9 Essential Apps You Need To Download Before Traveling To China 2025

WeChat (微信)

WeChat is the single most important app you’ll need in China. This super-app goes far beyond messaging – it’s your digital lifeline for communication, payments, and accessing countless mini-programs. With WeChat Pay, you can pay at virtually any establishment by scanning QR codes, from high-end restaurants to street vendors. Many Chinese restaurants only display their menus via WeChat, and some require ordering through the app. The app also features built-in translation tools that can translate text in uploaded images, making it invaluable for reading signs and menus.

Set up tip: Register your WeChat account before arriving in China and link your international bank card for seamless payments. Foreigners can now easily bind an international Visa and Mastercard to WeChat Pay without needing a Chinese bank account.

WeChat, Apple | Android

Alipay (支付宝)

Alipay serves as China’s other major payment platform, accepted at virtually all stores, restaurants, and transportation services. It supports international bank cards and offers convenient “tap” payments through scan machines. Beyond payments, Alipay provides access to ride-hailing services, ticket booking, and hotel reservations. The app supports 16 languages and offers multilingual customer service, making it particularly foreigner-friendly. Note that this is a different app from AlipayHK.

Alipay, Apple | Android

Amap (Gaode Maps)

Amap (Gaode Maps) is China’s most popular navigation app with over one billion monthly active users, serving as the essential mapping platform for anyone traveling in the country. Known locally as “高德地图” (Gaode Ditu), this Alibaba-owned app offers incredibly detailed maps with real-time traffic updates, public transportation schedules, and precise GPS accuracy down to 10 centimeters. The game-changer for foreign travelers is that Amap launched English language support in early 2025, making it accessible to international visitors through a simple language switch in the settings menu. While the English version has fewer features than its Chinese counterpart (no ride-hailing or train booking), it retains all essential navigation functions, including public transport options, walking directions, and the ability to search for destinations using English addresses like “Hongqiao Airport”. The app excels with advanced features like traffic light countdown timers, lane-specific guidance, and augmented reality navigation that overlays directions onto your camera view. For travelers, Amap’s integration with Apple Maps means iPhone users automatically get Gaode’s accurate local data displayed in English when in China, while Android users can now download the standalone app with English support.

Amap, Apple | Android

MetroMan China

For metro-specific navigation across 53 Chinese cities, MetroMan is your go-to app. It works completely offline, supports 11 languages including English, and provides detailed route planning with fare calculations. This app covers major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen, making it perfect for first-time visitors navigating complex subway systems.

MetroMan China, Apple | Android

Didi (滴滴出行)

Didi is China’s equivalent to Uber, offering reliable ride-hailing services across over 400 cities. The app features an English interface, 24/7 English customer service, and accepts international payment methods. You can book different ride categories from budget Express rides to premium Lux options. Didi shows upfront pricing, eliminating surprises compared to traditional taxis.

Didi, Apple | Android

Trip.com (携程)

Trip.com is the most foreigner-friendly travel booking platform in China. Unlike many local apps, it offers a full English interface and accepts international credit cards. Use it to book high-speed train tickets, flights, hotels, and attractions. The app often features accommodations not available on Western platforms like Booking.com, frequently at better prices. Trip.com’s loyalty program offers perks like complimentary airport lounge access.

Trip.com, Apple | Android

Pleco Chinese Dictionary

Pleco is the gold standard for Chinese-English translation, especially valuable for looking up individual characters and words. The basic dictionary is free and includes handwriting recognition for drawing unknown characters. Optional paid add-ons include live camera translation (OCR) for instantly translating text by pointing your camera at it. The app works offline, making it reliable when internet connectivity is limited.
Otherwise, if you prefer to use Google Translate, you can download Chinese language packs before traveling since Google services are restricted in China. The offline translation works without internet connectivity, and the camera feature can translate text in real-time. However, remember that Google services may require a VPN to function fully.

Pleco Chinese Dictionary, Apple | Android

Dianping (大众点评)

China’s version of Yelp for restaurant discovery and reviews. This platform combines restaurant ratings, reviews, and special offers, making it easy to find quality dining options. Dianping also integrates food delivery services and provides comprehensive information about local establishments.

Dianping, Apple | Android

ExpressVPN

For accessing blocked websites and services such as Instagram, Facebook, and other social media apps, ExpressVPN consistently ranks as the most reliable VPN for China. It maintains 70-80% of normal connection speeds and successfully bypasses the country's firewall. Critical: Download and set up ExpressVPN before entering China, as VPN websites are blocked within the country.
Important setup tip: Enable the Network Lock (kill switch) feature and clear your browser cache before connecting to ensure optimal performance.

ExpressVPN, Apple | Android