Best Apps to Download for Your China Trip

Planning a trip to China? One of the most important things to do before you go is find the right apps to download.

Unlike other countries, many apps you’re used to (like Google Maps or Uber) don’t work properly in China — so having the right apps will make your trip so much smoother. Thankfully, many local apps in China are incredibly powerful and will be very helpful if you download them in advance.

Here are the must-have apps I personally use when traveling in China:

1. Alipay

Best for: Public transport & payments

Alipay is best apps to download in China as it cover almost everything you need there. You can use it for:

Paying in restaurants, shops, and attractions
Taking the метро / buses
Booking taxis

👉 This is basically your all-in-one wallet while traveling.

2. WeChat

Best for: Ordering food & payments

WeChat is another must-have super app:

Scan QR codes to order food in restaurants
Make payments
Communicate if needed

WeChat is harder to set up than Alipay — you’ll need someone who has had WeChat for over six months to verify your new account.

That said, I’ve noticed that some places only accept WeChat, and many shops and restaurants offer discounts if you sign up for their membership, which can only be accessed through WeChat.

If you don’t think you need those discounts, then I don’t think this app is essential.

3. Baidu Maps / Amap

Best for: Navigation

Google Maps doesn’t work in China and Apple maps is not too accurate. So you’ll need:

Baidu Maps
Amap (Gaode Maps)

👉 These are much more accurate for directions, transport routes, and locations.

4. Klook

Best for: Attraction tickets

Use Klook for:

Booking attractions
Tours
Activities

👉 Often cheaper and more convenient than buying on-site.

💰 Pro Tip: Use discount code KLOOKXNESSA for up to 5% off

5. Nomad eSIM

Best for: Internet access

This is what I personally use when traveling in China:

Cheaper than physical SIM cards.
Easy to set up (no need to swap SIM cards)
Comes with a built-in VPN, so you’ll be able to access the global internet without needing a separate VPN plan (Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, etc.)
IMPORTANT NOTE: Make sure to activate your eSIM before entering China, or it may be difficult to set up once you’re inside the country.

💡 You can get $25 OFF with code: VANESSAXN

6. LetsVPN or Surfshark

Best for: Accessing blocked apps

Note that not all VPNs work in China — we tried many well-known brands, and they couldn’t get through the firewall.

The 2 VPN that works well are Let’s VPN and Surfshark.

Get Surfshark free for 3 months here — it was stable across all the cities we visited in China.

7. DiDi

Best for: Transport (Uber/Grab alternative)

Uber and Grab are not available in China, so the best ride-hailing app to download is DiDi.

Works like Uber or Grab
Easy to use
English friendly
Can be linked with Alipay

8. Taobao

Best for: Online shopping

Nessa’s favorite app in China. Just a reminder — almost everything in the world is made in China, so why not shop as much as you want while you’re here?

I feel like the things you buy in China are much more affordable, yet still high quality. It makes sense, since they’re made there.

9. Rednote

Best for: Travel inspiration

Think of this as the Instagram of China. You can find local guides, hidden gems, and travel recommendations here.

However, most content is in Mandarin, so you may need to use Google Translate to understand it.

10. Meituan

Best for: Food delivery

A little tip for saving money in China: sometimes food is actually cheaper on Meituan due to the ongoing price competition.

Not only can you order food delivery, but you can also shop for almost anything on Meituan — and it gets delivered to you really quickly.

11. Dianping

Best for: Finding restaurants

Dianping is a mix of Yelp and Groupon in China. You can read honest reviews, discover local restaurants, and even find discount coupons. It’s very helpful for finding the best places to eat wherever you are in China.

12. Trip.com

Best for: Train tickets & travel bookings

One of the easiest platforms for travelers to book high speed train tickets in China. As it is highly recommended to always pre book your seat in HSR in China. Here are what you can book from Trip

Very foreigner-friendly and reliable.

✨ Final Tips

Before your trip to China:

Download all apps in advance
Set up your payment methods before entering China, as you’ll need to complete an OTP verification using your current phone number — which you may not be able to access once you’re in China

Having these apps ready will make your trip much smoother and stress-free.

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FAQ

1. Do I really need to download apps before traveling to China?

Yes — it’s highly recommended. Many international apps like Google Maps, WhatsApp, and Uber don’t work properly in China, so having the right local apps downloaded in advance will make your trip much smoother.

2. Can I use Google Maps in China?

Not reliably. Google Maps is either blocked or inaccurate in China. It’s better to use local apps like Baidu Maps or Amap, which provide more accurate navigation, transport routes, and locations.

3. Do I need both Alipay and WeChat?

Ideally, yes. Alipay is easier to set up and works almost everywhere, but some places only accept WeChat Pay or offer discounts through WeChat. If you can, having both gives you more flexibility.

4. Is it possible to travel in China without cash?

Yes — China is largely cashless. Most places accept mobile payments through Alipay or WeChat Pay, including restaurants, shops, and even street vendors.

5. Do I need a VPN in China?

If you want to access apps like Instagram, Google, WhatsApp, or YouTube, then yes, you’ll need a VPN. However, not all VPNs work in China, so it’s important to choose a reliable one before your trip.

6. What’s the best way to get internet in China?

Using an eSIM (like Nomad) is one of the easiest options. It’s affordable, easy to set up, and often includes built-in VPN access so you can use global apps without additional setup.

7. Can I download these apps after arriving in China?

It’s not recommended. Some apps and services may be harder to access or set up once you’re in China, especially if you need SMS verification (OTP). Always download and set up everything before you arrive.

8. Is DiDi easy to use for foreigners?

Yes — DiDi is quite foreigner-friendly. The app has English support, and you can link it to Alipay for easy payments. It’s the best alternative to Uber or Grab in China.

9. How do I find good restaurants in China?

Use Dianping. It’s similar to Yelp and shows reviews, ratings, and even discounts. It’s one of the best ways to discover local food spots.

10. Are apps like Meituan only for food delivery?

No — Meituan does much more than food delivery. You can also shop for daily items, book services, and often get better deals due to local discounts and promotions.

11. Is it easy to book train tickets in China?

Yes, especially with platforms like Trip.com. It’s very foreigner-friendly and allows you to book high-speed train tickets in advance, which is highly recommended as trains can sell out quickly.

12. Do I need to speak Mandarin to use these apps?

Not necessarily. Some apps (like DiDi and Trip.com) support English, but others are mainly in Mandarin. You can use Google Translate or built-in translation tools to help navigate them.

Explore More Hidden Gems in China

If you’re planning a longer trip, check out our other China travel blogs featuring Zhangjiajie, Shanghai, and Guangzhou — each offering its own unique blend of nature and culture.

For detailed routes and insider travel tips, download our China Travel eBook, which includes itineraries, hidden attractions, and local experiences curated from our own journeys.