Essential China Travel Apps For Your China Trip

Essential China Travel Apps For Your China Trip (Tried & Tested)

by | posted in: China | 0

Last updated on November 7th, 2025

If you’re looking for some essential handy China travel apps, here are the ones we use most when travelling in China.

Are you planning a trip to China? Traveling throughout the country is becoming increasingly popular. From ancient, moss-covered temples to futuristic, neon-lit cities, some of the most memorable travel experiences await you here. Whether you decide to join a tour group or undertake a DIY adventure, you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.

For first-time visitors to China, I want to emphasize the importance of using various Chinese software applications while traveling in the country. China is highly tech-savvy, and many services rely heavily on apps, making your smartphone one of the most essential tools for your trip. There are several crucial China travel apps that every traveler in China should have. Be sure to prepare and set them up before your journey.

In this guide, we will explore essential China Travel apps and software that help you travel to China, including navigation, booking hotels, ticket purchasing, and discovering local spots without hassle.

Essential Travel Apps in China

All the apps in this guide will enhance your travel experience in China, whether you need directions, want to book tickets, or are in search of a great restaurant. Using any combination of these apps will help ensure a smooth and stress-free journey. They are all available on both Apple and Android devices, unless stated otherwise.

Here are the best China Travel Apps for traveling in China:

  • Alipay – Payment, and mini programs
  • WeChat – Real-time Messaging, Social Media, Payment
  • Trip.com – Booking for Hotels, Trains, Attractions, Tours, and more.
  • Didi – Ride hailing
  • Gaode Maps – Navigation
  • Dazhong Dianping – Finding Restaurants and Food
  • Stay Connect: VPN and SIM (or eSIM)

To use these apps, you’ll need an internet connection. As public WiFi isn’t the most reliable in China, we recommend getting an eSIM for your China trip.

Alipay – Payment, and mini programs

Essential China App for Payment

In China, locals rarely use cash. Instead, money transactions are primarily conducted through apps. The two most popular payment apps in China are Alipay and WeChat.

Alipay (支付宝) is an essential app for anyone traveling to China, especially international travelers. The reason is straightforward: it accepts many foreign debit and credit cards. You can use Alipay for payments almost everywhere, including luxury shops, grocery stores, restaurants, and even street vendors.

In addition to facilitating payments, Alipay also features numerous mini-apps that can help you access different services, including Didi for ride-hailing, Meituan for food delivery, translation services, QR Scan, and much more. These tools can assist you with taking the subway, scanning QR code menus at restaurants, paying bills, and more.

China Travel Apps Tips: If you are using a foreign card linked to Alipay in China, please be aware of the following:

  • For transactions up to RMB 200, typically no additional service fee is required.
  • For transactions above RMB 200, an approximate surcharge of 3% may apply. To avoid this surcharge, we may occasionally request separate payments (if permissible). Alternatively, you might consider using other apps that do not impose a surcharge.

IMPORTANT: To set up Alipay, you’ll need to verify your identity using your passport and connect a credit card before arriving in China. If you wait until the last minute or try to do this once you’re in China, you may encounter glitches that could complicate your experience. We will share more in this post: How to Setup Alipay.

WeChat – Real-time Messaging, Social Media, Payment

WeChat (微信) is the real-time messaging app most commonly used for chatting in China. Unlike popular apps like WhatsApp, Messenger, or LINE, WeChat is the primary way to connect with locals. Pretty much everyone you meet during your travels in China will be on WeChat. We used WeChat to communicate with locals for hotel bookings and travel service confirmations.

In addition to messaging, WeChat plays a vital role in everyday life in China. It is an all-in-one app that integrates social media, payment services, and travel booking. But using the WeChat app for communication will be only meaningful if you are Chinese Proficient, otherwise it’s pointless.

Similar to Alipay, we recommend setting up your WeChat account in your home country. Link your bank card and open essential mini-programs, such as DiDi and Meituan, as they may require a one-time password (OTP). For more information, check out our WeChat Guide: How to Set Up WeChat.

China Travel Apps Tip: We often use WeChat as a backup payment method when Alipay experiences issues. There are occasions when street vendors only accept WeChat payments.

Trip.com – Booking for Hotels, Trains, Attractions, Tours

Essential China App for booking Train Ticket

Trip.com is China’s equivalent of an online marketplace for travel essentials, similar to Expedia, Viator, Klook, Trainline, and Booking.com. It stands out because Trip.com offers a more comprehensive service for travel needs within China, combining various aspects into one application. It serves as a one-stop shop for planning trips to China, covering flights, trains, hotels, attraction tickets, and even local tours.

The site is available in English, making it easy to navigate and book tickets and hotels. Note that Trip.com is the international version of Ctrip.com, which is widely used in China but is only available in Chinese.

Browse Trip.com for your China Trip

Additionally, Trip.com offers more options that you won’t find on other international apps. For accommodations, you’ll discover numerous China-specific options in Trip.com that are often absent from other platforms. Many times, the room rates are even cheaper than those found on competing sites.

When it comes to attractions and tickets, Trip.com is one of the few sites that does not require a Mainland China phone number for advance reservations or purchases.

However, please note that a percentage-based handling fee is charged for cancellations on China train bookings in Trip.com. This fee increases as the departure time approaches (e.g., 5%, 10%, or 20% for certain China train tickets). We advise reading the specific cancellation and change policies for your product to understand any potential charges before booking train tickets.

Overall, Trip.com is both cost-effective and convenient for international travelers visiting China.

Didi – Ride hailing

Didi - Ride hailing in China

DiDi (滴滴出行) is an essential ridesharing app known for its affordability and wide availability in China. Generally, we prefer using e-hailing services over taking the metro when navigating the city. The prices are quite affordable, especially when traveling in a group.

You can also access DiDi services through Alipay and WeChat. We often use DiDi through Alipay because it is very convenient and available in English. Just make sure to pin your pickup location accurately, and we usually follow up with a photo of the pickup spot for reference.

There are three car options: Economy, Standard, and Premium. We recommend choosing at least the standard option for short distances and booking the premium option for long distances. It’s best to skip the economy option if possible.

Gaode Maps – Navigation

It’s important to remember that Google Maps does not work in China. A suitable alternative for navigation in China is Gaode Maps (高德地图).

Similar to Google Maps, Gaode Maps provides detailed and accurate information for navigating around China, particularly for public transportation and walking routes. The app even includes detailed directories of shopping malls.

However, one downside is that Gaode Maps is only available in Chinese characters, which may pose a challenge for non-Chinese readers. In that case, Apple Maps can be a good alternative.

Dazhong Dianping – Finding Restaurants and Good Food

Essential China App for Finding Restaurants and Good Food

Dazhong Dianping (大众点评) is an excellent app for discovering restaurants and good food in China, similar to Yelp in the United States. With this app, you can explore local favorites, including restaurants, cafes, and activities. Locals rate everything from street food stalls to unique shops, providing insider details that you might miss otherwise.

We used Dazhong Dianping to browse popular restaurants, which helped us decide where to eat. While it’s not an essential app, it can be extremely useful when traveling in China.

Although the app is primarily in Chinese, it does have a built-in translation feature, though it can sometimes be misleading.

Stay Connect: VPN and SIM (or eSIM)

China has strict internet censorship. The China government has blocked almost all foreign websites and apps that we typically use, such as Google, Facebook, Gmail, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp, and many more. This can be a hassle if you need to do extensive online work or the internet access foreign websites while in China. To bypass these restrictions, you’ll need a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to connect to servers outside of China.

Paid for a VPN to ensure access to the internet while traveling in China. It allows you to search for information on the web in English. Recommended VPNs for use in China include Astrill or LetsVPN, which are widely used and highly recommended VPN providers for China. Popular VPNs like ExpressVPN and NordVPN may not work consistently within the country.

Setting up a VPN on your computer or phone is relatively straightforward. However, it’s important to set it up before traveling to China, as the country has restrictions on accessing VPN websites.

Alternatively, if you prefer not to download or pay for a VPN, you can consider using a SIM option, either a physical SIM or an eSIM.

eSIMs are becoming more popular because they allow you to continue accessing your apps as usual. This option can be more cost-effective than subscribing to a VPN service. However, internet speed may be slower if you’re trying to access the internet on your laptop via a mobile hotspot. Additionally, using an eSIM means you won’t have a local number.

There are many eSIM options available, but I recommend choosing the eSIM from Trip.com. Unlike other companies that provide coverage in various countries around the world, Trip.com specializes exclusively in China. This focus ensures that you receive dedicated and high-quality service. Additionally, the eSIM is easy to install, and they offer various data plans to suit your flexibility needs.

Here is the recommended eSIM to use in China.

If your phone doesn’t support eSIMs, you’ll need to purchase a physical SIM in a store in the city where you arrive. Remember to bring your passport and be prepared for some delays. There are three common phone carriers in China: China Unicom, China Telecom, and China Mobile.

Conclusion – Best Travel Apps in China

All in all, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with the Must-Have China Travel Apps mentioned above before your trip. This can help make your experience smoother and more enjoyable.

Traveling in China can be more challenging than in other countries due to vast distances and significant language barriers. Despite the difficulties I faced during my first visit, I am continually drawn back by the country’s beauty. My subsequent trips to China have gone much more smoothly, largely because I can speak Mandarin, read Chinese characters, and I have been well-prepared.

Lastly, be sure to check out my other blogs for tips and guides on traveling in China. For more China travel inspiration and information

Zhejiang Province: Shanghai – Suzhou – Hangzhou:

Guangdong Province: Guangzhou – Shenzhen:

Shaanxi Province: Xi’an, Terracotta Warriors:

Sichuan Province: Chengdu – Jiuzhaigou – Chongqing:

Things to Know Before Visiting China

Essential Things to Know Before Visiting China

by | posted in: China | 0

Last updated on November 7th, 2025

Are you planning a trip to China? Read this China Travel Guide for all the essential information needed to organize your travel. Here, we share valuable tips and important details to help you plan your trip.

Travel to China! You won’t believe how amazing this country is until you visit it. From the majestic Forbidden City and the Terracotta Army, bustling cities like Shanghai and Guangzhou, and the natural wonders in Sichuan and Zhangjiajie, the list of must-see attractions is endless!

Planning a DIY trip to China is unlike any other journey I’ve organized. It requires significantly more research due to the country’s regulations and language barrier. There are not many travel resources about China on the internet, and it can be challenging to find comprehensive trip planning content. While Chinese social media has a lot of shared experiences, they often lack detail.

To spare you the difficulties I faced, I’ve created a guide that covers all the essential information you need to know when planning your own trip to China. This includes everything to consider before going, along with some insider tips to help you navigate your trip to this incredible country.

CHINA In A Glance

What To Know Before Travel to China

Planning a trip to China? These helpful tips will ensure you make the most of your time in this fascinating country!

  • Country: China (中国), officially the People’s Republic of China (中华人民共和国)
  • Language: The primary language spoken is Mandarin.
  • Currency: The currency used is Renminbi (RMB)/Chinese Yuan (CNY) -Symbol: ¥.
  • Peak Travel Period: May – Aug
  • Visa Requirements: A visa is required for most countries. Depending on your nationality, you will need to check your country’s regulations regarding visas.

English is not widely spoken, so if you cannot read or speak Chinese, you’ll likely rely heavily on a translation app. You can also use the mini-app feature within Alipay for assistance

For More China Travel Information: Your China Travel Guide – Start Here!

When is the Best Time To Visit China

Best Time To Visit China

China is a year-round travel destination with its vast landscape. The country features four distinct seasons and varying temperatures throughout the year. You can visit the country at any time, but it’s important to consider your weather preferences.

The best time to visit is from September to November during the autumn season when the temperatures are pleasantly cool. Be sure to bring appropriate clothing for the season you choose to visit.

Spring and fall are typically the ideal times to travel to China. In spring, flowers are in bloom, while fall offers breathtaking colorful foliage.

Summer can be hot and humid across much of China, but traveling to mountainous areas during this time is more manageable.

Winters can be quite frigid, particularly in northern China, where January is the coldest month with average daily temperatures below zero. In southern China, however, winters tend to be milder. Most of the rain occurs from June to August, which can disrupt travel plans.

China Travel Tips: China is a MASSIVE country (1.4 million people!). Avoid traveling during major national holidays unless you love the crowds and long lines. Chinese New Year and the October Golden Week are SUPER PEAK seasons for domestic travelers.

Cheap Flight Ticket to China

Cheap Flight Ticket to China

There are regular flights from many cities around the world to China, and these flights are frequent and reasonably priced.

To find the cheapest flight, visit Trip.com and experiment with different combinations of dates and destinations. When you find a good deal, it’s a good idea to check the airline’s website directly. Generally, most Chinese airlines are acceptable. Additionally, remember that booking round-trip flights from the same city is usually cheaper.

Browse Trip.com for your China Trip

However, due to the size of China, this may not always be feasible. If there is a significant price difference, you can still book a round trip from the same city and check for high-speed trains that connect your final destination to the city from where you will catch your return flight to your home country. The country is well-connected within cities by rail and bus. You can check Trip.com for High-speed Train schedules and bookings.

Booking Hotel in China

How To Book Hotel in China

When traveling to China, you will find a wide range of good hotels, especially in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Hotels in China are generally affordable, allowing you to save some money. We recommend looking for at least 4-star to 5-star hotels to meet your minimum requirements. Customer service is typically very good and welcoming.

One major concern when staying at hotels in China is the cigarette smell. It is quite common to encounter a smelly room, even if you book a non-smoking room. To avoid this, it’s wise to check customer reviews. It is advised to choose hotels with positive reviews to lead you to a better travel experience.

Clean Room in China

Some hotels, particularly in rural regions, do not accommodate foreign travelers, even if they are listed as available. Possible due to language barriers and local policies. That’s why we recommend booking your hotel through Trip.com, as all hotels listed there accept foreign travelers. While Booking.com offers great deals, Trip.com is often safer and more reliable. We have booked almost all our hotels in China through Trip.com and have had no issues so far.

Regarding breakfast, most hotels in China serve a traditional Chinese breakfast, which may include items like buns, noodles, or porridge. Don’t expect to find coffee and an international breakfast at budget homestays or cheaper hotels. Be prepared to adapt, especially if you’re traveling to rural areas.

How To Get Around in China – City

China high-speed train

If you are traveling between major cities in China, the high-speed train is an excellent option. If possible, try the business class; it provides a truly wonderful experience. We booked our high-speed train tickets through trip.com, and slots became available one week before departure. Keep in mind that tickets can sell out for popular routes, so it’s best to book early.

China Travel Pro Tips: Remember that you will always need a passport to purchase a train or bus ticket.

How To Get Around in China - City

Getting around in China’s cities is quite convenient using public transport, metro, taxis, ride-hailing services, and even on foot. Generally, I prefer using e-hailing services like Didi (Uber in China), especially when traveling in a group. Subways are available in almost all major cities in China, but be mindful of the crowds, especially during rush hours. Taxis are inexpensive, but the best solution is to use Didi.

We use Didi through AliPay, which is very convenient and available in English. Just be sure to pin your pickup location accurately, and we usually follow up with a photo of the pickup spot for reference. There are three types of car options: economy, standard, and premium. I recommend at least choosing the standard option for short distances and booking premium for long distances. It’s best to skip the economy option if possible.

Bike-sharing is common in China, but you’ll need a Chinese phone number to use the service. For navigation, remember that Google services do not work in China. A good alternative app is Gaode Maps (高德地图) or Baidu Map (百度地图).

How To Get Around in China – Rural Areas

How To Get Around in China - Rural Areas

Renting a car to drive in China is not an option, as China does not recognize international driving licenses or any other documentation issued outside its territory. Additionally, obtaining a Chinese driving license is only possible for foreigners who hold a valid resident permit in China.

For visiting non-city attractions, long-distance buses are often the only solution. While public bus connections are extensive, they are mostly not available in English. Traveling by bus is cheaper, but the journey can be extremely slow and tedious, especially for long-distance travel. Long-distance taxi rides can be costly, and most taxi drivers are unwilling to take on long trips. It is important to avoid unlicensed car services under any circumstances.

If you are traveling in a group, many tour companies offer customized trips. You can hire a full-time driver to accompany you on your personalized journey. While this option can be expensive, it allows you to travel at your own pace and according to your preferences. Make sure to choose reputable companies or drivers. It’s also essential to emphasize “NO Shopping”, as some drivers may take tourists to overpriced shops to earn a commission.

For solo travelers, finding companions to share costs is advisable.

Travel Agency vs DIY Trip

Travel Agency vs DIY Trip to China

If you find planning an itinerary to China to be overwhelming, an experienced travel agency can assist you. While their routes are well-planned and organized, using a travel agency can reduce the hassle of planning yourself. It may be slightly more expensive. The itinerary can sometimes feel packed to ensure you get your money’s worth.

We recommend organizing your trip by hiring a full-time driver through a travel company; this way, you can travel at your own pace.

Traveling in China: Essential Apps

Traveling in China Essential Apps

Our trip went smoothly, and one of the main reasons for that was my ability to speak and read Mandarin. There are also several software apps available in Chinese that are commonly used in China, which greatly helped with our trip planning.

Below are the most important apps you will need while traveling in China:

Alipay (支付宝) – This is the primary payment app in China and is accepted almost everywhere. In addition to making payments, Alipay offers services such as ride-hailing and utility bill payments. Most importantly, it works with many foreign debit and credit cards.

WeChat (微信) – This is the real-time messaging app commonly used for chatting in China. However, WeChat goes beyond messaging; it plays a crucial role in daily life in China by facilitating communication, payments, navigation, and social networking. We often used WeChat as a backup payment method when Alipay experienced issues.

DiDi (滴滴出行) – An essential ridesharing app, DiDi is known for its wide availability and affordability. You can also access DiDi services through Alipay and WeChat.

Trip.com – This platform serves as a comprehensive tool for planning trips in China. It allows you to book flights, trains, hotels, and attraction tickets. It’s the best app in English for arranging all aspects of your travels in China.

Browse Trip.com for your China Trip

Gaode Maps (高德地图) – Although this app is only available in Chinese, it functions similarly to Google Maps.

Dazhong Dianping (大众点评) – This app is great for discovering restaurants in China, similar to Yelp in the United States. You’ll find so many food discounts from this app.

With these apps, overcoming the language barrier, navigating your surroundings, and making payments becomes much easier. We will explain these applications in greater detail in our blog post – Travel to China: Essential China Travel Apps.

Were you wondering about eSIM for China? We will share more information below!

How To Connect Internet in China

How To Connect Internet in China

China’s internet is heavily restricted by what is known as the “Great Firewall,” which blocks many popular Western websites that we are accustomed to using. Almost all foreign websites and apps are censored as part of the government’s control over online content. This includes services like Gmail, Google, Google Maps, YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp.

When planning to access the internet in China, you have a few options based on your needs:

Enable Roaming: You can enable roaming on your phone, but keep in mind that internet traffic may be slower and unreliable, especially in rural areas.

SIM Card Options: You have two primary options for SIM cards: an eSIM or a physical SIM.

  • eSIM: Consider getting an international eSIM to bypass the Great Firewall, which will allow you to access Western websites on your phone. Providers based in Hong Kong are fine for this. However, note that using an eSIM typically does not provide you with a phone number, which is often required to create accounts on Chinese apps. Here is the recommended eSIM to use in China.
  • Physical SIM: If you choose a physical SIM card for a Chinese phone number, be aware that you will be blocked from accessing international Western websites. In this case, you would need to use a VPN.

Using a VPN: If you plan to do extensive internet work on your computer while in China, using a VPN is advisable. However, be aware that popular VPNs like ExpressVPN and NordVPN do not work in China. Instead, consider using Astrill or LetsVPN, which are widely used and highly recommended VPN providers for China.

Public WIFI is pretty common in China, especially for most big cities. However, avoid connecting to Wi-Fi networks if you want to access blocked sites. Even hotel Wi-Fi networks will prevent access to sites like Google, Facebook, and Instagram due to the country’s internet restrictions.

How To Perform Payment in China

Booking Attraction Ticket in China

China is highly digital and has advanced technology compared to many other countries in the world. Locals primarily use WeChat, which is tied to their phone numbers and bank accounts. As a foreign visitor, it’s important to carry your passport with you at all times.

You’ll need your full name and passport number for various activities, as everything is linked to your passport when booking tickets, taking trains, or checking into hotels. Be prepared to present or scan your passport at the entrance of many establishments.

For most day-to-day tourist activities, such as traveling by train, visiting attractions, using the metro, shopping, and paying bills at restaurants, you won’t need physical tickets. Your passport will serve as your ticket.

Please note that using credit cards is often challenging, and cash is not widely accepted either. However, some places still take cash. Be cautious when using larger denomination notes, like the 100 RMB bill, due to concerns about counterfeit money and a lack of change. Even street food vendors generally prefer digital payments.

Is China Safe To Visit?

Is China Safe To Visit

Crime rates are generally very low in China, thanks to the extensive use of CCTV cameras. Additionally, there are security personnel and police present in public places, such as train stations and even aboard trains, to maintain order. If you follow common safety rules, you should be just fine.

However, be cautious of unlicensed drivers at airports, train stations, bus stations, and tourist attractions. These drivers may approach you with offers of cheaper prices, better deals, or convenience. It’s best to avoid these drivers, as using their services can end up costing you more in the long run.

More China Travel Tips

China Travel Tips

Here are some interesting observations and culture shocks we experienced during our visit to China:

1. When taking high-speed train rides, it’s essential to arrive at the train stations early since they are quite large. We recommend showing up at least an hour before your departure time, and allow even more time if you are traveling with a group.

2. You’ll have to go through security checks when entering train and metro stations.

3. Getting around using public transportation and on foot is relatively easy.

4. Toilets have significantly improved in urban areas over the past few years, with clean, high-end facilities readily available. However, once you venture into rural areas, the toilet situation can still be quite challenging. A NIGHTMARE to me!

5. Squat toilets are common. Also, I noticed that many locals seem to forget to lock their doors when using the restroom.

6. Most locals don’t queue, which can be quite frustrating. At paid attractions, there are usually assistants to help ensure that people form the line.

7. Spitting in public is still observed, with more prevalence in Beijing compared to Shanghai.

8. Food delivery service in China is impressive. It’s efficient and offers many options, including the use of robots to deliver food directly to your hotel room.

9. People in China are generally very welcoming. Although their voices may be loud, it’s simply their way of expressing hospitality.

10. Lastly, avoid traveling during national holidays in China, such as Chinese New Year and the October Golden Week, as these periods can be particularly busy.

Final Thoughts: What To Know Before Travel to China

This concludes my essential list of things to know before traveling to China. I wish I had known even half of these tips before my first visit. Learned from my mistakes, and I hope this list will better prepare you and make your trip more enjoyable.

Lastly, be sure to check out my other blogs for tips and guides on traveling in China. For more China travel inspiration and information

Zhejiang Province: Shanghai – Suzhou – Hangzhou:

Guangdong Province: Guangzhou – Shenzhen:

Shaanxi Province: Xi’an, Terracotta Warriors:

Sichuan Province: Chengdu – Jiuzhaigou – Chongqing: