Everyone should visit China at least once in their lifetime. The country’s rich history, the Chinese culture, and breathtaking China attractions make it a magnet for adventure-seekers and culture enthusiasts alike.
Some of the best China must-see destinations are the iconic Great Wall of China, the awe-inspiring Avatar Mountains, and the spectacular Harbin Ice & Snow Festival. There is something for everyone when visiting China. However, before embarking on your Chinese adventure from a Western country, it’s essential to prepare by downloading and setting up all the necessary China travel apps to ensure a seamless and enjoyable journey once you arrive in the country.
In this guide, we will tell you about those MUST-HAVE China travel apps, and how to use the available tools to enhance your experience while visiting China.
Why Do I Need These China Travel Apps?
China travel can be challenging due to obstacles such as language barriers, as well as, most Western apps such as Google, Playstore, Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, MAPS, and Yahoo being blocked by the Great Firewall.
Despite being informed that WhatsApp would also not work, we were pleasantly surprised to discover that we could still send and receive basic messages through the app. However, images and videos could not be sent or received.
The China travel apps that we will mention are MUST haves and will help you in making payments, navigating your way around, communicating effectively, and simplifying your China trip in general.
It is also important that you download and set up the mentioned China Travel apps before you enter China.
This is because once you arrive and try and download the app it will be in Chinese and a lot more difficult to understand and use.
You Will Need a VPN
It is possible to use your beloved apps that are banned in China by using a VPN.
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a tool that hides your IP address and alters your online location. Basically, it tricks the internet into what your actual location is.
When we arrived in China we had a subscription to Nord VPN, who claim to be the best in the world…… but to our surprise, it didn’t work and we were cut off from all the Western apps that we mentioned above.
After we had departed China, we were advised that letsvpn works wonders, and we highly suggest using it if you are planning to visit China.
We also spoke to other travelers in China who said they were using their roaming and that a VPN was included with the roaming fee.
Lastly, another option is to buy an Esim which has a VPN included.
Now that we know about VPNs, let’s check the China travel apps you need to download and set up to make your China trip much smoother!
1. WeChat – For Payment, Translate, Communication
WeChat is a must-have when visiting China.
This multipurpose China travel app is mainly used for cashless mobile payment, translating words through the camera, and contacting people (similar to WhatsApp).
Once you have downloaded the app, you will need to create an account and input your card details. This process is secure and similar to setting up an account on any other banking app.
You can easily update your card details in the app settings at any time, whether you need to replace a lost card, have a card frozen, or simply want to use a different card.
Let’s explore the main features and tools of WeChat.
WeChat Pay
This is the main feature of the app and is one of two cashless mobile payment methods securely used in China. (The other payment app is Alipay, but more on that below).
How to use WeChat Pay: In the top right corner you will see a + symbol, click this symbol and you will see four options – New Chat, Add Contacts, Scan, and Money.
The two options you have for payments are Scan and Money.
The scan option is used when you scan a QR code. You then type in the amount that needs to be paid.
Sometimes you must enter your personal security code that you would have created when you set up your account, other times the payment goes straight through.
The other option is “Money“. When you click this option your own QR code comes up that you get scanned by whoever is taking the payment, this is again followed by either direct payment or a security code.
After payment, you will then receive a text message on WeChat confirming the amount spent.
Translation Services
There is a translation feature that translates text from Chinese to English. This can be used anywhere from food menus, train tickets, directions on maps, aircon remote, and anything else in Chinese!
Click the + symbol at the top and press scan. At the bottom, you will see a button that says Translate.
Simply tap the “Translate” option, align your phone with the text you wish to translate, press the shutter button, and watch as the Chinese text transforms magically into your chosen language right on your device.
WeChat – Chats
This is a message service that is China’s equivalent to WhatsApp.
Most Chinese people use this system, which is great when you need to communicate with your accommodation.
2. Alipay – For Payment, Taxis, Translate
Similar to WeChat, Alipay is another secure mobile payment method that is used widely in China, and another must-have China travel app.
Payment is also used through scanning a QR code, or by getting your QR code scanned, and you manually input the amount due.
Again, make sure to have your account set up and your atm card linked before traveling to China.
While Alipay shares similarities with WeChat, this essential China travel app has a variety of different tools and features for users to take advantage of.
Didi Taxi
Didi is the Uber version of China.
While you have the option to download the Didi app separately, we found that using Didi (On Alipay it is called Didi Travel) through Alipay was more convenient and reliable. At times we experienced problems when using the Didi app itself.
Like Uber, you select your destination and contactless payment comes out at the end. This is a very safe and affordable way of when visiting China!
Translator
With Alipay, you also have the option to translate text through the scan option found at the top left side of the app just like WeChat.
Go into the scan function and tap the translate function to read what the text is saying.
But unlike WeChat, you can also translate direct speech.
This option is found in the Translate button on the top right side. Here you can choose to type or voice the message you are trying to get across.
The setting is automatically set for Chinese-English, so make sure to switch it to English-Chinese first, or else you will have to type/speak it again!
Interested in visiting China? Find out how much a flight will cost you below!
3. Metroman – Metros, Maps
Public transport in China is fantastic, particularly the metro system.
The next must-have China travel app is called Metro Man, an app that shows all the metro lines in all major cities in China.
You can select the cities you plan to visit on your China trip at the top of the homepage, and then download the attachment.
Let’s find out how to use the 3 most used tools.
Search
In big cities traveling from one side to the other may require a few transfers and when looking at many different coloured routes this can be a bit complicated and overwhelming.
To find out the best route, use the search option.
Select the city you are in, type in the station you are departing from, the station you are traveling to, when you want to travel, and press search.
Now your phone will display the best route options in numeral order starting with the best option, how long the journey will take, how many transfers, where to transfer, and how much the fare will cost.
When you select your best options, it will show all of the above plus the route, the line numbers, and what color the line number is.
Take a screenshot of this to help you along the way!
Metro
This function displays the entire metro map of the city you are in. If you need to find a station type in the name at the search bar and it will show where on the map that station is located.
Map
Google Maps does not work in China. However, a good helping tool is the Map function on Metroman.
You can navigate around any new city you are in with this helpful tool when visiting China.
At the bottom right you will see a green arrow. This function will help you find any nearby stations, dining options, hotels, and attractions.
4. Trip.com – Booking Attractions
One of our favorite travel apps of all time is Trip.com.
Although this app can be used anywhere in the world. It is a great app when visiting China because, unlike most Western apps, it will actually work during your China trip!
The two main features we used for our China trip were booking hotels and trains. Additionally, you have the opportunity to buy flights and tour packages through the app.
Hotel search
We found many accommodations on Trip.com that are not listed on Booking.com, and they are often more affordable.
During our China travels, we booked a local apartment in Chongqing (China’s most populated city) for less than half of the price on Booking.com.
Be sure to check the reviews and descriptions carefully, as some accommodations may have Chinese squat toilets!
Train Ticket Booking
During our 30-day trip to China, we traveled from Beijing to Hong Kong all the way by train.
Every ticket was purchased through this amazing travel app.
While we were recommended the China travel app Railway12306, we found using Trip.com to be much easier.
Furthermore, booking through this app regularly will entitle you to perks like complimentary access to VIP Lounges at airports.
Once you’ve made bookings for a hotel, train, flight, or attraction, all these details will be stored in the app for easy access.
Just a heads-up though, you will need an internet connection to retrieve them, so it’s a good idea to take a screenshot if you’re relying on Wi-Fi and don’t have your own internet access.
5. Baidu Maps
As mentioned earlier, due to Google’s ban in China, Google Maps becomes ineffective on your China trip.
Metroman’s map system allows you to view your location and navigate, but it does not allow you to input search queries or get directions to where you want to go.
The China travel app we recommend for that option is Baidu Maps.
Baidu is China’s equivalent of Google. Its map system is reliable and is able to provide accurate directions to your desired destination.
However, one challenge with Baidu is that it is in Chinese – But where there is a will there is a way!
You can still type in wherever you want to go or what you are searching for in English, and then the directions will show up in Chinese.
Next, you can utilize the WeChat or AliPay translate functions (you will need another phone for this) to translate the directions from Chinese to English.
The default setting on Baidu Maps is for driving directions, but with some practice translating, you will quickly remember how to switch to walking directions. This will happen as well with aircon remotes that are in Chinese!
And now you also have a basic grasp of the Chinese language, kind of……
Please support Happy Irish Wanderers and help us grow by using the provided links. This will earn us a small commission, but won’t cost you anything extra!
China Travel Apps Summary
Let’s finish up with some final tips for your MUST-Have China travel apps.
- Make sure to have downloaded and set up your China travel apps/bank account BEFORE your China trip.
- Google and almost every Western App do NOT work in China without a VPN.
- NordVPN does not work in China. We recommend LetsVPN.
- You can use WeChat and Alipay everywhere, but cash is still accepted in most places.
- WeChat translate is only for text (menus, train tickets, aircon remote, etc)
- Alipay Translate offers the option for speech translation (Make sure to switch it to English-Chinese)
- Alipay has a built-in Didi taxi app feature which functions better than the DiDi app itself.
- Metroman Map is a great tool for finding your way around new cities.
- Have screenshots of all your bookings from Trip.com as a backup.
- Read the description when booking apartments through Trip.com to avoid having a traditional Chinese toilet (squatter) for your stay.
- Even though the Baidu Maps App is in Chinese, you can still type in your destination in English.
If there are any travel apps for China that we have not discussed, then please share in the comments or on our socials and recommend the app you find most useful.
Slán go fóil
This post contains affiliate links. If you click on the links to make a purchase, we will earn a small commission. This is at NO EXTRA COST to you. This is a free way to support us and allow us to continue to create inspiring adventure travel guides.
Another excellent article full of good advice! Thank you
Thank you Louise! Any questions, feel free to ask! Enjoy China, it will be fantastic!
Thanks for your information, I am going to China this month and it helps me a lot.
Any more questions, feel free to give us a shout!