Apps for China
In China, the digital landscape operates within its own unique ecosystem of apps, separate from many of the Western platforms people might be used to. Popular services like Google, Facebook, WhatsApp, and Uber are restricted, and in their place, Chinese-developed alternatives have flourished. From messaging and payments to navigation and shopping, these apps are deeply integrated into daily life, offering powerful all-in-one features that often surpass their Western counterparts in convenience and scope. Understanding and adapting to this ecosystem is essential for any traveler navigating modern life in China.
Android Users
Using an Android phone in China can be convenient, but one key limitation is that the Google Play Store does not offer many popular Chinese apps. Due to regulatory restrictions and the absence of Google services in China, major local apps like WeChat, Alipay, Didi, Meituan, and others are often not available—or are outdated—on the Play Store. Instead, Chinese users typically rely on domestic app stores from phone manufacturers like Huawei, Xiaomi, Oppo, or third-party platforms like Tencent’s MyApp. Travelers using Android phones may need to sideload these apps using a service like APKPure to access essential services during their stay.
Chat & Payments
WeChat is China’s most popular all-in-one app, combining messaging, social media, and mobile payments in a single platform. It’s widely used for chatting, sharing updates, booking services, and paying for goods—whether online, with vendors, or in-store using QR codes. With features similar to WhatsApp, Facebook, and Apple Pay, WeChat is an essential tool for navigating daily life in China.
Alipay
Alipay is one of China’s most popular mobile payment apps, used for everything from shopping and dining to paying utility bills. It works like a digital wallet, allowing you to link a bank card or use a prepaid balance. Many stores, restaurants, and even street vendors accept Alipay, making it essential for cashless transactions in China.
Transport & Ride Sharing
The DiDi app is a mobile transportation platform that allows users to book rides, including taxis and private cars, through their smartphones - similar to Uber or Lyft.
The Trip.com app offers a convenient solution for travelers looking to purchase train and plane tickets in China using international credit cards. With its user-friendly interface, the app allows users to search for train schedules, select preferred seats, and complete bookings entirely in English. It supports various payment methods, including international credit cards, PayPal, Alipay, and WeChat Pay, making it accessible for foreign travelers.
Internet & eSIMs
Kiree
Kiree is a VPN service tailored for travelers and expats in China, providing reliable access to blocked websites and services. It offers fast, secure connections with servers optimized for bypassing the Great Firewall.
Navigation & Maps
In China, map locations can appear slightly off because the government uses a different system for GPS data. As a result, apps like Google Maps may show places in the wrong spot unless they adjust for this difference.
Apple Maps
Apple Maps works in China thanks to a localized version tailored for the country’s unique coordinate system, and is mostly bilingual.
AMap
AMap (also known as AutoNavi Map) is a popular Chinese mapping and navigation app that provides real-time traffic updates, route planning, and location-based services. Similar to Google Maps, it offers features like turn-by-turn navigation, public transit information, and points of interest, but is primarily optimized for use within China.
Language & Translation
Apple Translate
Apple Translate is a built-in app on iOS devices that lets you translate text and speech between multiple languages, including English and Chinese. It works offline with downloaded languages and supports both simplified and traditional Chinese.
Duolingo
Duolingo is a free language-learning app that can help you pick up basic Chinese before or during your trip. It offers bite-sized lessons that focus on vocabulary, pronunciation, and sentence structure—great for travelers looking to learn everyday phrases and build confidence in speaking Mandarin.
Pleco
Pleco is a powerful Chinese dictionary and language learning app available for iOS and Android devices. It offers a comprehensive suite of tools, including dictionary lookups, flashcards, handwriting recognition, and optical character recognition (OCR) to assist users in learning and understanding Chinese.
Hotels & Accommodation
The Trip.com app offers a convenient solution for travelers looking to purchase train and plane tickets in China using international credit cards. With its user-friendly interface, the app allows users to search for train schedules, select preferred seats, and complete bookings entirely in English. It supports various payment methods, including international credit cards, PayPal, Alipay, and WeChat Pay, making it accessible for foreign travelers.
Hostelworld is a popular platform among international travelers to China, offering a wide selection of budget accommodations with user reviews, secure booking, and English-friendly listings—ideal for navigating stays across major cities and backpacker routes.
Tujia
Tujia is often referred to as the “Airbnb of China.” It’s a vacation rental platform that offers apartments, villas, and other types of lodging across China. Tujia caters to both domestic and international travelers, and many listings are managed professionally, offering hotel-like services with the flexibility of a home stay.
Food & Shopping
Taobao
Taobao is one of China’s largest online shopping platforms, offering a vast range of products from clothing and electronics to everyday household items. While it’s primarily designed for domestic users. Taobao now offer a English version of its platform, which helps international users navigate the site more easily. However, many product listings and seller descriptions remain in Chinese, so using built-in translation tools or a translation app can be helpful when browsing or making purchases.
Meituan is a popular Chinese app used for ordering food delivery, booking local services, and finding deals on restaurants, hotels, and attractions. It’s widely used across China and offers convenience similar to apps like Uber Eats, Yelp, and Groupon combined.
