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China Travel Apps: The 10 Apps to Download Before You Go

November 2026

Tommy Liao, founder of First China Journey
By Tommy LiaoPlanned by Tommy Liao, who lives between Canada and China — and helps first-time visitors get China’s practical stuff right.

Facts verified on November 2, 2026 with the Beijing Municipal Government's guides for visitors: Get Connected & Essential Apps, Transportation and From Arrival to Return, plus the China Railway 12306 English site and GOV.UK travel advice. Apps and their rules change often, so check again before you fly.

In China, your phone does almost everything: it pays, it hails your car, it finds your hotel and it reads the menu. Many of the apps you use at home, such as Google Maps, Gmail and WhatsApp, are blocked or unreliable on Chinese networks. So a little setup at home makes the first day much easier.

Here's the shortlist we'd give a friend. We don't get paid to recommend any of these.

Payments

1. Alipay

The Beijing government's visitor guide calls Alipay the "king of apps for foreign visitors". You can link a foreign Visa or Mastercard, pay by scanning QR codes, and use its built-in translator, which covers 15 languages. It also hosts mini-programs for DiDi, Trip.com, Meituan and Ele.me, so one app does a lot (Beijing Municipal Government).

Setup steps are in our Alipay and WeChat Pay guide.

2. WeChat (and WeChat Pay)

WeChat is China's main messaging app, used "more than phone or SMS", and also a major payment tool. Guesthouses, guides and shops often prefer to message you there. Note that its mini-programs are often Chinese-only (Beijing Municipal Government).

Getting online

3. Your travel eSIM's app (or your carrier's roaming plan)

Most of these apps need mobile data. A travel eSIM or home roaming also means some apps from home may keep working, though that's not guaranteed. Compare the options in our eSIM vs SIM vs roaming guide.

Getting around

4. DiDi

DiDi is the main ride-hailing app and has an English interface. You can register with a foreign phone number, type destinations in English or Chinese, and send quick messages that are auto-translated for the driver. Pay with a card, Alipay or WeChat Pay; it isn't a cash service (Beijing Municipal Government). You can also open DiDi as a mini-program inside Alipay.

5. A map that works in China: Amap or Apple Maps

Google Maps is blocked and its China data is often out of date. Amap (Gaode) is the most widely used map app in China and now offers an English interface; switch the language in settings. On iPhone, Apple Maps uses Chinese map data and also works well. Save your hotel's address in Chinese characters too, to show drivers.

6. China Railway 12306 (or Trip.com)

12306 is the official railway booking site and app, with an English version that accepts foreign passports (12306 English). Trip.com sells the same tickets in English with card payment, usually for a small fee. Our step-by-step guide to booking train tickets explains both.

Language

7. A translator with offline Chinese

Download a translator and its offline Chinese pack at home. Google Translate's offline mode can work without a connection; Microsoft Translator, Baidu Translate and Youdao are other options. Alipay's built-in translator is a handy backup.

8. Pleco

A Chinese–English dictionary rather than a translator. It's great for checking a character on a sign or menu, and the core dictionary works offline.

Food and finding places

9. Dianping (大众点评)

China's main restaurant review app, roughly what Yelp is elsewhere. It's mostly in Chinese, but photos, ratings and the "must-order" dishes are easy to follow with a camera translator.

10. Meituan (美团)

Food delivery, plus deals and bookings. You can also open Meituan and Ele.me as mini-programs inside Alipay, which is often easier for visitors (Beijing Municipal Government). Delivery needs an exact address, so it's easiest from your hotel.

Bonus for Beijing: GO BEIJING

Inside the international version of Alipay, Beijing's GO BEIJING platform offers multilingual city services, including a "Travel Wallet" for foreign visitors that doesn't need a linked bank card. It's currently open to visitors from 40 countries and regions (Beijing Municipal Government).

What about WhatsApp, Gmail and Google?

GOV.UK's travel advice says Google, Facebook, YouTube and X are permanently blocked in mainland China (GOV.UK). On roaming or many travel eSIMs, travellers often still reach them, but don't rely on it. Tell family a backup way to reach you, such as WeChat or iMessage/FaceTime.

GOV.UK also notes that VPN services need to be licensed by the Chinese government. We don't give legal advice; plan your trip so it doesn't depend on a VPN.

Do this at home, before you fly

App downloads and verification texts are much easier on home Wi-Fi.

  • Install all the apps above and sign in to each one
  • Link your card to Alipay and/or WeChat Pay, and make a small test payment if you can
  • Register DiDi with the phone number you'll use in China
  • Create your 12306 or Trip.com account with your passport details exactly as printed
  • Download offline Chinese for your translator, and offline maps if your map app offers them
  • Save hotel addresses in Chinese characters
  • Keep your home SIM active for bank one-time passcodes
  • Pack a power bank; your phone will work hard

FAQ

What apps do I need in China as a tourist?

At minimum: Alipay or WeChat Pay for paying, a map that works in China (Amap or Apple Maps), DiDi for rides, and a translator with offline Chinese.

Does DiDi work in English?

Yes. DiDi has an English interface, lets you register with a foreign phone number and translates messages with your driver.

Can I use Google Maps in China?

Google is blocked on Chinese networks and its China map data is often out of date. Use Amap or Apple Maps.

Do I need WeChat in China?

It's strongly recommended. It's how most people and many businesses message in China, and WeChat Pay is a useful backup to Alipay.

Can foreigners use Alipay in China?

Yes. You can link a foreign card in Alipay and pay by QR code. Small fees and limits may apply.

Which apps work without a Chinese phone number?

Alipay, WeChat, DiDi and 12306 all let foreign visitors register, though some features may ask for extra verification. A +86 number helps for some public Wi-Fi logins and local services.

Tours that include this

Get set up before you go

Our Before You Go page puts apps, payments and connectivity in one checklist. If you're arriving visa-free, read our 240-hour visa-free transit guide as well.

Stuck on an app before your trip? Ask Tommy on WhatsApp and we'll help you sort it out.

This article is general travel information. Apps and their rules change often; check each app's current terms before you travel.

Next: eSIM vs SIM vs roaming in China →

Sources

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