Traveling in China is easier when you have the right mobile apps ready. Many popular Western apps are limited or blocked, so tourists usually rely on local super apps for payments, transport, navigation, and communication. This guide introduces the top 10 must-have apps for tourists visiting China, helping you move around, eat, pay, and explore comfortably. Whether you are visiting Beijing, Shanghai, or smaller cities, these apps will simplify your journey and reduce travel stress.
1. Alipay – The Essential Payment App
Alipay is arguably the most important app for tourists traveling in China because cash and foreign credit cards are often less accepted than mobile payments. This super app allows you to pay in restaurants, taxis, hotels, and shopping malls by scanning QR codes. Foreign visitors can now link international Visa or Mastercard cards to Alipay, making daily spending much easier. Besides payment, Alipay also provides mini-programs for transport tickets and hotel booking. Having Alipay installed will significantly improve your travel convenience and reduce language barriers during transactions.
2. WeChat – Communication + Lifestyle Platform
WeChat is more than a messaging app; it is an entire digital ecosystem in China. Tourists use it to chat with hotels, guides, and local friends, while also accessing transportation, food ordering, and ticket services through mini-programs. Many attractions require scanning a WeChat QR code for entry or information. The app also supports international credit cards for payment in some cases. If you plan to stay connected with Chinese contacts or use digital services, WeChat is almost indispensable for modern travel in China.
3. Baidu Maps – Best Navigation Tool in China
Google Maps has limited functionality inside mainland China, making Baidu Maps a practical alternative. This navigation app provides detailed street maps, public transport routes, and walking guidance for Chinese cities. Although the interface is primarily Chinese, many areas now support English location search. Tourists can easily find restaurants, subway stations, and attractions by copying English or Pinyin names. Real-time traffic data also helps when taking taxis or planning travel routes during rush hours in large cities like Shanghai or Beijing.
4. DiDi Chuxing – China’s Uber-Style Ride Service
DiDi is the most popular ride-hailing service in China and works similarly to Uber. Tourists can switch the app interface to English and book rides using international payment cards linked to Alipay or WeChat. The app is useful for airport transfers, late-night travel, or visiting attractions without navigating complex public transport systems. Safety features such as driver identification and route tracking are built in. For visitors unfamiliar with Chinese addresses, DiDi is one of the easiest ways to move around major cities comfortably.
5. Trip.com – Hotels, Flights, and Tickets
Trip.com is a globally friendly travel booking platform widely used by international tourists visiting China. The app allows you to reserve hotels, flights, and even high-speed train tickets. Customer service is available in multiple languages, which is extremely helpful if you encounter booking issues. Compared to many local Chinese booking platforms, Trip.com offers a smoother experience for foreign travelers. If you are planning multi-city travel across China, using Trip.com helps keep your transportation and accommodation organized in one place.
6. Pleco Software – Best Chinese Language Companion
Pleco is one of the best Chinese language learning and translation tools for tourists. The app supports handwriting recognition, which is extremely useful when you encounter Chinese characters on menus or signs. Users can quickly look up meanings, pronunciation, and example sentences. The offline dictionary feature is particularly helpful when traveling outside major tourist areas where internet connectivity might be unstable. If you enjoy exploring local food markets or smaller cities in China, Pleco can help you understand basic signs and menu items.
7. MetroMan China – Subway Navigation Made Simple
MetroMan is a great subway navigation app designed specifically for China’s metro systems. It covers major cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen. Tourists can easily check station transfers, travel duration, and fare estimates. The app is simple to use, even if you don’t read Chinese well. Public transportation is usually the cheapest way to explore large Chinese cities, and MetroMan helps you avoid getting lost inside complex subway networks. For budget travelers, this app is a must-have companion.
8. Microsoft Translator – Real-Time Translation Help
Microsoft Translator is a practical tool for breaking language barriers while traveling in China. The camera translation feature lets you point your phone at Chinese text and instantly see translated results, which is extremely helpful in restaurants and shops. The conversation mode allows two-way spoken translation, making communication with locals easier. The app also supports offline language packs, useful when internet access is limited. For tourists who don’t speak Mandarin, this app provides confidence when ordering food, asking directions, or shopping.
9. China Railway 12306 – High-Speed Train Booking
China Railway 12306 is the official app for booking train tickets in China. If you plan to travel between cities using high-speed rail, this app is very important. It provides real-time seat availability, schedules, and electronic ticket information. Foreign travelers can register using their passport details. Although the interface can feel slightly complex for first-time users, it is the most reliable way to purchase train tickets without third-party booking fees. High-speed rail travel is fast, comfortable, and often cheaper than flights for medium-distance trips.
10. Ctrip Travel – All-in-One Travel Assistant
Ctrip is one of China’s largest online travel service platforms and is widely trusted by tourists. The app helps you book hotels, flights, train tickets, and local tour packages. It also provides destination guides and customer support in multiple languages. Many international travelers use Ctrip to compare prices and manage travel plans in one place. If you want an all-in-one travel management solution while exploring China, Ctrip is a reliable option that simplifies itinerary planning and reduces booking hassles.
Conclusion
Traveling in China is much easier when you have the right digital tools. Apps like Alipay and WeChat handle daily life essentials, while navigation, translation, and booking apps help you explore comfortably. Before your trip, make sure to set up payment methods and test these apps. With these top 10 apps every tourist needs in China, you can enjoy a smoother, more convenient, and stress-free Chinese travel experience.