15 Must-Have Apps to Download Before Traveling to China (2026 Guide)

You can’t use some of your favorite apps when traveling to China, including Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, or Gmail. In fact, most websites/apps that are blocked by the Great Firewall of China will not work inside mainland China. The upside? There are plenty of local alternatives and useful travel apps for China you can download before you go, and you’ll find your life is way easier once you have these on your phone.

The good news is that I’ve traveled extensively all around China, so I’ve put together this list of the 15 best apps to download before going to China, from transport, to translation to ordering food, everything you need is on this list.

1. WeChat (微信)

This is by far the most important app to download before going to China. Think of WeChat as China’s all-in-one super app that you use for everything, from text messaging and calling friends, to paying bills and scanning QR codes, to ordering food. Hotels, tour companies, restaurants, and most companies use WeChat to communicate and take payments.

Tip:

• Set up your WeChat account outside of China and link your credit card to WeChat Pay before you arrive.
• You’ll need it in China for everything from reading menus at restaurants to paying for taxis and talking to your tour guide.

2. Alipay (支付宝)

Alipay is the other giant digital wallet app that works with almost all stores and service providers in China, in tandem with WeChat Pay. Alipay now supports foreign credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, etc. ), so you don’t have to have a Chinese bank account.

What you can do:

• Use Alipay to pay for taxis, metro rides, shopping, and attractions.
• Book domestic and international flights, hotels and train tickets
• Scan any QR code to pay – Alipay is accepted everywhere

3. Baidu Maps (百度地图)

Google Maps and Google Maps travel directions don’t work in China. The best alternative is Baidu Maps, which is highly accurate for walking and subway directions in Chinese cities.

Tip:

• The user interface is in Chinese, but you can copy/paste in addresses or use the voice input feature.
• Try Apple Maps or Maps.me as backup if you need English-language maps.

4. Didi (滴滴出行)

Didi is the Chinese equivalent of Uber and an essential app to use for taxis or private cars when getting around major Chinese cities like Beijing, Shanghai or Chengdu. Didi’s English version is available for download on iOS and Android and it is simple to use for foreigners.

Why you should download it:

• Book a taxi or private car ride, safe and secure.
• Pay directly through Alipay or WeChat Pay.
• View fare estimates before you book a ride.

5. Pleco

The best Chinese–English dictionary app and an absolute must-have for anyone visiting China. Type or draw Chinese characters or even take photos with your phone to instantly look up definitions and translations.

Bonus:

• Grab the optional optical character recognition (OCR) add-on and instantly translate any Chinese text, from restaurant menus to street signs.

6. Baidu Translate (百度翻译)

Google Translate is only accessible in China if you have a VPN (Virtual Private Network). The next best solution is Baidu Translate, which supports voice, text, and image translation.

Tip:

• Download the offline language packs in advance, then you can use the app without an internet connection

7. Trip.com (携程)

Trip.com is the official app of Ctrip, the largest travel booking website in China for domestic flights, trains and hotels. It has an English-language interface, accepts international cards, and has a 24/7 live customer service team.

Why it’s awesome:

• View real-time train schedules and book train tickets
• Book same-day hotels and discounted last-minute rooms.
• View and use e-tickets from the app.

8. China Train Booking (by China Highlights)

For travelers who prefer a more English-friendly interface for train tickets, China Train Booking is great. The China Highlights train booking app allows you to search for and buy train tickets in English, check seat class information, and get customer support in English.

Pro Tip:

• China has one of the best train networks in the world, so book your train tickets early if you are traveling during Chinese New Year or Golden Week.

9. VPN App (ExpressVPN / NordVPN / Astrill)

If you need access to Gmail, YouTube, Google Maps, Instagram, or WhatsApp, you’ll want to download a VPN (Virtual Private Network) app before arriving. VPN websites and services are also blocked in China, so download your VPN app in advance.

Top VPN choices:

• ExpressVPN – Fastest and most reliable in most cities.
• NordVPN – Great encryption and good customer service.
• Astrill VPN – Most popular VPN for expats living in China.

10. Meituan (美团)

Meituan is the largest Chinese food delivery, restaurant discovery, and lifestyle app. You can use Meituan to order food for delivery, book massages, buy movie tickets, read the latest news and more. Meituan is in Chinese, but you can use Baidu Translate with screenshots of the app to help you order food and navigate.

Note:

• If you can’t understand Chinese, get your hotel or AirBnb host to help with restaurant and food orders.

11. Ele.me (饿了么)

Another great food delivery app in China is Ele.me, which is owned and operated by Alibaba. Ele.me’s name in Chinese means “Are you hungry? (饿了么)”. You can link Ele.me up with Alipay and get meals, groceries, coffee and more delivered to your hotel or AirBnb.

12. Alipay Tour Pass

Alipay Tour Pass is a built-in function (mini-program) inside Alipay where you can load a prepaid travel wallet with RMB up to 90 days in advance using your foreign credit card. Ideal for travelers that don’t have a Chinese bank account.

Why to use it:

• No need to carry cash.
• Good for taxis, metro, restaurant and vending machines.

13. China Metro App

China’s metro systems are world-class, but the China Metro App helps you find your way around with interactive subway maps of major cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Chengdu.

Bonus:

• Works offline for checking subway routes and transfer stations.

14. Dianping (大众点评)

This is the local Chinese version of Yelp + TripAdvisor. Dianping is the best app to use to find the most popular restaurants, cafes and attractions that locals actually go to.

Tip:

• You may not understand the Chinese language on the app, but you can view photos and look at reviews and ratings to help you decide where to eat.
• Menus and photos are in English at many places.

15. AirVisual / IQAir

Air pollution in major Chinese cities like Beijing can vary from day to day. IQAir (formerly known as AirVisual) helps you check current and future air pollution levels, so you know when it’s best to go outside in China.

Bonus: Other Useful Mini Programs in WeChat

In the WeChat app, you’ll find hundreds of mini-apps (mini programs) you don’t need to download, all accessible within WeChat. Search for these mini programs inside WeChat:

• Metro Guide (subway routes)
• 12306 (official train booking)
• DiDi (ride-hailing shortcut)
• Meituan Takeout (food delivery)

5 Pro Tips Before You Go to China

• Download everything before you go – some VPNs and app stores may not be accessible once you arrive.
• Switch your App Store region to China (or Hong Kong) to download local apps like Baidu or Meituan.
• Get a local SIM card or eSIM for stable data connection.
• QR codes are life – use them for everything from menus to attraction tickets.

Final Thoughts on Apps for China

Don’t panic if you suddenly realize your favorite apps and social media websites don’t work in China. After you download and set up these apps before going to China, your life will get way easier. Whether you are shopping in Chengdu or climbing the Great Wall, ordering bubble tea at 11pm at night or paying for your metro rides, life in China is super convenient with the right apps.

Have you recently traveled to China? Let me know if you’ve found other useful apps or have other travel tips in the comments. I’d love to add your insights to the list so I can help others traveling to China in 2026 and beyond.