU$355
Outstanding2617 Reviews
Wujiaochang Commercial Area Shanghai|9.08km from downtown
[”The hotel's location is fantastic, just a 6-7 minute walk to the subway station! The room was clean and bright, and the bedding was incredibly soft, truly like sleeping on a cloud. The front desk staff were so thoughtful, even providing a guide to local eateries. I'll definitely choose this hotel again next time!”,”The room was even more spacious than the photos indicated. The bathroom had excellent wet/dry separation and was impeccably clean. The breakfast selection was incredibly diverse, and the freshly prepared noodles were especially fragrant and tasty. We had an exceptionally comfortable stay!”]FromAU$103
Outstanding494 Reviews
Hongqiao Airport/National Exhibition and Convention Center Shanghai|14.17km from downtown
Erm location abit further from the city area but overall experience is good. But is just that the shower the head dropped off when showering.FromAU$26
Excellent660 Reviews
Hongqiao Airport/National Exhibition and Convention Center Shanghai|15.59km from downtown
This is our re-visit of the hotel. I don’t know why, but it just felt homey instantly (usually it will take me a night to get used to the room), it’s just comfortable with peaceful ambiance and soft lighting. The breakfast was amazing and it really helped to start our day in a pleasant way! We also had a pleasant interaction with the room-service robot who delivered bottle water to our room twice 😄 You just had to try it!!! too bad I couldn’t hug the robot 😄 I also like the Hotel’s good and combined use of technology and human service. I called from the room to ask for bottle water, and it was answered by a lady who said they will send a Robot to deliver. (In another hotel, I also made a call from the room with a small request, but it was an auto answer where you had to talk to a machine and dial the numbers when prompted, which often ended in frustration). Other than that, just one suggestion, I thought the quality of the toiletries and slippers provided could be better compared to the peer hotels, yea, especially for the slippers, they felt too synthetic compared to the slippers from the other two hotels I stayed at during this travel. Overall, great stay, pleasant experience and will revisit!FromAU$117
Very Good1541 Reviews
Everbright Convention and Exhibition Center Shanghai|12.35km from downtown
This hotel is perfectly suited to my taste. The lobby is predominantly decorated in black and red, with even the glass panels featuring a red tint. The lobby area is incredibly spacious, boasting many distinct seating zones, which made me feel like I could spend an entire day just lounging there.
The hotel is conveniently located right next to a large shopping mall, MixC City, offering a wide array of dining, shopping, and entertainment options. Plus, it's just a few subway stops from either the train station or the airport. Getting to the hotel from Ziteng Road Metro Station: exit and enter the shopping mall through its main illuminated entrance. For the most straightforward path, *before* you reach the pedestrian street of the metro commercial area, follow the signs to take the elevator up to the second floor. From there, walk through the parking lot between Buildings A and B, and you'll arrive directly at the hotel, with no stairs to navigate.
Overall, I feel the hotel's marketing efforts are insufficient. This hidden gem truly deserves to be discovered by more people.FromAU$50
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 BookDo 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.