Essential China Travel Apps: Payments, Maps & Translation

Essential apps and resources for traveling in China. From payments to navigation, everything you need for a seamless experience.

Why These Tools Matter

Traveling in China requires specific apps and tools to navigate daily life smoothly. From mobile payments to ride-hailing and translation, these essential tools will help you overcome language barriers and access services easily. Download these apps before you go for a hassle-free experience.

Payments

Digital wallets & cashless living

WeChat

微信

Essential

Essential messaging and payment app. WeChat Pay is accepted virtually everywhere — from street vendors to subway gates.

•Link your international Visa/Mastercard in WeChat → Me → Payments

•Works at virtually all merchants across China

•Mini apps inside WeChat cover ride-hailing, food delivery, hotel booking and more

Google Play App Store Official Website

Alipay

支付宝

Essential

Alibaba's payment platform with the broadest merchant acceptance. Handles transfers, bills, and investments. Also supports metro rides in most cities.

•Download and register with your passport before arrival

•Tour Card feature allows linking foreign credit cards

•Use Alipay to ride the metro — scan QR code at turnstiles

Google Play App Store Setup Guide Video Tutorial

Navigation

Maps & getting around

Gaode Maps (Amap)

高德地图

Essential

The most accurate mapping service in China. Real-time traffic, transit directions, and POI search.

•Much more reliable than Google Maps within China

•Supports walking, driving, and public transit navigation

•Available in English on iOS, limited English on Android

Google Play App Store

Baidu Maps

百度地图

Alternative navigation with strong POI database. Better for some regions and indoor mall maps.

•Chinese interface only — use with translation app

•Excellent for finding nearby restaurants and attractions

Google Play App Store

Apple Maps

苹果地图

If you use an iPhone, Apple Maps works well in major Chinese cities with English interface.

•Uses Gaode data in China — surprisingly reliable

•Good default option if you prefer an English interface

Transportation

Ride-hailing & public transit

DiDi

滴滴出行

Essential

China's Uber equivalent. Book taxis, private cars, carpooling, and even bike-sharing.

•Has an English interface in the app

•You can link international credit cards

•Always confirm the license plate before getting in

•Cheaper than street-hailed taxis

Google Play App Store

12306 (Rail)

铁路12306

Essential

Official app for booking high-speed rail tickets across China. Essential for intercity travel.

•Register with passport number before your trip

•English interface available on the app and website

•Book tickets in advance — they sell out quickly during holidays

Google Play App Store

Metro via Alipay

支付宝乘地铁

Essential

Use Alipay to ride the metro in major Chinese cities — no separate app needed. Scan QR code at the turnstile to enter and exit.

•Open Alipay → tap "Transport" (出行) on the home page

•Select your city — it auto-detects or choose manually

•A ride QR code will appear — scan it at the entry turnstile

•Scan again at the exit turnstile — fare is auto-deducted

•Works in most major cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Chengdu, Hangzhou, etc.

Video Tutorial

Translation

Language tools & essential phrases

Google Translate

谷歌翻译

Essential

Works offline for basic translation. Camera mode translates text in real time — point at menus and signs.

•Download Simplified Chinese language pack before arrival for offline use

•Camera translation is invaluable for menus and street signs

•Voice translation works well for basic conversations

Google Play App Store

WeChat Translate

微信翻译

Built-in translation in WeChat. Long-press any message to translate. Also translates text in images.

•Useful for translating WeChat messages from Chinese contacts

•Works within the app you already have — no extra download needed

Video Tutorial

Pleco

Pleco词典

Essential

The best Chinese-English dictionary app. Essential for reading characters and understanding context.

•Free with paid add-ons for OCR (camera character recognition)

•Handwriting input lets you draw characters to look them up

•Works completely offline

Google Play App Store Official Website

Daily Living

Food delivery, reviews & local services

Meituan

美团

Essential

China's leading super-app for daily life. Order food delivery, book hotels, buy movie tickets, and find local deals — all in one place.

•Search restaurants by cuisine, rating, or distance

•Food delivery typically arrives within 30–45 minutes

•Also covers hotel bookings, spa, karaoke, and more

•English interface is limited — use with translation app

Google Play App Store

Dianping

大众点评

Essential

China's Yelp-equivalent for restaurant reviews and local services. Find the best-rated restaurants, salons, and entertainment near you.

•Check star ratings and user photos before choosing a restaurant

•Buy discount vouchers (团购) for restaurants and activities

•Helpful for finding authentic local food — locals rely on it daily

•Chinese interface only — use with translation app

Google Play App Store

Shared Bikes (WeChat Scan)

共享单车

Dockless shared bikes are everywhere in Chinese cities. No separate app needed — simply scan the QR code on the bike with WeChat to unlock and ride.

•Open WeChat → tap Discover → Scan → point at the QR code on the bike

•Major brands: Meituan Bikes (yellow), HelloBike (blue), Qingju (green)

•Payment is auto-deducted from your WeChat Pay after the ride

•Great for short-distance trips and exploring neighborhoods

•Park bikes at designated areas — check local parking rules

How to Use SHARED / RENT BIKES in CHINA, ULTIMATE GUIDE!