A few core app families run your whole trip: payments (Alipay, WeChat), getting around (Didi, 12306, Trip.com), maps (Amap), and translation (Google / Apple). Install and verify them at home — many global apps are blocked in China.
Do this at home: download your apps before you land. Inside China, Wi-Fi is slow, app stores are restricted, and Google, Meta and WhatsApp are blocked. Don’t wait until you arrive.
1 Pick your apps
Most visitors need the same core set. Tap a category to see exactly which apps to install and how to set them up.
Transport
Didi for taxis, 12306 for high-speed trains, Trip.com for flights and hotels.
Read → AppsNavigation
Amap & Baidu Maps for local routes; Apple Maps as a familiar backup.
Read → AppsFood & Delivery
Dianping for reviews, Meituan & Ele.me for food delivery to your door.
Read → AppsTranslation
Google Translate & Apple Translate — camera and voice help for any sign or menu.
Read → AppsAI Assistants
Doubao, Yuanbao & Qwen — handy Chinese AI helpers for translation and planning.
Read →2 Quick matrix
| Category | Recommended app | Key tourist benefit |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile payments | Alipay & WeChat | Universal QR payments, linked to foreign cards; handles transit & bookings. |
| Ride-hailing | DiDi | Full English app with real-time translation for driver messaging. |
| Train & booking | 12306 / Trip.com | Official ticketing, zero markup, foreign credit-card support. |
| Navigation | Amap / Baidu Maps | Accurate transit and walking routes. |
| Dining & food | Dianping / Meituan / Ele.me | Restaurant ratings & delivery (via Alipay mini-programs). |
| Translation | Google / Apple Translate | Camera translation for menus and real-time voice. |
| AI helpers | Doubao / Yuanbao / Qwen | Draft messages, translate text, plan days — in Chinese. |
3 Set up before you leave
- Register at home: create your accounts, finish passport identity verification (KYC), and link foreign cards before travelling — you’ll still receive SMS codes on your home number easily.
- Data & internet: an international eSIM or roaming lets you reach global apps (Google, WhatsApp, Instagram) directly, no extra network tool needed. A VPN bought before departure is the fallback.
- Offline packs: download the offline Chinese dictionary in Google Translate or Microsoft Translator so you can translate menus and signs without coverage.
Android users: Google Play is blocked in China. Install everything before your flight, or rely on your VPN / hotel Wi-Fi once you arrive.
Final checklist
- Alipay and WeChat installed and card-linked?
- DiDi, 12306 and Trip.com ready for bookings?
- Amap / Baidu Maps and a translation app downloaded?
- VPN tested and working (or an eSIM / roaming plan in hand)?
- Offline translation packs saved?