Best Apps for China Travel
Last reviewed: 2026-09-08
Apps & connectivity hub — what to read first
| If you are asking… | Open this (one page) |
|---|---|
| Does Google Maps work? | Maps question |
| Which apps to download (minimum)? | Apps question |
| Need +86 Chinese SIM? | Phone number question |
| eSIM vs roaming vs local SIM? | eSIM essential |
| Step-by-step install order | App setup checklist |
| Payment apps | Payment hub |
| Real traveler map mistake | Community: wrong metro exit |
This guide is the full install + test walkthrough—icons, offline packs, and one 45–60 min home session.
App Stack (install in this order)
| Priority | App | Role | Test before flying |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 — Pay | Alipay | QR pay, metro in many cities | Login + card bound + Pay tab |
| 1 — Pay | WeChat + Pay | Second QR rail, mini-programs | Wallet enabled + Scan loads |
| 2 — Maps | Amap 高德 or Baidu Maps | Navigation, Chinese addresses | Hotel search + favorite (Amap tap path) |
| 3 — Ride | Didi / DiDi Global | Ride-hail | Account + pay linked |
| 4 — Translate | Baidu Translate | Menu camera, offline | Camera on sample menu |
| 5 — Data | eSIM / carrier app | Landing connectivity | Profile installed |
| If by rail | Trip.com | HSR tickets in English | Passport fields saved |
Optional (add only if needed): Meituan/Dianping for deep food booking; 12306 if you prefer official rail inventory over OTA.
Skip for most trips: random “China tourism” apps, Uber as primary ride app, Google Maps as only navigation.
Recognize the right icons (avoid fakes)
On your phone home screen, confirm you opened the official apps—not lookalikes from search ads:
| App | What to check |
|---|---|
| Alipay | Blue icon, “Alipay” publisher; Pay tab loads without VPN |
| Green icon by Tencent; Wallet inside Me → Services | |
| Amap 高德 | Chinese publisher; map loads mainland addresses offline after download |
| Didi | DiDi Global or mainland Didi with linked pay |
| Baidu Translate | Baidu branding; camera translate works on a photo menu |
The Apps hub uses the same brand marks as this guide—compare before you bind a card. If an app asks for payment outside the official Pay screen, stop.