china travel apps

The Top 15 Apps for China Travelers

Apps are revolutionizing the way we travel, and nowhere is this more true than China. Downloading these apps before you get to China can make everything a whole lot easier, as it alleviates problems with the language and can help you get your bearings quicker.

That's why we've listed the top 15 most useful China apps for travelers, whether it be language, directions, traveling, taxis, keeping access to your social media, or restaurants.

1. A VPN App — for Internet Access

You won't get very far in China without a VPN these days, as apps such as WhatsApp, anything Google (Google mail accounts, Google docs), Instagram, Facebook and Twitter all require a VPN for use.

We've listed the best free and paid VPNs so that you can start your trip prepared!

Language Apps

2. pleco (free or upgraded version).

In terms of getting to terms with the Chinese language, Pleco is one of the best language-learning apps, and will also save your time if you can't read things such as menus, signs, or can't translate a tourist attraction name into Chinese.

You can either input using pinyin (the alphabetic system of Mandarin), or you can draw out characters in order to translate them. The dictionary from English into Chinese is also very good.

3. Learn Chinese Mandarin (Free or Upgraded Version)

A great beginners' language app with sets of key phrases for the most important parts of traveling. Greetings, general conversation, numbers, directions and places, transportation, eating out, and emergency are all included in the free version.

If you want to take your Chinese learning to the next level, consider paying $4.99 for the upgraded version which also includes vocab lists for time and date, accommodation, shopping, colors, regions and towns, countries, tourist attractions, family, dating, feeling sick, and more.

Navigation Apps

4. google maps (free).

Google Maps is the best comprehensive maps service throughout China, as it is fully available in English and makes it easy to navigate around even if you don't speak the language.

Now google, facebook, twitter, youtube, and instgram have been blocked by China firewall. You'd better get a VPN before departure. See the Best VPNs for Use in China (Free and Paid) .

5. China Travel Guide (Free)

A travel guide with listings for popular tourist attractions throughout the country, including addresses, pictures, locations on the map, and other peoples comments on each of the popular tourist sites.

Great for pre-planning or while you're on the road as this app can be used offline too, which is perfect if you're traveling without much access to Internet.

Transport Apps

6. our train-booking app.

We've designed an app to connect mobile users with our acclaimed English-language China train service, making it easier for foreign travelers in China to book train tickets.

Read more about it here , including information on how to download it.

7. China Metro (Free)

China Metro has a huge collection of subway maps from cities through China, whether you're traveling to Beijing , Shanghai , Guangzhou , or even smaller cities like Harbin , Wuhan, Hangzhou and Changsha .

Even more conveniently, it also has information for Singapore, Hong Kong and Taipei if you're traveling off the mainland.

8. DiDi ChuXing (Free) — for Taxis

Since Uber was taken off the market, a local equivalent called DiDi ChuXing has taken over the car-sharing market. Similarly with Uber, drivers will be eager to please and get you to your location for a good rating.

The vast amount of Wi-Fi around the country in hotels and restaurants means that even without 3G or a Chinese SIM you'll be able to request a car, and the driver will be able to find you based on the pin you have dropped at your location. The chat function in-app also means you can chat with your driver through a translation service in real time.

Payment gets taken off your international card as per usual, it's very simple and the same price as normal taxis.

9. Taxi! China ($1.99)

Taxi! China is the best way to ensure that you have important information to pass onto taxi drivers throughout the country about your hotel, the locations you want to go to, and can flawlessly communicate with them. 

It has lists of important phrases and phone numbers so that you'll never be caught off-guard or lost.

10. MoBike (Free)

The bike-sharing economy is taking the world by storm, and the revolution started in China! MoBike is one of the many apps that you can easily download and catch a shared bike ride on. Bikes are found throughout most Chinese cities, on pretty much every street corner.

First few rides are free, and from there on you'll pay CNY1 per ride. You do have to put down a CNY200 deposit but you can get this back.

11. WeChat (Free) — THE Social App

WeChat is the most popular messaging service in China, and is great if you're meeting people in China and want to stay in touch. Even in cases where you, for example, meet a lovely taxi driver and want to keep his contact in case you need him to drive you around the next day, WeChat is the best way to do this.

You can send text and voice messages, and call people for free if you're both connected to either Wi-Fi, 3G or 4G. It can also be used to pay for things by QR code.

Travel Help Apps

12. day tour booking app.

If you only have 1-2 days to visit a city, our Day Tour Booking app is the best way to plan your day trip.

The app selects the most popular attractions to visit in the main tourist cities, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Xi'an, and Guilin. Every stop of your tour can be checked easily on the app before you make your payment.

After you have booked, you will be picked up from your hotel lobby by a local tour guide, and an experienced driver in a comfortable car to start your tour.

Now the Day Tour Booking is available on App Store. Get your free trial by clicking here.

13. Flight Radar (Free or Upgraded Version)

If you're considering doing a lot of traveling by air in China, Flight Radar may actually have more information than the airport when it comes to delays and actual flight times.

Prepare by getting this app, and you won't regret it in case something unexpected happens while you're at the airport. Also great for those with a special interest in airplanes!

14. Airbnb (Free) — for Accommodation

Airbnb is not only changing the way people travel in the West, but also in China. On Airbnb you will find a wide array of accommodation throughout the entire country, including some very unique spots near the Great Wall of China , for example.

Most Airbnb hosts signed up in China do speak English, and you'll also find that many of them are actually foreigners living in China with a unique view of the country to share.

15. AirVisual (Free) — for Air Quality

If you're worried about traveling in China as a result of increased coverage of its air pollution issues, it can be worth downloading AirVisual ahead of your trip. The app shows real-time air pollution levels as measured at different points in the country, with an estimation for the next few days. This can be useful if you're traveling with someone who has a weaker respiratory system.

The app's coverage isn't limited to China though, you might be surprised that your hometown is more polluted than you thought.

Our China Tours

Our tours will guide you as much or as little as you need, so you won't even need to use any of these apps if we guide you through China, as we'll take care of it all.

To get in touch with us about organizing a tour, all you have to do is contact us through this form and tell us more about how many people are traveling, and where you'd like to go.

Further Reading

• Internet access in China is not the same as back home, so make sure you know what you're doing before coming out here. For example, if your only email address is a gmail address, consider creating a hotmail or yahoo to stay in touch with friends.
• For HK, we have  Hong Kong Apps: The Top 10 for Travelers/Expats .
• And if you're going to Shanghai, we've also compiled a list of apps for tourists visiting Shanghai.
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8 Useful Travel Apps for Traveling in China 2024

Some people say China is the country where you need apps than other destinations in the world, for there are so many things to see and do, yet China is so vast and only a small portion of Chinese speak English. So download some good apps to help to save time and money, and even enhance fun and convenience in your China vacations .

For most travelers to China, language is the prior problem for them for Chinese is not easy to learn, and there are only few people can say English. So a good language app seems extremely important. WayGo is a visual translation app; as an offline translator, it can offer instant visual translation of Chinese, Japanese and Korean characters. Users only need to use the camera on the smartphone to highlight the Chinese characters and the app will instantly translate it to English. It’s very helpful to order menu, read important signs and transportation maps.

If you want to learn Chinese, then Pleco is a must! Pleco is a Chinese dictionary which integrates the functions of dictionary, document reader, flashcard system with fullscreen handwriting input and live OCR. This app will not only help you to translate Chinese and communicate with Chinese people better in the travel, it also can help you to learn Chinese.

3.OffMaps 2 – Offline Maps

Offmaps is a very useful app which allows its users to download city maps from all over the world. The most brilliant part of this app is that it uses the internal GPS on your device to track your location. To be specific, it can navigate traveler offline in real time (even when you turn off your data, and this will save you a lot on the roaming fees). It will show your position and even the direction you are pointing on the map. Offmaps will guide you turn by turn until you arrive at the destination, and you won’t need to worry about getting lost anymore.

4.Metro China Subway

Subway is becoming more and more popular in China, and it may be the most convenient transportation tool to transfer in big cities where often have traffic jams, like Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Guangzhou. Metro China Subway provides the metro information to its users, including riding scheme, the map of the station, subway schedule and food and entertainment nearby the subway station.

5.China Travel Guide

This app offers travelers a complete and up to date city guides for over 100 cities in China , including Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Chengdu, Guilin… It introduces the historic landmarks, local people and most unique landscapes of China. Bars, pubs and good restaurants are also recommended in this app. It’s very useful no matter you are planning a China trip or just want to get to know China better.

6.China Air Quality Index

Well, air quality in some cities may be poor in certain days, so whether to wear a mask or not is a problem for travelers. This app will tells you the real-time broadcasting air quality information for over 400 cities in China from more than 1800 monitoring stations. The app will shows the air quality information from you nearest monitoring station. It can be accessed by Apple Watch. This app will help your to be more prepared when the air quality is poor.

Trover allows travelers to wander among a collection of geo-tagged traveler photos. Users can post photos of their discoveries, including notes and tips for other travelers. In this app, users can see where the photo was taken. Traveler can use the map to search nearby points of interest, and see pictures and read the notes and tips from other travelers.

If you want to contact with local Chinese people or you tour guide, WeChat is a great app which are very popular in China. It’s also known as Weixin in China, and it has over 300 million registered users in China. WeChat has multiple functions, like group chats and unique meet-and-greet features like “Look Around” and “Shaike”.

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Top 10 China Travel Apps 2024: Here is All You Need!

April 18, 2024

China Travel Apps for Daily Use

In China, Alipay is ubiquitous, used by nearly everyone for transactions in almost all shops and services. Simply scanning a QR code with Alipay's scan feature allows for easy payment . It's advisable to download and register on Alipay beforehand, linking it to your Visa debit/credit card for convenient use with no need to get a Chinese number .

Alipay also offers a convenient ' Transport ' button on its home screen for public transportation and taxis. By scanning a QR code, you can access subways and buses without needing a physical ticket. For taxis, input your destination in the 'Transport' section, and a driver will be dispatched to you. Charges are automatically deducted from your linked card, making it an affordable and efficient option for travel.

In China, WeChat is indispensable, serving as the primary application for everything from communication to transactions . With WhatsApp and Facebook not accessible, WeChat steps in as the primary platform for messaging through texts, voice clips, and video messages. It also features "Moments," similar to a Facebook timeline, where users share updates with their network. A standout functionality within WeChat is its "live location" sharing, simplifying the process of finding friends in crowded places or new cities.

Beyond messaging and social sharing, WeChat serve as a digital wallet, WeChat Pay, allowing users to engage in various activities such as ordering meals, shopping online, hailing taxis, and booking airline tickets, all without the need for physical cash or cards. Recognizing the needs of international visitors, WeChat now supports global credit cards, making it easier for tourists to adapt to China's cashless society.

China Travel Apps: Booking Hotels & Flights

Website | iOS | Android

Enter Trip.com (formerly known as Ctrip), this app will be your best companion for travelling in China, and it's all in English ! I've leaned on it repeatedly for everything travel-related: tours, hotel stays, flights, airport rides, and even cheap Disney tickets.

Trip.com stands out as a top-tier travel services provider, offering an impressive array of hotel bookings, transport tickets, packaged tours, and more. Their vast selection spans over 5,000 top-rated hotels, flights across more than 45 cities, and countless travel packages crisscrossing China.

But there's more. Trip.com users also get exclusive access to discounts on a wide range of services and products, encompassing a network of over 3,000 partners across China. Trip.com will make your journey to China easier, more enriching and affordable!

Explore More Travel Perks on Our WhatsApp/WeChat Group

Stay Connected for Your China Travel!

• If you're going to China, choose eSIM ! We explain how to choose discounted China eSIM and its pros and cons

China Travel Apps for Transportation

The 12306 app is the official platform for booking China's high-speed train tickets, offering ticket purchases up to 15 days in advance. High-speed trains in China are known for their punctuality and speed, traveling between 300-400 km/h. The trains are clean, spacious, and comfortable, making them an excellent choice for intercity travel.

Didi Chuxing

Didi Chuxing works similarly to Grab. If you have a Chinese phone number, you can use this app directly for ride-hailing . Otherwise, Alipay offers integration with Didi App for those without a Chinese number, allowing you to book rides and have the fare automatically deducted from your Alipay account. This makes it convenient whether you have a local number or not.

All major cities in China are bustling with must-see destinations, and hitting them all is quite easy with the subway systems. To travel major cities with ease, the MetroMan app is your reliable guide. It simplifies planning your journey, picking the best routes, and tallying up your travel costs. Ideal for solo adventurers or those with a bit of free time around their tour schedules, it covers every city with a metro, from Beijing's northern beauty to Shenzhen's southern charm.

China Travel Apps for Map

In China, this map app is your go-to because it not only finds the best way around but does it fast and cheap. It's way ahead of Google Maps in accuracy because it's always up to date according to the real time location in China.

Forget about getting lost with Google Maps in China. Baidu Maps is what everyone uses here. It's reliable and easy to use, even though it's all in Chinese. You can type in street names with pinyin, and you're good to go. Need a taxi? Just put in where you want to go in the app, and call a taxi directly from there.

Plus, if you prefer finding your way on your own, the app's voice navigation is spot-on accurate. Whether you're navigating busy streets or hailing a cab, this app has you covered.

China Travel Apps for Finding Restaurants

Dianping is where two big Chinese dining apps, Dazhong Dianping and Meituan, join forces. Dazhong Dianping is all about reviews for food, places, and services, while Meituan is widely used for ordering food. Now called Meituan-Dianping, this combo has become the top spot for nearby restaurants,local lifestyle info and deals in China.

It's like having Groupon, Deliveroo, Tripadvisor, and Yelp all rolled into one. Dianping gives you everything from user reviews to special offers, making it super easy to find what you need and snag a good restaurant. Plus, it brings online and offline shopping together in one app, making your life a lot easier.

China Travel Apps for Food Delivery

For those with a Chinese number, direct app download and real-name registration allow access to these services. Without a Chinese number, you can still order food delivery through Alipay. Delivery is swift (usually within an hour) and cost-effective, with minimal fees or free delivery options. Just ensure your address in Chinese is accurate for a smooth delivery process.

China Travel Apps for Translation

Lots of international travelers rely on Google Translate, but it doesn't work in China. Don't stress, though—China has plenty of alternative translation apps to help you communicate easily.

WAYGO is an app that translates Chinese, Japanese, and Korean text into English accurately and instantly. It uses a smart mix of technology to recognize characters and turn them into words and sentences you can understand. You don't even need the internet to use it. It's super handy for understanding menus, signs, and any printed words when you're out and about.

Comprehensive Table of Best China Travel Apps

Here's all you need in 1 table summarizing the China travel apps for various needs:

FAQs about Best China Travel Apps

What is the most commonly used app in china, what is the best app for booking flights in china, is there an english version of ctrip.

Top 10 China Travel Apps

• 1. China Travel Apps for Daily Use
• 2. China Travel Apps: Booking Hotels & Flights
• 3. Stay Connected for Your China Travel!
• 4. China Travel Apps for Transportation
• 5. China Travel Apps for Map
• 6. China Travel Apps for Finding Restaurants
• 7. China Travel Apps for Food Delivery
• 8. China Travel Apps for Translation
• 9. Comprehensive Table of Best China Travel Apps

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15 Essential Apps for Traveling in China: Your Ultimate Guide

Home > Travel Tips > 15 Essential Apps for Traveling in China: Your Ultimate Guide

China has a vast territory, abundant tourism resources, majestic mountains and rivers, folk customs that have lasted for thousands of years, peculiar animals and plants, and countless places of interest.

In spring, you can enjoy flowers and greenery. In summer, you can enjoy waterfall and surf. In autumn, you can climb mountains and bike riding. And in winter you can go skiing and eat hot pot.

If you don’t know where to go, then you are in the right place, let’s take a look at some of the most beautiful tourist attractions in China.

Welcome to our ultimate guide on the 15 essential apps you need while traveling in China! Navigating a foreign country can be challenging, but with the right apps, your journey becomes a breeze. Whether you’re looking for translation assistance, navigation tools, online payment options, or local recommendations, we’ve got you covered. From VPNs to language translators, popular payment platforms to travel and food apps, this comprehensive list will ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience in China. Let’s dive in and discover the must-have apps that will enhance your adventures in this fascinating country.

The Chinese government has blocked access to many popular foreign websites and apps, such as Google, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and more. If you want to use these apps normally while traveling in China, you will need a VPN app that allows you to bypass these restrictions and freely navigate the online world. Commonly used VPN apps include ExpressVPN and NordVPN, and you can choose the appropriate package based on your needs.

Google Translate

When traveling to foreign countries, one of the biggest challenges you may face is the language barrier. Although English is taught in primary, middle, and high schools in China, most people don’t have many opportunities to practice speaking, making it difficult for them to have fluent conversations with foreign friends in English. If you’re not particularly fluent in Chinese, it is recommended to download Google Translate (which requires a VPN connection to access online features, or you can download offline dictionaries) to assist you.

WeChat is the most popular social media app in China, but it’s more than just a social app—it’s also a popular payment app (WeChat Pay).

Most Chinese people communicate through WeChat. For example, if you book a hotel or guesthouse in China, the staff may add you on WeChat to stay in touch with you for timely communication, such as airport pickup and providing accommodation services.

WeChat features many mini-programs that you can use to book flights, hotels, and more. Additionally, many tourist attractions require you to follow their WeChat official accounts, make a reservation for tickets in advance, and then enter the scenic area.

During your travels, you’ll notice that most vendors have QR codes for WeChat Pay and Alipay at their storefronts. If you want to make a purchase, you’ll need to scan the QR code to complete the payment. Cash is rarely used in China.

In most countries, cash, credit cards, and debit cards are common payment methods. However, these methods are not widely used in China. The most popular payment methods in China are Alipay and WeChat Pay, both of which are scan-to-pay systems. Alipay is a reputable financial app, while WeChat is a multi-functional app that combines social, entertainment, and financial features.

Alipay now allows verification with overseas credit cards, so you don’t have to worry about not being able to use it. It is highly recommended to open an Alipay account, as it will be convenient for various scenarios such as hotel bookings, train and flight ticket reservations, purchasing tickets, dining, and shopping.

AMap/Baidu Map

Like most social media apps, Google Maps is also unavailable in China. Therefore, you need to download Chinese map apps. The most popular ones are AMap and Baidu Map, both of which offer similar functionalities. You can freely choose either one to download. With these maps, you can search for the most suitable travel routes, including options for buses, subways, cycling, and driving. You can also find nearby attractions, hotels, parking lots, public toilets, and more.

Mafengwo is a well-known travel guide app where many travel enthusiasts share their experiences and provide destination introductions, photos, travel journals, transportation information, food recommendations, shopping tips, and other travel-related information.

The recommended travel information on Mafengwo comes from real travel users who share practical and up-to-date information. Simply input the place you want to visit, and it will provide you with suggestions on worthwhile places to explore. The platform also offers detailed descriptions and authentic user reviews for each location, allowing you to make informed decisions. If it resonates with you, what are you waiting for? Start your journey now!

Ctrip Travel/Trip.com

Ctrip Travel app (携程旅行) primarily targets the domestic market in China and offers a wide range of travel accommodations, from hostels to five-star hotels, catering to different types of travelers, ranging from budget travel to luxury travel . Additionally, the app supports the purchase of various attractions tickets, flights, train tickets, and more. Many Chinese-developed apps aim to provide an all-in-one solution, offering multiple services within a single application.

Trip.com is the overseas version of Ctrip (携程旅行) and allows users to book hotels and tickets worldwide, including attractions tickets within mainland China. It also features authentic user reviews. However, one notable difference is that most of the reviews on Trip.com come from international users, while Ctrip reviews are predominantly from local Chinese users. Trip.com offers a more user-friendly interface and payment options, making it a suitable choice for travelers coming to China based on their specific needs.

Note : If you choose to use the Ctrip travel app to book hotels, please select the “Foreigner-Friendly” option in the filters, as many hotels in China are not able to accommodate foreign guests.

DiDi is the equivalent of the popular Uber service in China. Although China has a well-developed subway and bus system that can take you to almost anywhere you want to go, there may be instances where your destination is a bit far from the nearest station, requiring you to walk a few hundred meters or a couple of kilometers. If you prefer to reach your destination directly, you can choose the DiDi app, which can take you to any place you want to go.

You can set the app’s language to English, enter your destination, select “Ride-hailing,” and a driver will quickly accept your request. However, if the driver is unsure about your pickup location, they may contact you for confirmation, so it can be helpful to have some knowledge of Chinese for better communication.

Dianping is a leading local life information and e-commerce platform in China. It helps people explore and discover wonderful places both inside and outside the city, enriching their leisure time.

When you arrive in a city or at a tourist destination and want to try local specialty food but don’t know where to start, that’s when you should open Dianping. The app will display a list of nearby businesses, featuring their signature dishes, user reviews, and real photos.

It’s also a great place to search for popular tourist attractions. You can see the recommended ratings from users for a particular attraction, along with corresponding reviews. If a certain attraction captures your interest, then it’s time to begin your journey.

Meituan/Ele.me

If you’re tired from traveling and want to return to your hotel early to rest, but suddenly find yourself hungry, what do you do? There’s no need to worry because China has a highly efficient food delivery system. You just need to open the Meituan and Ele.me apps, where you’ll find a wide variety of food options to choose from. Whether it’s Sichuan cuisine, Hunan cuisine, or Cantonese cuisine, you can find it all on these platforms. Moreover, the delivery time is fast, typically within half an hour (although it may be delayed during peak hours).

In addition to food delivery, the Meituan app also provides many convenient services. You can book hotels and homestays, find various leisure activities, purchase movie tickets, train tickets, flight tickets, and attraction tickets. You can even buy medicine on the app. If you can’t find a specific product, you can use the “errand” service and have a delivery driver bring it to you. You just need to pay a small fee for the errand service.

Taobao/JD.com

These platforms are equivalent to Amazon overseas. If you want to buy something during your journey, you can choose these two platforms. Thanks to China’s robust logistics system, you can generally receive your purchases within three days. If the shipping and delivery addresses are within the same province, it can be even faster, with the goods arriving the next day.

In China, when it comes to purchasing electronic products, appliances, and other items that require strict quality control, people usually choose JD.com. For clothing, accessories, and all kinds of unique and peculiar items, people prefer Taobao. There is a popular saying that describes Taobao: “If you can think of it, you can buy it.”

Tips for Using Chinese Apps and Payments

• Many of the listed apps above are available only in Chinese and do not have an English interface, so it is recommended to download a translation app that can translate the interface into English or other languages.
• Many Chinese apps require registration with a Chinese mobile phone number. You can obtain a Chinese phone number at the airport upon your arrival.
• When booking hotels, purchasing train tickets, dining, and in many other situations, you will need to use WeChat Pay and Alipay for payment. It is advisable to have these two payment methods set up beforehand.
• Consider downloading a reliable VPN (Virtual Private Network) app before your trip to bypass internet restrictions and access blocked websites and services.

In conclusion, these 15 essential apps are your key to unlocking a seamless and unforgettable travel experience in China. From overcoming language barriers to navigating unfamiliar streets, making secure payments to discovering hidden gems, these apps will be your trusted companions every step of the way. Embrace the convenience and efficiency they offer, and immerse yourself in the rich culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities of China. With these apps at your fingertips, your journey will be filled with memorable moments and incredible discoveries. So, download them, embark on your adventure, and let technology enhance your travel experience in this remarkable country. Happy travels!

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29 top apps in China (that the locals love in 2024)

Posted by Gayle Aggiss | Updated October 13, 2023 | Popular , Tech

Chinese people always have their head down. That’s because they’re always looking at their phone!

But you can’t blame them.

It’s almost impossible to survive in China nowadays without relying on all the apps on your phone.

So what are the top apps in China, as used by the locals?

Well, in this blog, I’ll share the most popular ones. Some you’ll be able to download and play around with, while others are in Mandarin only.

If you’re about to visit China, I recommend you look at the China travel apps  instead – they’re all in English and therefore ideal for travelers.

Otherwise, read on!

Table of contents

Chinese everyday apps

These are the ones Chinese people can’t live without.

A WeChat payment station. Image by WangXuefei on Pixabay. 

• Chinese name: 微信 (Wēixìn)
• Available in English: Yes
• Foreign equivalent: Facebook

This is the big one. Virtually everyone with a phone in China has WeChat.

In fact, there are now more than one billion people who use WeChat on a daily basis.

WeChat, or Wēixìn in Chinese, is a messaging app owned by tech giant Tencent. It’s the main way people communicate digitally in China.

But WeChat isn’t just a messaging app. With the in-built WeChat Pay, you can do things like pay for dinner, buy train tickets, play games, and even donate money to homeless people.

This makes WeChat by far the most useful and popular app in China. It’s very much ingrained in the Chinese way of life.

Even fishmongers accept digital payment apps like Alipay. Image by Freer on Shutterstock.

• Chinese name: 支付宝 (Zhīfùbǎo)
• Foreign equivalent: PayPal

China is moving away from cash incredibly fast. In fact, lots of stores don’t like accepting cash at all (even Starbucks ), which is why Alipay is essential.

Like WeChat, this Chinese app allows you to pay for practically anything in the country. Simply scan the vendor’s QR code.

Fortunately, you can get an English version of Alipay which performs most of the same functions as the local version.

Baidu is China’s leading search engine. Image by Koshiro K on Shutterstock.

• Chinese name: 百度 (Bǎidù)
• Available in English: No
• Foreign equivalent: Google

Baidu is one of the top apps in China. It’s China’s version of Google, and has almost every Google alternative, including Maps, Translate and Adwords.

A staggering 90% of online search queries in China are done through Baidu. This amounts to billions of searches made by Chinese users each month.

Baidu isn’t just a search engine. It’s also in the AI space and is even testing self-driving cars. Look out, Tesla!

4. Sogou Pinyin

This clever app makes texting in Chinese a breeze. Image by Sweeann on Shutterstock.

• Chinese name: 搜狗拼音输入法 (Sōugǒu Pīnyīn Shūrùfǎ)
• Foreign equivalent: None

Ever tried to type Chinese characters into a phone? It’s impossible without an app like Sogou Pinyin Input.

This software app makes it easy to convert Roman characters, called pinyin, into characters. You can also do handwriting on the screen, and there’s voice input too if your fingers are feeling lazy.

Sogou Pinyin is free, but you can also pay for premium features. Hundreds of millions of Chinese people use this app everyday.

Chinese entertainment apps

These apps keep Chinese mobile users glued to their phones!

A common sight in China. Image by StreetVJ on Shutterstock.

• Chinese name: 抖音 (Dǒuyīn)
• Foreign equivalent: TikTok

This one probably doesn’t need much of an introduction. Douyin is the Chinese equivalent of TikTok, the hugely popular short videos site.

Both apps are made by ByteDance, a Beijing-based internet company. But they’re are not exactly the same.

With a few taps on Douyin, you can do all sorts of things like buy a product featured in a video and book a hotel stay after watching a video shot there.

This is why it’s one of the most used Chinese apps.

6. Kuaishou

Live-streamers can make money on Kuaishou. Image by Mundissima on Shutterstock.

• Chinese name: 快手 (Kuàishǒu)

Kuaishou is like Douyin, a short video app.

I can’t say I’m a huge fan because I prefer longer form content. But with human attention spans becoming shorter and shorter, I totally get the appeal.

Kuaishou has only been around for a few years but is already insanely popular, thanks to its clever combination of short clips, vlogs, livestreams and e-commerce.

iQIYI is for streaming Chinese shows and movies. Image by Faizal Ramli on Shutterstock.

• Chinese name: 爱奇艺 (Ài qí yì)
• Foreign equivalent: Netflix

I love iQIYI! It’s a video streaming platform that offers a huge number of movies and television shows.

Unlike Netflix, this Chinese app makes most of its money from advertisements and content license purchases. That’s why you can watch heaps of content without paying a cent.

Not all of the content on this site is free, however, which is why paid subscriptions are slowly increasing.

But if you’re bored one evening and want to watch some Chinese TV, iQIYI is a good option because English subtitles are available.

The downside? Like all Chinese media, it’s censored. So don’t expect to find anything sexy, controversial or thought-provoking on iQIYI.

Tip: If you’re heading to China soon and want to watch Netflix, Hulu or Amazon Prime on your hotel’s Wi-Fi, you’ll need a VPN like this one . Make sure you download it before you arrive, otherwise you’ll be blocked by the Great Firewall of China.

8. Tencent Video

Tencent is based in Shenzhen. Image by Katjen on Shutterstock.

• Chinese name: 腾讯视频 (Téngxùn Shìpín)
• Foreign equivalent: YouTube

Tencent Video is one of the top apps in China. It’s China’s equivalent of YouTube so you can imagine how popular it is.

A lot of the video content is unavailable outside mainland China due to licensing issues. But that’s easy to overcome with a VPN or you could use iQIYI instead.

Tencent Video is in the same family as WeChat, making it a powerful player in the Chinese tech space.

Let’s boogie, Cool Dog! Image by TimeImage Production on Shutterstock.

• Chinese name: 酷狗音乐 (Kùgǒu Yīnyuè)
• Foreign equivalent: Spotify

Over 300 million people listen to music on KuGou every month.

With an English translation of “Cool Dog”, it’s no wonder young people love this Chinese music app ! They also love the KTV streaming section that helps them earn digital coins that can later be transferred into real currency.

And just like Spotify, you can do things like create playlists, follow your fave artists, and watch videos.

China is home to millions of gamers. Image by wonderlustpicstravel on Shutterstock.

• Chinese name: 斗鱼 (Dòuyú)
• Foreign equivalent: Twitch

This popular Chinese app is a video game and e-sports streaming service. Viewers watch professional gamers go head-to-head with each other (Douyu means ‘fighting fish’ in English).

You can also interact and socialize with your gaming idols, and send virtual gifts to your favorites.

ZTE, one of the leading Chinese phone brands , has a range of gaming phones made especially for lovers of apps like Douyu. The phones come with built-in cooling systems and super-high screen refresh rates.

Mobile games are so big in China right now that Douyu is listed on the New York Stock Exchange.

The app is only in Mandarin at the moment, but you can still watch games as long as you don’t mind seeing the Chinese characters.

(Oh, and the Chinese are also into ‘real’ sports – you can see the 10 most popular sports in China here .)

Chinese social apps

These are lifestyle apps for communicating, interacting, and shopping (of course).

11. Bilibili

Bilibili attracts a young user base. Image by Joseph GTK on Shutterstock.

• Chinese name: 哔哩哔哩 (Bìlī Bìlī)

With over 300 million monthly active users, this is the latest app to capture the hearts (and scroll time) of the Chinese market.

Targeted at a youthful demographic, Bilibili is a hybrid entertainment and social media app where you can create and share videos.

What makes this China app stand out is the user comments which are are overlaid on the videos, making it really interactive. The app also has anime, games and live streaming, to hook you in for hours.

Bilibili is only available for Chinese people, so if you want to check it out (and you can understand Mandarin) then you’ll need a VPN .

QQ is still popular in China, especially with young people. Image by Faizal Ramli on Shutterstock.

• Chinese name: 腾讯QQ (Téngxùn QQ)
• Available in English: Yes, on Google Play and Apple App Store
• Foreign equivalent: Skype

QQ is an instant messaging app developed by Tencent over 20 years ago. It became famous for the little penguin that made a cute sound whenever you received a message.

QQ was the coolest app in China until WeChat came along. But QQ has managed to hang on, appealing to a younger fan base than WeChat. And it still has close to one billion users!

Over the years, it has introduced features like QQ Wallet for in-app purchases as well as ordering things like food. But QQ Wallet isn’t as popular as WeChat Pay when it comes to mobile payments at physical stores.

13. Little Red Book

Xiaohongshu (known as Red) is becoming super popular. Image by Tada Images on Shutterstock.

• Chinese name: 小红书 (Xiǎohóngshū)
• Foreign equivalent: Instagram

Little Red Book , or Red for short, is one of the fastest-growing apps in China. There are now more than 300 million active users.

Billed as a lifestyle platform, Red is like a Chinese Instagram.

One of the key differences, however, is it’s much more focused on influencers peddling beauty products to their followers. And the bulk of Red’s subscribers are young females.

Chinese people living in Western countries also have a presence on Xiaohongshu, making it even more attractive for e-commerce brands to get involved.

Douban is like a combination of IMDb, Blogger, Facebook and Reddit. Image by Rafapress on Shutterstock.

• Chinese name: 豆瓣 (Dòubàn)

Over 200 million educated, middle-class Chinese people regularly use Douban. It’s a social networking app for movie and book reviews, curated music playlists, shopping, and events.

There’s also Douban Groups (or 豆瓣小组 in Mandarin), a censored forum that allows people to share views on a range of topics. You can also add sub-topics within a theme, so this section is kind of like Reddit.

Interestingly, a sizeable lesbian community use this app to discreetly find like-minded friends and build relationships.

Compared to many Chinese social media platforms, most information on Douban can be accessed without registration.

Chinese shopping apps

Shop ’til you drop with these amazing Chinese shopping apps.

Taobao is the biggest shopping app in China. Image by Nopparat Khokthong on Shutterstock.

• Chinese name: 淘宝 (Táobǎo)
• Foreign equivalent: Amazon or eBay

Taobao is China’s Amazon and it’s the biggest online marketplace in the world.

You can buy anything you need or want from this China app, and it’s simple to use. You can also sell stuff, and each seller has a rating set by previous customers.

If you’re living in China and need something delivered fast, Taobao is the place to find it.

The site’s in Chinese, but with a little practice and know-how you can learn how to use it knowing only English.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pyk3EYWILVU Video can’t be loaded because JavaScript is disabled: JD (京东) Chinese Electronics Shopping Guide: Online JD.com Tutorial (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pyk3EYWILVU)

• Chinese name: 京东 (Jīngdōng)
• Foreign equivalent: Amazon or Best Buy

This is another super-popular shopping app in China. It’s great if you’re shopping for electronics, or if you’re looking for bargains on Singles Day (China’s version of Black Friday).

Compared to Taobao, JD only has verified sellers. So, people have a lot of trust in this one.

JD is only available in Mandarin, but there are ways you can still use it. Check out the video above for a quick tutorial.

17. Pinduoduo

Pinduoduo is a Chinese e-commerce platform. Image by Tada Images on Shutterstock.

• Chinese name: 拼多多 (Pīn Duōduō)

Pinduoduo is the newest e-commerce giant in China.

It sets itself apart from Taobao and JD by offering discounts when you buy as part of a group with family and friends. The app makes it easy to do this by linking to your social media accounts.

Prices are really cheap so Pinduoduo has attracted people in smaller, developing Chinese cities.

Chinese news and information apps

This is how the locals get their news and find their way around.

Weibo is a censored microblogging app. Image by A9 Studio on Shutterstock.

• Chinese name: 微博 (Wēibó)
• Available in English: Yes but limited
• Foreign equivalent: Twitter

Sina Weibo, or Weibo for short, is the biggest social media app in China. It has almost 600 million active monthly users.

Weibo is often referred to as “China’s Twitter” because of the character limit. But the similarities end there.

Weibo is a highly censored app, so its users often create new words or languages to discuss sensitive issues.

Although you can access the app in English, it’s a stripped-down version and not very popular. Plus, all the posts are in Chinese.

If you want to find out the latest social trends in China and can’t read Mandarin, check out a website called What’s On Weibo .

19. Toutiao

Toutiao is an addictive Chinese news app. Image by Ascannio on Shutterstock.

• Chinese name: 今日头条 (Jīnrì Toutiáo)
• Foreign equivalent: BuzzFeed or Google News

Meaning “Today’s Headlines”, Jinri Toutiao is the most popular news app in China at the moment.

It uses artificial intelligence to source and curate daily news from thousands of sites. Using things like your location, click and browser history, Toutiao recommends articles and videos that you’re probably going to be interested in.

But Toutiao isn’t just a news aggregator. It lets you interact with content creators via chat rooms and play games with other users.

Young people are particularly addicted to this app (it’s from TikTok creator ByteDance).

The locals don’t get lost when they use Gāodé. Image by Radiokafka on Shutterstock.

• Chinese name: 高德地图 (Gāodé Dìtú)
• Foreign equivalent: Google Maps

Amap is the leading Chinese navigation app , alongside Baidu Maps and Tencent Maps.

Amap provides mapping data to both Google and Apple, so you know it’s going to be big on accuracy.

If you can read Chinese characters, you’ll appreciate using this app for the user-friendly interface. I find it’s a bit less overwhelming than Baidu.

Chinese dating apps

Wanna get with a honey? Then download a Chinese dating app on your mobile device.

People use Momo to hook up in China. Image by Pexels.

• Chinese name: 陌陌 (Mòmò)
• Foreign equivalent: Tinder

If you’re looking for love in China, then try Momo.

It includes lots of features that make Chinese dating easier. So, not only can you find a date on Momo, it will show you advertisements for date locations and special offers so you can get a discounted coffee during your date.

It’s the largest online dating app in China with over 110 million active users. WeChat is probably more popular with young adults though, even though it’s not officially a dating app.

Momo has recently spent a lot of money to clean up its image as a one-night stand app and to regain the confidence of the Chinese government.

Tantan is perfect for lonely hearts. Image by TheVisualsYouNeed on Shutterstock.

• Chinese name: 探探 (Tàntàn)

An equally popular Chinese dating app is Tantan.

Like Tinder, you simply swipe left or right on a profile, depending on whether you like what you see. Ironically though, many Chinese people use it for relationships rather than hook-ups.

To stop fake profiles and bolster security, Tantan can identify authentic photos and verifies users with a powerful moderation system.

Other in-demand Chinese dating apps include Yidui, which has real matchmakers, and Blued for gay dudes.

Chinese food apps

Need a bite to eat, pronto? China is the home of super-fast delivery.

23. Meituan

Meituan drivers stand out in their yellow attire. Image by StreetVJ on Shutterstock.

• Chinese name: 美团 (Měituán)
• Foreign equivalent: Uber Eats

Meituan is one of the best apps in China for a reason. It’s for ordering food!

With a few simple taps (in Mandarin), you can get delicious restaurant food delivered to your door in thousands of areas across China. Just pay using WeChat Pay or Alipay.

Meituan’s slogan is “We help people eat better, live better”. So, it’s no surprise that the company is branching out into other areas like supermarket and pharmacy deliveries, car hailing, bike sharing, and hotel and travel bookings.

In China, Meituan is downloaded more often on iOS than all other apps in the food and drink category.

Even individual hot pot ingredients can be delivered via this app. Image supplied by Olivia Seaton-Hill.

• Chinese name: 饿了么 (Èle me)

Are you hungry? Well, that’s exactly what “Èle me” means in English.

The app specializes in food delivery, but you can buy practically anything you need including flowers, electronics, makeup, and even adult toys!

In terms of popularity, this delivery app is a close second to Meituan but there’s not much between them. You can read more about both of them in the article on ordering food in China using delivery apps .

25. Dianping

With Dianping (icon far right), you can tell others how good your meal was. Image by Koshiro K on Shutterstock.

• Chinese name: 大众点评 (Dàzhòng Diǎnpíng)
• Foreign equivalent: Yelp

This China app is the equivalent of Yelp. It’s basically a restaurant reviews app.

You can find local restaurants, hotels and shops via GPS, as well as get coupons to enjoy discounted meals.

You can have a glance of Dianping on Google Play but the app itself is in Mandarin only. And, you need a Chinese phone number to use it.

Chinese travel apps

Traveling around China is a lot easier with these apps.

Qunar combines trains, planes and holidays. Image by Ralf Liebhold on Shutterstock.

• Chinese name: 去哪儿 (Qù nǎ’er)
• Foreign equivalent: Booking.com

“Booking.Yeah” isn’t something you’ll hear in China.

Instead, when it comes to making travel arrangements, the locals use Qunar on their mobile phones.

Pronounced “chew nar”, the name of this app means “Where to?” in Mandarin.

Qunar aggregates all kinds of travel information to help you book a trip, including flights, hotels and high-speed trains.

You can see other major China hotel booking apps here .

27. 12306 China Railway

• Chinese name: 中国铁路 12306 (Zhōngguó Tiělù 12306)
• Available in English: Yes (in development)
• Foreign equivalent: Your city’s train app

This is the country’s official high-speed train app.

You can download this China app on its own, or as a ‘Mini Program’ within WeChat.

Practically everyone who travels by high-speed train in China has 12306. It’s where you look up timetables and buy train tickets.

Qunar pulls the information from this app into their own one.

Chinese health apps

Every year, people are spending more and more on health and fitness.

28. Ping An Good Doctor

Ping An Good Doctor is the leading healthcare app in China. Image from Pexels.

• Chinese name: 平安好医生 (Píng’ān Hǎo Yīshēng)
• Foreign equivalent: Doctor On Demand

This sophisticated Chinese app is the country’s largest healthcare platform. It provides access to high quality online medical consultations.

In China, medical assistance isn’t always easily accessible to everyone, so using this app can be incredibly helpful.

You can pay to see a doctor privately, or consult with a doctor openly in the consultation hall (but the session isn’t private).

More than 400 million Chinese people are registered users of Ping An Good Doctor. And in the last year alone, there’s been over a billion consultations!

If you care about fitness in China, Keep is your must-have app. Image from Pexels.

• Chinese name: 自由运动场 (Zìyóu Yùndòngchǎng)
• Foreign equivalent: Fitbit

Chinese people are just as concerned about their physical fitness as people in Western countries. And that’s why Keep is the top fitness app in China.

Created in 2015, the app gives you workout categories based on answers to questions about your fitness level, age, preferences, motivation and overall health.

When you choose a category, you’ll find lots of exercises as well as videos and detailed workout plans. The app increases the difficulty of your workouts as you get fitter and offers challenges as well.

And, you can share your fitness journey with your friends!

The most popular Chinese apps can change

Gaming apps are insanely popular and often top the app rankings in China .

However, their popularity can quickly wane, which is why only Douyu (the Chinese version of Twitch) is included above.

Another example is Youku. It was the original YouTube equivalent in China, but now isn’t nearly as popular as it once was.

Let me know if there are any new and popular China apps that I should add to this list.

How to find Chinese apps

Can’t find one of these apps in your app store? That’s because it may only be available in Chinese app stores.

For Android users, the leading app store in China is Huawei. But there are plenty of others, as listed on this website .

And for iPhone users, there’s a different version of the Apple App Store in China.

Psst! A quick travel tip

If you plan on visiting China, don’t forget the internet is censored when using Wi-Fi in your hotel.

So, to access all your favorite websites and apps (like Facebook, Instagram , Google, Gmail, WhatsApp, etc), you’ll need to get a VPN before you arrive. Otherwise, the signup page will be blocked in China.

Check out the review of the best China VPN before you fly over.

China apps are part of everyday life

In a lot of ways, China is more developed than many Western countries, and this is particularly obvious when it comes to how they embrace their apps, especially for payments.

If you ever get over to China, you’ll be surprised at how technology permeates every aspect of daily life there.

There are many more awesome Chinese apps, and I haven’t been able to include every single one of them here. But hopefully you’ve now got a glimpse of the most popular ones.

I hope you liked my article on the top apps in China. I’ve also written about why Chinese people drink warm water and do other weird things . It’s a fun read.

But if you want to stay on the topic of tech, then check out Mike’s article on the best apps for foreigners in China . Enjoy!

Main photo credit: Humphery on Shutterstock.

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Faq about top china apps, what are the top chatting apps in china.

WeChat and QQ are the most popular apps for chatting in China. But there are discussions and forums on many other apps too, such as Weibo, Douban, and livestreaming apps.

What are the top music apps in China?

KuGou and QQ are the most popular music apps in China. They’re both owned by Tencent.

What are the top shopping apps in China?

Taobao, JD and Pinduoduo are insanely popular in China.

Where can I download China apps?

Many of the best Chinese apps are available in the App Store and Google Play Store. However, if the app is only in Mandarin then you may have trouble using it. Some apps may only be available in Chinese app stores due to licensing or other issues.

What are the most popular app stores in China?

Huawei App Market, Tencent My App, and Oppo Software Store are the biggest Android app stores in China. Apple’s App Store is also very popular.

Commercial relationship disclosure: The Helpful Panda has commercial arrangements with organizations that may appear on this page, such as affiliate links. See our terms for more info.

Gayle Aggiss

Gayle loves learning and is intensely curious about the world. This curiosity has driven her to travel and work overseas, including China and Vietnam. Gayle is from Perth, Western Australia. You can follow her on LinkedIn .

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Best Apps for Traveling in China in 2023

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China boasts its own unique internet application ecosystem. Many international apps and websites aren't accessible in China, making it crucial for any traveler coming here to be well-versed in China's mainstream apps.

I've compiled a list of top-notch Chinese travel apps based on the common needs and challenges faced by foreign tourists.

I'm confident these apps will undoubtedly smoothen your journey across China.

So, let's dive in!

A mainland China SIM(+86) card could be your savior!

Registering for Chinese apps and booking tickets for attractions often necessitate a Chinese phone number to receive verification codes. I recommend having a Chinese phone number ready in advance to avoid any last-minute rush or confusion.

China SIM Card

Easily register for various services in China

Receiving SMS Free

One-time payment

If you make a purchase, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Note: I recommend you be sure to keep your Chinese phone number if you expect to travel to China many times.

Apps to Download Before Going to China

1. astrill vpn — to bypass china's great firewall.

Why must you install and configure a VPN before arriving in China?

This is because in China, without a VPN you will not be able to access sites like Google, Gmail, Facebook, and most VPN company websites can't be reached either.

Astrill VPN is a top choice that has reliably worked in China for years. You can see my best VPN reviews here.

Again, if you don't want to lose contact with loved ones abroad while in China, you need a VPN!

Plus, Data roaming with a SIM card is another option for accessing foreign networks, but it often tends to be much pricier than using a VPN.

You can get in touch with your data service provider to get more information.

Apps Must-Have for Cashless Payment

1. wechat — for contacting friends and cashless payments.

WeChat is China's most beloved all-in-one app, practically a must-have for anyone in China.

It bundles social networking, payment, wallet, mapping, and more into a single package, even offering a range of mini-programs for various functionalities.

You can use it to stay in touch with your tour guide or friends. It supports online translation, making conversations a breeze.

Sending your location through it can be incredibly handy if you find yourself lost.

Furthermore, many of China's attractions require advance ticket booking, and WeChat is the primary channel for that.

Lastly, and most importantly, WeChat Pay will be one of your vital payment methods during your trip in China.

How to Use WeChat in China?

• Register and complete real-name verification using your passport and phone number.
• Link your international card, whether it's Visa, MasterCard, or others.
• When making a payment, display your payment code or scan the merchant's QR code.
• If you want to book tickets for tourist attractions, WeChat is essential.

I've provided a comprehensive guide to help you learn how to set up and use WeChat Pay .

Get WeChat Here: iOS  |  Android

2. alipay — for subways, taxis, train tickets and cashless payments.

Aside from WeChat Pay, Alipay is the second essential payment app in China. Alipay is particularly foreigner-friendly, as it doesn't require strict account verification.

Alipay and WeChat Pay now supports linking international cards .

For foreign tourists, you only need to submit your passport information to complete the process.

When you're immersing yourself in China's transportation system, Alipay is undoubtedly your best ally.

It effortlessly navigates the payment systems of major city subways, and you can even use it to buy train tickets and summon taxis.

How to Use Alipay in China ?

• Using Alipay to ride the subway is incredibly convenient, and I 100% recommend it.

Here, you can learn how to set up and use Alipay to ride the subway .

Get AliPay here:   iOS  |  Android

Other recommended apps, 1. maps.me — more suitable for foreigners.

Maps.me is the most suitable map application for foreigners to use in China.

It provides offline maps in both Chinese and English versions, allowing you to use it without the need for an internet connection and VPN.

Moreover, it maintains a satisfactory level of accuracy within China. You can input both Chinese or English place names for searches.

Unless you're venturing into extremely remote areas, you can wholeheartedly rely on it.

You might be wondering about Google Maps. Well, do not use Google Maps in China!

Google Maps requires a VPN to function, and most importantly, its accuracy within China is riddled with errors and omissions.

How to Use Maps.me in China ?

• After installation, you need to download offline maps first.
• You can input place names in English or Chinese to view maps or search for routes.
• The calling-taxi feature cannot be used in China, but you can use DiDi instead.

Get Maps.me here:   iOS  |  Android

2. baidu maps — the ‘google maps' of china.

Baidu Maps doesn't have an English version, but it's the most accurate and rapidly updated map application in China.

I recommend keeping Baidu Maps as a backup. If Maps.me doesn't work, you can trust Baidu Maps because it's almost equivalent to China's Google Maps.

Although it's displayed in Chinese, you can show it to passersby or taxi drivers to seek help.

There have been times when I've ventured into unfamiliar places, knowing nothing about the transportation or routes, yet Baidu Maps has always managed to guide me in the right direction.

How to Use Baidu Maps in China ?

• You need to register first to use it, but it's limited to Mainland China phone numbers only. You can get it here .
• It only displays in Chinese, but you can input pinyin to search for addresses.

Get Baidu Maps here: iOS  |  Android

3. pleco  — the best english-chinese dictionary.

Do you want to learn some useful Chinese phrases for your trip to China?

Pleco is your best bet.

It offers a handwriting translation feature. When you come across characters you don't recognize in China, you can draw them on the screen, and Pleco will display their correct meanings and pronunciations.

How to Use Pleco in China ?

• It has a flashcard learning feature that you can use to learn Chinese characters.
• Its handwriting input feature not only helps you recognize unfamiliar Chinese characters but also teaches you how to write them with the correct stroke order.
• Dictionary and basic features are free, while advanced features like camera translation require purchasing.

Get Pleco here:   iOS  |  Android

4. waygo  — the best pointing and translating app.

Can't understand Chinese restaurant menus and street signs?

Well, with Waygo, you can bid farewell to your worries.

This app lets you use your phone camera to point at any unfamiliar Chinese characters and instantly displays their English translations.

Moreover, Waygo can work offline, so you don't need to be connected to data or Wi-Fi to understand Chinese signage.

How to Use Waygo in China ?

• You can use Waygo for free up to 10 times per day, or you can purchase lifetime access for $6.99.
• It's very easy to use. Just open the app, point your phone at the characters, and you'll get the translation.

Get Waygo here:   iOS  |  Android

5. didi  — the ‘uber' or ‘lyft' in china..

Getting around during travels is also very important, right?

DiDi is the best ride-hailing app in China, and I would definitely recommend it to you.

Its advantages include the fact that it offers an English version. You just need to input the correct address, and the DiDi driver will take you to your destination.

However, most DiDi drivers don't speak English, so you need to be prepared for that.

How to Use DiDi in China ?

• You can register for DiDi using your phone number and international card.
• Chinese DiDi drivers generally don't speak English, but you can add them as WeChat friends and communicate using WeChat's conversation translation feature (a handy trick!).

Get DiDi here:   website

6. metroman china — for planning your subway trip.

The subway systems in big cities in China are highly developed and very modern, with signs in both Chinese and English, making them very foreigner-friendly for travelers.

It's also the preferred mode of transportation for most city residents in China (though you might find it a bit crowded, lol).

And with MetroMan, you have maps for all cities, available offline, to easily help you plan subway trips, plot routes, and calculate fares.

For short-distance travel within the city, taking the subway is your best option.

How to Use MetroMan in China ?

• Install MetroMan and select your language.
• Enter your destination, and it will display the complete route map for you.
• It will also show your real-time location on the route and the station timetable.

Get MetroMan here:   iOS  |  Android

7. trip.com — the best vacation booking websites in china.

If you're planning an independent trip to China, then Trip.com is an essential website.

It offers all booking services, including hotels, flights, trains, tours, and more, covering everything you need.

But what's most popular among foreign travelers is its hotel booking service. It has the most comprehensive list of hotels, and you can always find the most suitable and affordable options for you.

How to Use Trip.com in China ?

• For the first time using, you'll need to provide your passport information.
• And when you're taking a train or a flight, you only need to scan your passport to pass through. (Trip.com automatically submits your ticket and passport information, so you don't need to print paper tickets; it's very convenient.)

Go to Trip.com

What about google maps and google translate.

Sure, many people prefer using Google's apps.

However, unfortunately, any Google apps cannot be accessed in China, including Google.com.

If you plan to use them, you'll need to subscribe to a VPN service. Astrill VPN is the best choice.

Don't worry, VPN use is extremely common in China .

I mean the ban is effectively in name only, and you can enjoy full internet freedom.

How to Download These Chinese Apps?

The apps I recommend generally have corresponding English versions. You can directly click on the links I provided to download them or download them from your app store.

However, some apps don't have English versions, like Baidu Maps . In such cases, you need to change your app store's region to China.

For Apple App Store users, you'll need to register a new ID based in China to download Chinese apps.

What About Wechat Mini Program?

This is a new trend – WeChat is integrating more and more services. Perhaps in the future, when you travel to China, you won't need to install so many apps. You can complete various services within WeChat.

For instance, Didi also has its own WeChat mini-program. If you've already registered for WeChat Pay, you can use them directly.

Here's a tutorial:

• Enter ‘DiDi' in the search bar at the upper right corner.
• Find the wording for the DiDi mini-program, then click on it. (Please make sure not to click the wrong one.)
• After that, you can use the one-click WeChat login, input your destination, and you're ready to go!
• Lastly, you can use WeChat Pay to complete the payment, super convenient.

What Apps to Use for Transport in China?

1. For purchasing airplane and train tickets, use Trip.com . 2. For taking the subway and bus, use MetroMan and Alipay . 3. For calling a taxi, use DiDi .

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The 11 Best Apps for Traveling in China

Best Apps to Travel in China – Index

• City maps: Google Maps, Maps, Baidu Ditu
• Subway maps: Metro China Subway
• Train and plane tickets: China Train Booking and Trip
• VPN: Express VPN and the others
• Hotels: Agoda, Hostelworld, Booking
• Taxis: Didi Chuxing
• Chinese dictionaries: Pleco, Hanping, Google Translate
• The App of all Apps: WeChat
• Web content search engine: Baidu, Bing, and Google
• Payment Apps: Alipay
• Music player: Kugou Music, QQ music

Before you begin

Are you going to travel to China and would like to use of some tools that will make your experience easier?

In a country where the language is a huge barrier, it certainly doesn’t hurt to load up your smartphone with a few megabytes that will help you deal with typical situations of all types, namely where to stay, how to get around and how to access key information.

Keep in mind that not all applications that work in your country will work in China, meanwhile, others will work, albeit very slowly.

Because of this, in this article, I present the 10 applications that I consider to be the most useful and effective for traveling to the country. Of course, there exist many more, but I will focus on those that don’t require a knowledge of Chinese to use.

Unless there’s an indication to the contrary, all of these are available for iOS and Android. However, take note Android users:

1. City maps: Google Maps, Maps, Baidu Ditu

With them, in addition to locating yourself and accessing more detailed information on the services around you, they also allow you to calculate the time and the most convenient transportation means for your routes.

Unfortunately for some people, Google Maps doesn’t work in China ( unless you have a VPN ). Nonetheless, new versions allow you to download some city maps for offline use. However, as Google states, the bad news is that some maps aren’t available for offline use.

This is the case of the key mainland Chinese cities, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Guangzhou, etc. On the other hand, you’re able to download maps of Hong Kong and Taipei, if they’re one of your destinations.

But not all hope is lost. For iOS users, there’s an alternative within basic iOS applications, which is Apple’s Maps. It’s practical and works very similarly to its counterpart Google.

I only find one drawback of this app for China, which is the fact that all addresses appear in English (or the language in which your smartphone is configured) and not Chinese. The good thing is that you will have no problems looking up destinations in the app, but you might have problems on the street if road signs are only in Chinese characters.

There exists another possibility available for both iOS and Android, which is called Baidu Map. You could say that Baidu is the equivalent of Google in China considering that in addition to being the continent’s search engine par excellence among Chinese users, it has other functions, like the one I’m discussing here.

Bad news once again: Baidu Map can only be used in Chinese. Addresses can be entered in pinyin format, but it’s essential to be able to recognize Chinese characters to be able to use it.

2. Subway maps: Metro China Subway

For China, I recommend “ Metro China Subway, or MetroMan, by Wu Qiuping ”. It covers all Chinese cities that currently have a subway (and some in South Korea, Japan, and other isolated cities, such as Moscow or Mexico City) all within the same application.

Here the links for Android and iOS systems .

It’s available in 8 languages in addition to Chinese, but regardless of your choice, it maintains the names of all stations in Chinese characters and pinyin .

Its most noteworthy functions are calculating routes with information on prices, times, transfers, etc., the map of each station to be able to choose the most appropriate exit, and information on the services that you can find around stops.

3. Train and plane tickets: China Train Booking and Trip

The app is owned by China Highlights, a big travel agency that has been working with foreigners visiting China since 1998, and offer a train booking ticket service since 2013. Also, the app is available for both Android and iOS devices and has been available since 2015, with the goal to make it easier to book a train ticket, for foreigners.

Here the main features of this app:

• Live Data : ticket availability is tracked in real time by an automatic system and synchronized with China Rail, ie. the official government database;
• Multiple Payment Methods Accepted : the app accepts payments from foreign credit cards, Paypal, Alipay, and WeChat. I can’t stretch how important this is, as often the problems for foreigners in China is not the language, but the fact that their credit cards are not accepted;
• 3-Minute Process : The app’s interface is quite simple, and this makes it possible to book your train ticket quickly, and without hassles;
• Customer Service : You will have access to 1-on-1 English speaking customer service, from 8 AM to 11 PM (Chinese time, GMT+8), every day of the week.

Usually, you will receive your tickets pickup vouchers via the app, which means that your tickets are issued successfully, around 5 minutes after you paid. Showing the e-vouchers on your phones and your passports, you can then easily collect your tickets at any train station without hassles.

Also, if you prefer, the app provides a delivery service that allows you to receive the train tickets at your hotel in China , within 2 days.

Click here to download the free app for your iOS or Android device .

You can access all of the information on domestic and international flights quickly and intuitively. At the same time, it includes the schedules, rates, and availability for train routes across the entire country.

Buying both types of tickets is very simple and reliable. If you sign up beforehand, your information will be saved, which will make the buying process faster. When your payment is confirmed, you receive an email with all of the information on the trip.

In the case of plane tickets, the electronic ticket will also be sent to your inbox (after the confirmation of the booking).

For train tickets, you receive a single booking confirmation email and a booking number. With this number and your passport, you have to go to the train ticket pickup window at the train station (any station: it doesn’t have to be the same one you are departing from) to get the physical ticket to travel.

When using Trip, you can pay in 22 different currencies. In addition, the application allows you to view all bookings, make bookings at hotels, or for tourist packages (lodging + transportation), or check the status of your flight.

This Chinese tourism company is also trying to become the hotel search engine of choice in Asia, although for the time being, it doesn’t benefit from the popularity of its competition in this sector, which I will present below. Even so, it’s very practical if you prefer to book transportation and lodging at the same time.

4. VPN: Express VPN and the others

In this article , you’ll find detailed information on what a VPN is and how it’s used as well a comparison of the best VPNs for China. It also discusses the websites that generally tend to be blocked in this Asian country.

VPNs allow short subscription times (starting with one month), so they’re very suited to travelers. In addition, once you get one, you’ll be able to download it onto multiple devices and use it on all of them (there’s a limit in the users connected at the same time with the same password), which means that if you’re traveling as a couple or with friends, you’ll be able to share costs.

Note that at the moment we especially recommend Express VPN .

5. Hotels: Agoda, Hostelworld, Booking

In my case, I’ve had good experiences with the three of them, so choosing one or the other will depend on your criteria. The information on lodging that they provide, the booking process, and the payment methods don’t differ very much from one to the other. What sets them apart is the volume of the offering and the prices of rooms . On the other hand, they are all available in multiple languages and accept international credit cards.

It’s very useful to download their mobile apps onto your smartphone because these speed up the booking process compared to on the websites. In addition, it will store your booking information as well as the location of the establishment in Chinese. Thanks to the fact that this information is available offline, all you have to do is show your cell phone to the taxi driver or at the hotel reception.

6. Taxis: Didi Chuxing

Because of this, it’s interesting to have this application during your travels through the Middle Kingdom. With Didi Chuxing, you can request a driver to come to pick you up at your location or the place you indicate. The vehicle can be a public taxi, a private vehicle, a shared vehicle, or other options, each with a different price estimated beforehand.

This amount is calculated based on the type of vehicle and destination address that you manually input into the application. Once you accept the price, the driver picks you up and takes you to the destination indicated with no need for oral communication. The payment method is integrated into the application.

Up until now and since summer 2016 (the date when Didi Chuxing bought Uber in China), tourists and the ex-pat community in China who can’t read or write Chinese were required to go through the tedious task of flagging down taxis on the street.

However, to the joy of all, the Chinese company has just announced the launch of its application in English, which also plans to allow credit cards from 12 countries as a payment method (although for the time being, no Spanish-speaking countries appear on the list).

It seems like it’s just a matter of time, although, at the time of the writing of this article, the long-awaited English version of Didi Chuxing has not yet become reality. On the other hand, for the time being, only iOS users have direct access to the application via the Apple Store (if you’re an Android user, you still need to understand Chinese to download it from the virtual labyrinth of websites written in characters).

7. Chinese dictionaries: Pleco, Hanping, Google Translate

Pleco is one of the most popular Chinese-English-Chinese dictionaries . It lets you look up words in both languages and in the case of Chinese, you can input the word in  pinyin format (phonetic transcription of characters into Latin) or by manually drawing the character strokes (only for Android devices, but iOS devices have this function integrated into the telephone’s Chinese keyboard).

On top of that, it has two very useful tools: one is the “Clipboard Reader” and the other is “Optical Character Recognition.”

The first immediately translates any text that you copy onto the clipboard. Nonetheless, the free version only offers the translation of isolated characters. This means that if you’re trying to find out what a phrase or paragraph means, you’ll have to be imaginative.

The second allows you to recognize Chinese characters through your smartphone’s camera. This is a paid service (9.99 USD), but it might be a good investment if you don’t know any Chinese, as writing characters by hand isn’t easy if you’re not familiar with the order of strokes.

Hanping is another one of the most-downloaded dictionaries. Nonetheless, it’s not available for iOS users. Just like Pleco, it allows you to enter characters manually or in pinyin , translates phrases copied onto the clipboard (better than Pleco in my opinion), and has a visual character recognition system if you pay for it (9.95 USD).

The difference between both dictionaries is most prominent among students of Chinese , who find the functions of one or the other to be better depending on their study method. For the rest of people, both have 110,000 entries and are equally easy to use.

Google Translate

While it’s not a dictionary in itself, we can’t neglect this tool from Google. While it’s true that many of the American platform’s services aren’t available for users connecting from China, Google Translate is an exception.

You might ask why you would need to download this app if you download one of the dictionaries mentioned above. I’ll give you two reasons: the first is because it’s the only application that allows you to translate large phrases and paragraphs both ways (into and from Chinese) while maintaining a certain degree of coherency. For the type of translations that you’ll need during your trip, it’s more than enough and will let you move beyond 你好 Ni hao! (Hi!) in your conversations.

The second reason is that it offers a large number of language packages, and not only English or Spanish (for example, Catalan or Basque, which are official languages in Spain). On top of that, you can download the majority of these packages and use the application offline, which is a huge advantage for travelers.

8. The App of all Apps: WeChat

Some people say that WeChat is the Chinese equivalent of WhatsApp . Even so, the former has infinitely more uses than the latter. In fact, WeChat is used more like a social network than as a messaging service, as each account is associated with a profile where you can post photos, videos, share links, etc. which your contacts can access (if you have it configured that way).

But that’s not all: if you’re not interested in the likely routines of traveling, the application also allows you to link your credit card (it has to be Chinese) and to then make payments and money transfers immediately, whether at a small store, to a friend, in the subway, to buy movie tickets, to automate the balance of personal taxes and much more.

With all of these uses for consumers, it’s no wonder that more than half the population has an active WeChat account. Among Chinese people, it’s really common to ask for people’s WeChat contact info, as it’s a way of prying into the personal life of others and at the same time expands your personal network of contacts, which is so important in oriental society.

So, you shouldn’t be surprised if even before asking your name, people ask to scan your personal QR code that will let them send you a friend request (you can accept or reject). Personally, I think this is a really interesting way of establishing contacts in China who can be very helpful during your stay.

WeChat is available in 20 languages in addition to Chinese and is capable of translating text messages received in any of these languages into the language you have configured in your profile. Therefore, it’s a huge advantage to travelers in China, as not only does it facilitate a means of communication with people but it also helps to reduce the language barrier.

9. Web content search engine: Baidu, Bing, and Google

The most used online search engine in the Asian giant is called Baidu. Like Google, it has many other functions, although these aren’t too interesting for travelers. While it’s really useful for looking up information or webpages in Chinese, it isn’t very useful for other languages, and not even English.

As always, there’s an alternative: Microsoft’s Bing . Bing carries out searches very similar to Google. You can put your search keywords in whatever language you want and it works perfectly in the Asian country.

Bing has a mobile app (for iOS and Android) that is used as a web content search engine as well as a browser in itself. This way, you can open the webpage that you choose in the same application or redirect it to your preferred browser.

10. Payment Apps: Alipay

In a country where cash payments are becoming increasingly rare and a separate banking network (Union Pay) exists, making payments and purchasing things can be frustrating for tourists.

In China, the most commonly used way of making payments is by using QR codes via the WeChat or Alipay apps.

While apps need to be linked to a local telephone number and a Chinese bank account, since late 2019, Alipay has been offering tourists the possibility of making use of this service by means of the Alipay Tour Pass .

Alipay Tour Pass features :

• Valid for 90 days
• Accounts can be reloaded with any international payment method
• Minimum top-up of 100 CNY (approx. 13 EUR)
• Maximum top-up of 2,000 CNY (approx. 260 EUR)
• Top-ops can be added multiple times
• Once the 90 days have elapsed, the remaining balance is returned to the bank account of origin

How to use an Alipay Tour Pass

• Search for and install the Alipay app
• Register with an email address or telephone number
• Look for “Tour Pass” in the app
• Top up the Bank of Shanghai card using your typical payment method
• Use all of Alipay’s services, such as scanning to make a payment or Didi to book a taxi

11. Music player: Kugou Music, QQ music

Given that platforms such as Spotify and YouTube aren’t available in China if you want direct access to your favorite music, you’re going to need to plan ahead. One option is to save all of your playlists on your phone’s memory. The other is to download a Chinese music player.

The two most popular ones are Kugou Music and QQ Music . You’ll be surprised by their quantity and diversity of songs from across the globe. While they’re only available in Chinese, both are very intuitive and have similar functions, so choosing one or the other doesn’t make a big difference.

These apps allow you to access a limitless supply of songs, videos, radio channels, or music programs via streaming . On top of that, you can create playlists and if you download the songs, you can listen to them whenever you want without needing to be connected to the Internet.

These are also a good way of familiarizing yourself with the panorama of Chinese music. Also, if you’re a karaoke fan, you’re in luck, as the majority of songs (not only Chinese songs) come with lyrics!

If you use these applications outside of China, you’ll see that QQ Music is very limited (due to copyright issues). However Kugou works both in China and outside of it, although you’ll have to download it directly from its webpage .

I hope that these recommendations help to make your trip more comfortable. As the virtual world is constantly changing and improving, don’t hesitate to leave a comment about your experience or any new and useful suggestion that you have. It will be greatly helpful in keeping us up to date!

Photo Credits: Photo by FOX on Pexels

About The Author

Andrea Lasheras

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10 thoughts on “the 11 best apps for traveling in china”.

There is a foreigner-friendly app for foreign guys, because you need to use some Chinese applications when you travel, study or work in China, the app named “laowai”, which can translate the Chinese websites/applications to the national languages in seconds. You can get all kinds of services in China easier after using laowai app.

Thank you Elaine, but most of the apps suggested here have an English version

For city maps, I use MAPS.ME (Android). It has downloadable maps for all of China, province-by-province. It’s free (with adds but they don’t usually show in China!), shows tourist sites, and you can “pin” your own sites. I find it excellent and use it anytime I’m out-and-about.

Hello Nigel,

yes, Maps.me is also good!

Google translate also has optical character recognition these days. You can highlight specific text on a pic, or the camera will actually translate before you even take the pic! It’s miraculous.

China Train Booking app is the best app I used when I was travelling in China for 2 months. This app along with the staff were a complete life saver. The app clearly sets out train times, ticket availability, journey length and cost. You submit tickets to be booked and have the option to provide a ‘plan b’ if the tickets aren’t available. Staff will get in touch with you if there are any problems getting the correct tickets and will walk you through all the alternative options! They were so helpful during the busy Chinese New Year period when we were struggling to find tickets. If tickets are available, they will usually book them for you within minutes. With their confirmation email, they provide enormously helpful PDFs setting out useful phrases, station layout, what to do if you miss your train, how early to arrive, etc etc. I honestly have nothing bad to say about the app / staff.

Thanks for the suggestion

I’d add the Baidu Translate app. It works like Google Translate, except it also has a free optical character translation option that works well.

For those who read Chinese, meituan is really handy too.

Hello Kevin,

thank you for the feedback : )

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10 Essential Apps You Must Have for Travelling in China

There’s no Google, WhatsApp or Uber in China, but there’s Baidu, WeChat and DiDi.

Visiting China, especially for the first time, can be daunting when you realise most of the apps you use on a daily basis, i.e. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube, are  blocked . But in a country of 1.3 billion, can there really not be a single soul who uses any of the aforementioned apps? It’s impossible .

To get around the “Great Firewall” of China, you’ll need a Virtual Private Network (VPN) either in the form of an app, or WiFi device. More details below!

When The Travel Intern sent the four of us to China for two whole weeks , we didn’t realise the stumbling blocks we’d face.

It wasn’t just about planning the itinerary and booking the accommodation like we do on regular trips. For this one in particular, after figuring out how to get around the banned websites, we faced another hurdle — credit cards.

Without a credit card from a local bank, we couldn’t use e-payment at all — the most common mode of payment in China! We found ourselves hunting for ATMs (that would take our card) all over the city when our credit card transactions couldn’t go through. So take a lesson from our book and bring lots of cash.

Read also: Out of Luck in China: 12 Cock-Ups Everyone Faces While Travelling and How to Overcome Them

Despite these challenges, we’ve definitely learnt more about travelling in China and how to ensure we’re better equipped for our next rodeo! Here are our top 10 apps that will make your trip to China a helluva lot smoother:

1) VPN Proxy Master

VPN Proxy Master allows you access to blocked sites while protecting your IP and location. The VIP plan (S$12.98/week or S$16.48/month) allows you to choose the country’s server you want to connect to, while the free version automatically links you up to the fastest one.

The VIP plan is suitable for those who need access to sites that are only available in certain countries. For the average traveller, the free version does the job!

You can switch your VPN on easily via phone settings.

2) Baidu Maps (百度地图)

Find your way around the city with ease using Baidu Maps ! Between Baidu and Google Maps, we found it much easier to refer to Baidu especially when we took taxis.

Local drivers recognise road names better when they’re in Chinese and the Baidu app uses Chinese by default. Alternatively, you can set the language for Google Maps under your phone settings. However, we found Baidu to be more accurate than Google Maps in China anyway.

3) Pleco – Translation App

Pleco is a translation tool that we used very often in China, mostly during meal times when there weren’t English translations for the menu.

It’s also handy for those who want to hone their understanding of the Chinese language!

WeChat is one of the most widely used and versatile apps in China. It functions as a messaging, social media and mobile payment app, and is one of the main modes of communication between locals.

People here don’t exchange numbers; they exchange WeChat IDs by scanning their unique user QR codes. Unfortunately for us travellers, our international credit/debit cards aren’t compatible with the app so we’ve only got two out of the three functions to enjoy 😅

We found this app very useful in communicating with our Airbnb hosts because it doesn’t require you to get a SIM card!

Read also: 19 Reasons to Visit China’s Most Underrated Cities — Wuhan, Changsha & Zhangjiajie

5) Air Matters

Pollution in China, especially in the more populated cities like Beijing, Guangzhou, Xi’an and Shanghai, can reach levels that are detrimental to our health.

Air Matters provides real-time information about the air quality in cities around the world. It also warns you of high levels of pollen in the air, whether wearing a mask is necessary and whether outdoor activities are recommended.

Add-ons include functions like being able to connect to air purifiers at home or in the office, operate them remotely, and receive an alert when the filter is due for a change.

Miss the convenience of ride-hailing services like Grab/Uber when you’re overseas? DiDi is the most widely used ride-booking app in China.

It also comes in an English version which makes it user-friendly for tourists! It’s still possible to hail a taxi from the side of the road, though during peak hours it becomes nearly impossible to get a ride the traditional way.

7) China Train Booking App

The China Train Booking App is very useful in planning your route from one city to the next. It tells you exact departure and arrival times, as well as seat availability right down to the different tiers — soft sleeper, hard sleeper, hard seat etc.

8) MetroMan

Download the metro map of the cities you’re visiting before your trip and have easy access to it on the go. With maps of over 35 cities throughout China, receive information such as fare prices, travelling times, train departure and arrival times, as well as the number of transfers and which lines to take.

9) Da Zhong Dian Ping (大众点评)

Find yourself in a pickle deciding what to eat? Da Zhong Dian Ping tells you what’s good near you! Get reviews, photos of the place, information on how to get there and opening hours. But it’s not all about food, it also has recommendations for places to stay, shopping malls, massage parlours and other attractions in the same app.

Read also: 18 Things to Eat in Central China Under S$20 — Wuhan, Zhangjiajie & Changsha

Waygo is the perfect translation tool with a camera function that translates Chinese, Japanese and Korean on the go! The free trial version allows 10 free translations per day but there are purchase options: S$9.98 for unlimited translations in any one of the languages and S$16.98 for unlimited translations in all three languages.

You can also unlock three days of unlimited translations for free by completing a short survey (three questions)!

Bonus: WiFi Device or 4G SIM Card

The choice between a  WiFi Device (VPN already included) or 4G SIM Card (used with VPN app) rests mostly on: (1) the number of people/devices connected and (2) nature of internet usage.

Our Review: WiFi Device — While we managed to obtain information on the go, the internet speed was slow (we had two to three devices connected). Telegram and WhatsApp worked most of the time, but there were several instances where we had trouble establishing an internet connection. Social media sites like Instagram took much longer to load and upload.

4G SIM Card (with VPN Proxy Master app) — Ideal for those travelling alone, and for more than a week. Browsing speeds were noticeably quicker for those of us using the 4G SIM Card as compared to the rest who were connected to the WiFi device. Renald (on the SIM card) even managed to stream a soccer match live while some of us struggled to load messages on Telegram…

Read also: 12D Central China Itinerary to Ancient Gems & Undiscovered Sights

Know of other life-changing travel apps? Let us know in the comments below!

Like what you see? Follow us on  Facebook ,  Instagram , and  YouTube  for more travel updates!

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Best Phone Apps for Traveling in China

Life in China gets easier and easier and much of this new-found convenience has to do with the apps on your smartphones. 

Here are a few of the essential apps you need on your devices if you're going to be in China.

If you’re going to be using your smartphone in China and you’re going to be here for more than just a few days, we highly recommend downloading WeChat. This app is ubiquitous in China. While it is mostly used for social media among friends, it is also a great communication tool. You can use it to communicate to your tailor (each of you has a “translate” button so you can message in English and your tailor can message back in Chinese…and you’ll understand 90%).

If you’re planning to be in China for a longer period of time, WeChat is essential. And if you’re living here, get your bank account set up and then link it to the wallet function within WeChat. More and more things can be paid for by this app making cash seem obsolete.

CityWeekend

This great app is available for Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Suzhou and Shenzhen – and you don’t need multiple apps, you can change the city within the app. This is great for figuring out where to eat and drink as well as other venues like “swimming pool” or “antique market”. The listing gives you a function to show the taxi driver in Chinese so you won’t be stumped once you sit down in a cab.

Note: the information on this app can be outdated (things change fast in China). If you can call ahead, it’s advisable.

China Air Quality Index

Those of us who live here are addicted to this app. It gives you the Air Quality Index (AQI) for wherever you are in China or the nearest big city. You’ve heard about it: the air pollution is bad in most of China. Use the AQI index to help you gauge whether or not to take that morning run outside or hit the gym.

The app works similar to weather apps by showing you the local AQI for wherever you are. But you can add cities to your listing so you can follow the AQI of other places you may be traveling.

By now, everybody is pretty familiar with Uber, the car service. While taxi apps are plentiful in Chinese cities, if you don’t read and write Mandarin, they can be really difficult to manage. Uber has an English interface and you can use your international credit card for payment. (You'll want to warn your card company in advance if you plan to use Uber abroad.)

Notice when you use it that there are several car choices at the bottom of the app. “People’s Uber” is the least expensive option. “Uber Black” is the most expensive.

As of the writing of this article, Uber’s network in China covers the following cities, making it very convenient to visitors, especially business travelers who are more likely to be in big cities: Chengdu, Foshan, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Hong Kong, Jinan, Macau, Qingdao, Shenzhen, Guiyang, Tianjin, Wuhan, Yantai, Beijing, Chongqing, Dalian, Nanjing, Ningbo, Shanghai, Suzhou and Xi’an.

You won’t be able to use Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Google or YouTube and you won’t be able to read the New York Times or the Wall Street Journal online without employing a VPN on your devices. If you’re going to be in China long-term, we advise paying for a service such as StrongVPN or Astrill. However, Betternet is a free VPN that works reasonably well and there’s no reason for a service if you’ll only be in China for a short time.

If you’re going to be trying to decipher Mandarin, you’ll need a good dictionary. We like Pleco. You can look up words in English for the translation and you can also look up words by inputting pinyin or Chinese characters. It also has a function that pronounces the word or phrase.

There are a lot of currency converters out there but the one we like best is called Currency. The app’s interface is very easy and you can input multiple currencies. For ease in China, just input your home currency and the RMB and you’ll be able to decipher prices quite easily.

Waygo uses the camera on your phone to capture Chinese words and translate them into English. The translations can be a little wonky but at least you’ll know if what you’re ordering is pork or donkey.

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Top China Travel Apps

China is a top travel destination for people around the world. With the rise of technology and its availability on mobile devices, travel apps are developing to make our trips more organized and efficient. These apps provide quality information in a variety of ways to make life easier for travelers. So what are the best travel apps to use in China?In this article, we’ll present the top China travel apps that can help make your trip more enjoyable.

The number one travel app for China is Trip.com. It provides comprehensive travel-related services, such as an interactive map to make finding Chinese attractions and locations easier. With exclusive features such as personalized travel discovery, online check-in, and flight and hotel information, Trip.com puts travel ideas in your fingertips. You can also book all your China travel needs such as transportation, accommodation and activities. Moreover, Trip.com offers amazing discounts that can be combined with cashback promotions for even more savings.

China Highlights, another top-rated travel app, has made headlines for its efficient service and expert travel advice. It helps you make customized travel plans according to your budget and duration. You can book tours online with their instant booking engine. Their customer service team is available for 24 hours to answer any inquiries you may have. The app is also available in multiple languages, making it an ideal choice for travelers from other countries.

Eeasing, another app of choice, offers a range of features that make finding the perfect destination an effortless task. It features an up-to-date database of travel guides and recommendations from experts in the field. You can search in real-time for weather, events, hotels, restaurants, bars and cafes. Plus the user-friendly design interface allows you to fine-tune your search results according to your preference, so you can locate the best deals in the shortest time.

What’s more, China has a dedicated app for travelers: ChinaInsight. It is a great source of information related to traveling with its facts, videos, images and news about China. It can help you plan your trip with the latest and comprehensive data. The app also provides updates on entry requirements and customs regulations. For the most part, ChinaInsight is your one-stop-shop for all your china travel needs.

Finally, the mobile app Qingfei is a great choice for finding unique ways to explore China. It provides in-depth travel information on locations, restaurants, hotels, and activities. With its intelligent search engine, you can locate the best spots to visit with ease. Plus, you can get creative with how you explore the cities by finding interactive routes. In addition, the app also offers local news and events that are happening in the most popular cities.

Advanced Features Made Easy

We can see that the travel apps mentioned above have features that make it easier for tourists. Trip.com offers the convenience of multiple languages and discounts while China Highlights provides expert advice and assistance. Those who are comfortable with an online interface can explore the world with Eeasing. The ChinaInsight app is a comprehensive source of information while Qingfei offers an innovative and interactive approach.

These travel apps serve as indispensable companions for those who are travelling in China. The selection of these apps makes it easier to plan trips and navigate the country. Plus, they are available on both iOS and Android phones, and can be used from anywhere in the world.

Compatibility

All of the above-mentioned apps are designed to be compatible with multiple devices, so you can use them without any issue. They run smoothly on both iOS and Android, so it will be easy for travelers to use them. Moreover, the data in these apps is updated regularly so you can have the latest information about your favorite destinations.

In addition, many of these apps also have language support. For instance, China Highlights has local language support for Chinese, English, French, German, Spanish, Dutch, Italian and Portuguese. This makes navigating China much easier.Plus, if you have any queries, you can contact their customer service to get the help you need.

Privacy Protection

Travelers are always concerned about their security, especially when travelling abroad. Rest assured, the above-mentioned apps are secure and reliable, providing peace of mind during your trip. All of these apps use the latest encryption technologies to ensure the safety of your data. Furthermore, they have clear privacy policies in accordance with Chinese law, and make sure that your personal information is protected.

Finally, all these apps have easy-to-use interfaces. Even if you are not familiar with technology, you will be able to understand them quickly and navigate the features without any issue. With this, you can focus on enjoying your trip without worrying about the technicalities.

Reviews and Ratings

If you are still unsure about which travel app is the best, then you should turn to reviews and ratings online. Most of the apps mentioned in this article have favorable customer ratings, which tells us that they are reliable and trusted. In addition, users have given positive feedback for the customer support they offer, as well as the features they provide.

Apart from ratings, you can also find reviews from other travelers who have used these apps. These reviews will help you learn more about the reliability of the apps and the features that they offer. Reading these can give you an idea of what you can expect from the app.

Traveling in China can be daunting, especially if you are not familiar with the area. But with the right tools, you can make your trip more enjoyable and easier. China has some of the best travel apps that can help you explore the country hassle-free. From Trip.com to Qingfei, these apps offer features that can help make your journey memorable and stress-free.

John Melendez

John J. Melendez is a journalist, author, and commentator specializing in Chinese culture, politics, and international relations. He is a frequent guest on radio and television programs, and is the author of several books on Chinese culture and politics. He currently resides in Beijing, China.

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Do you dream about moving abroad? YEAH THAT'S ME

10 Best Apps For China Travelers and Expats

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Whether you’re heading to China for a week or a year, there are a few apps you’re definitely going to need on your phone.

Due to China’s internet censorship (among other things), most of the apps you’re used to using back home or on your travels just don’t work in China! Uber, Google Maps, Facebook – sorry, but don’t count on these in the PRC!

So get your app store open, because there are a lot of app downloads in your future!

Free Guide: 10 Steps to Landing a High Paying Job in China

Apps For China Travelers and Expats

Whether you’re a traveler or expat in China, there are a few apps you’ll definitely need on your phone to survive!

Gotta post this on WeChat!

WeChat is everything in China. A combination of Whatsapp, Facebook, Instagram, Venmo, and more, you can do pretty much anything on this app.

As a traveler, you’ll probably want to download Wechat just because  everything  happens here. You’ll be able to message the people you meet, scan QR codes for discounts, or even use it to find out about local events.

If you’re an expat, this is the #1 app you need to have on your phone. Everyone uses Wechat to message one another. You can join giant groups of up to 500 people covering any topic imaginable: women in business, local expat neighborhood groups, nightlife, housing, even cat owners in your city! Seriously.

You can also hook WeChat up to your Chinese bank account and pay for anything under the sun using the app! Want a $1 Jianbing pancake ? Just scan the QR code using your app and pay with your phone! You can also top up your phone plan through Wechat, send money to your friends, split a bill in a group chat, and more!

Share your thoughts and photos on their social media “Moments” feed. Book flights and train tickets. Hail a taxi… seriously, this app has EVERYTHING.

Download Apple | Download Android  

THIS is why you text them immediately (they might still call though)

2. Didi Dache

Didi Dache is China’s version of Uber. Thankfully they now have an English version of the app, so you can hail a taxi without Chinese. You can even add foreign credit cards now!

This app pretty much works just like Uber. You type in your destination (in English!) and check the location on the map to make sure it looks accurate. Then you’ll be sent the info of a driver.

I 100% recommend using one of their pre-written options to tell the taxi driver you’re already at the location waiting for him. If you don’t do this, the driver will CALL you and that’s never fun. They might call you anyway, and if that’s the case, just message him and tell him you don’t speak Chinese.

The app auto-translates English to Chinese, so as long as you type something very basic, the driver should be able to understand.

This app is GOLD for travelers and expats because oftentimes taxi drivers are racist hesitant to pick up foreign passengers. Most Chinese people use Didi to hail taxis now as well (it’s one of the options), so even Chinese people have trouble hailing a taxi without an app now!

The app also allows you to select your destination in both English or Pinyin (romanized Chinese) making it SUPER easy to select where you want to go.

Download Apple | Download Android 

While I’m not typically one to pay for apps, this is one of those times where it’s necessary. Pleco is AMAZING and all of my friends and I use this app.

Pleco is a Chinese-English dictionary in app form that you can access without internet (which is a godsend for travelers and expats alike).

You can type in English and it will give you the result in both Chinese and Pinyin! This means that you can pronounce the word yourself ( if you dare ), or you can just show the Chinese character translation to someone!

This app is perfect for short translations, however, doesn’t really work for full sentences. If you need to translate one word, this is your absolute go-to.

Let me translate my Lijiang haiku into Chinese…

4. Baidu Translate

Now, if you need to translate full sentences, Baidu Translate is the second app you need. It’s basically exactly the same as Google Translate, but it’s not blocked in China. Yay!

I use this to translate long strings of text or the inevitable super-long Chinese text message I get from my bank or phone company. It actually does the job pretty well!

My go-to VPN!

5. Express VPN

EVERYTHING is blocked in China . Facebook, Twitter, Youtube, Instagram, Google, Gmail, Google maps, Google docs… basically anything with the word “Google” in it…

When you come to China, you 100% need a VPN. I recommend Express VPN because that’s the VPN I personally use. It works great, they have excellent customer service, and they stay on top of all of the Chinese censorship updates.

If you’re an expat in China, be sure to grab their 1-year plan. But if you’re just traveling, they have pretty affordable 1-month plans too!

Once you buy your VPN plan, you’ll get very easy to follow instructions on how to download the program on your computer. You’ll then need to download the Express VPN app where you can use your purchase code to access your VPN on your phone too.

Now you can Instagram your coffee on the go!

Download Express VPN!

6. Airpocalypse

Are you worried about China’s pollution? Never fear, Airpocalypse is here!

With Airpocalypse you can check the AQI (Air Quality Index) of your city before venturing outside. As a long-time China resident, I typically wear a pollution mask if the AQI is over 200, but if you’re just traveling for a few weeks, I wouldn’t worry about it unless it’s over 400. A few days of pollution are definitely not going to kill you.

Airpocalypse is great because it tells you when you should avoid outdoor exercise and when you should wear a mask using little jokes. This makes it super easy to know when you should take precautions.

In China, I check the AQI every morning like a normal person checks the weather!

Don’t get lost when you’re out exploring!

7. Baidu Maps

Since Google Maps is blocked, you’ll need to use another mapping app. If you have Apple Maps, you can use that to make sure you don’t get lost. However, I know most people hate Apple Maps, so even if you do have a built-in mapping system, you’ll probably want Baidu Maps.

If you haven’t already noticed, Baidu is the Chinese Google. Baidu search engine, Baidu Translate, Baidu Maps… it’s basically just Google Maps but for China.

Don’t we look fabulous?

Apps For China Travelers

Travelers and expats in China have vastly different needs, so for the last three items on the list, I’ve decided to give each group their own recommended downloads! Three traveler apps, and three expat apps!

These apps are my go-to travel apps regardless of where I am, but they work in China too and I highly recommend them to any traveler!

Find cheap flights to Hong Kong!

1. Skyscanner

Skyscanner is my go-to app and booking site when it comes to finding cheap flights all over the world! The best part about Skyscanner is that it checks all of the budget Chinese booking sites (like Ctrip and Elong) for you so you don’t have to check them individually anymore!

When in China, your browser might change you to a site called Qunar. This is the Chinese version of Skyscanner and is literally exactly the same. You can change back to the English version for Skyscanner, or you can just download the Skyscanner app!

My super cool hotel in Dali we booked on Booking.com

2. Booking.com and Hostelworld

I used  Hostelworld religiously when I traveled solo, but now that I travel with my fiance Chris, I exclusively use Booking.com . Thankfully, both sites work GREAT in China. These sites and apps are what I use to book hostels and hotels in China, and I never have any issues.

While there are other Chinese booking sites, you’ll probably end up at a hotel that either 1) doesn’t have English-speaking staff, B) can’t legally host foreign guests (yes, that’s a thing), or C) both.

Just use Booking.com and thank me later.

photo by Xe

3. Xe Currency Converter

This is my go-to currency conversion app. I use it constantly when I travel, and I highly suggest downloading it for any trip. This way you don’t have to remember that $1 is 6.2 RMB (or whatever it happens to be this week).

This app also works without internet. Just download the currencies you need and do your converting on the go!

Apps Just For China Expats

While the three above don’t really apply to you as an expat (unless you’re planning a trip!), the next three apps are MUST-HAVES for every expat in China. I used them ALL the time and they will make your expat life so much better.

Get roujiamo delivered!

1. Food Delivery: Waimai and Eleme

As an expat in China, you’ll probably want to get food delivered. Well, lucky for you, getting food delivered can actually be CHEAPER than going to a restaurant because apps like Waimai and Eleme actually give incredible discounts constantly.

With tiny $.50 cent delivery fees that are usually covered by a discount, what’s to lose? Yes, these apps are in Chinese, but they’re super easy to navigate. Just click around until you find a restaurant that looks good, and use the pictures to order familiar dishes. Easy!

You might want a Chinese friend to help you set up your address in the app, but otherwise, you should be able to use this app without speaking Chinese .

PS- Download Meitun for SUPER CHEAP movie tickets and other awesome deals!

I got SO much apartment stuff on Taobao

2. Online Shopping: Taobao and JD

If you love Amazon, you’ll be obsessed with Taobao and JD!! Both of these online shopping sites are actually incredible.

I use JD.com (Jing Dong) to order high-quality products like electronics, appliances, and things that tend to be on the more expensive side. JD does a lot of quality control and has great return policies. Think of it like ordering directly from the Amazon store. I’ve bought a GoPro, Rode Podcaster Microphone , cat food, and really nice rice cookers, pans, and more from JD.

Taobao is the place you go for literally anything and everything else. Seriously, you can find anything you could ever want on Taobao ( and things no human could ever possibly want ).

Want a bowl that allows you to cut lettuce and veggies for salad? I bought one on Taobao for about $1 USD. Want a nice desk for your room? I bought one for $15 USD. Want potted plants? I bought those too.

While you can access these websites in English by using Google Chrome’s auto-translate, I also like having the apps because I find them super user-friendly (even if they are in Chinese), and I can use them to track my orders and find old orders much more easily than the website.

Again, just have a Chinese friend or coworker help you set up an account.

When bikeshare gets out of control

3. Bikeshare: Mobike and Ofo

Bikeshare in China is AMAZING. Seriously, you can’t even walk five feet without seeing a bike for rent. I love how convenient the system is, and that I can literally leave my bike wherever I want! I’ve grabbed a bike at my subway stop and taken it home for literal pennies. I can grab a bike when I’m out and about to get from a shop to a restaurant that’s not quite within walking distance – it’s amazing!

These apps are great because all you need to do is put a deposit (usually 200 RMB) into the app, create an account and you can get a bike whenever wherever! The app will give you an unlock code, and then you just pay for the bike once you’re done. I’ve literally never paid more than $1 USD.

Want to know the best part? These apps are in English!

Need help planning your China trip?

Do You Need More Help Getting To China?

Whether you’re moving to China or heading there for a week or two, the PRC can be super intimidating. Thankfully I’ve created a few awesome resources to help you get started!

Travelers: Get Your Ultimate China Survival Guide!

I’ve created a 6,000-word FREE ebook survival guide for your trip to China! We’ll cover everything from possible itineraries, to food, to getting around without speaking Chinese and more!

Get Your FREE Guide!

Are you moving to China?

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If you’re at all interested in teaching abroad in China and want to learn more, I highly suggest grabbing my free guide: 10 Steps to Landing a High Paying Job in China (that’s not a scam) .

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What Do You Think?

Did I miss any apps? Did you learn anything new? Which apps will you be downloading? Be sure to let me know in a comment below!

Seriously, I’m always checking back for new comments and questions, so if you leave a comment below, I’ll be sure to get back to you ASAP!

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4 comments on “ 10 best apps for china travelers and expats ”.

This is such a great resource Richelle. I’ve heard of the VPN on this very site, and of course, as a fellow travel blogger, I have ALWAYS used the Xe Currency Converter. And when they made an app a couple of years back, I was all over it, and it has never let me down.

If only it was around back in the day when we really needed it, still it’s absolutely invaluable when travelling outside the continent! :D

haha yeah that XE app is my LIFE, especially here in Vietnam where $1 is roughly 20,000 dong. Once things get in the hundreds of thousands or millions I just get completely lost…

Wechat now has a scan and translate feature. For hotel bookings especially within China can use trip app (English version of the Ctrip.com website). Ctrip also has English services so can call them for flights, trains or hotels bookings. Prices similar to booking.com or agoda.com

Awesome! Thanks so much for suggesting these! I knew Trip.com was the new English booking version for CTrip, but that’s super convenient they have an app too! I’m also really excited to test out the new Wechat scan translate feature. Thanks for mentioning that!

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Hi I'm Richelle! I'm the founder of the Freedom Life and I've been living abroad since 2013. For the last eight years, I've been helping hundreds of adventurous people just like you move abroad, and I can't wait to help you get started on this incredible adventure!

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The Best Travel Apps for China

Unless you’re fluent in Mandarin, traveling in China can sometimes be a daunting thought. But thanks to the wonders of modern technology, there are now apps to help foreign visitors with almost every aspect of their trip to the Middle Kingdom. Download the best travel apps for China from this useful guide and you’ll be ready to go. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, don’t forget to check out our great range of Hotels in China .

Stay Connected with Express VPN

You may have heard of the Great Firewall of China. Inside China, much of the wider global internet is blocked. To explain, only government-approved websites and apps can be accessed via the normal internet in China. There is, however, a way around this problem for foreign travelers. Before you land in China, download the Express VPN app. VPN’s work by setting the user’s location to another country, like the United States or Singapore. This allows you to continue using the internet as normal, thereby avoiding the Great Firewall blocks.

Easily Book Trains in China with the Trip App

China has one of the most modern, efficient, and fast rail networks in the world. But booking train tickets in China as a foreign visitor can often be difficult. Most stations have few or no English signs and even place names can be hard to decipher from Chinese characters. However, the Trip.com app makes the entire process incredibly simple. Search for Chinese train tickets in English, book the service you want, pay by card and the app will provide you with a handy on-screen sign to show at the ticket collection window. In addition, many of the larger stations and bullet train services now have e-tickets, allowing you to skip the ticket collection stage altogether. Simply book your ticket on the Trip.com app and scan the e-ticket QR Code at the platform’s gate. You can experience the excitement of traveling onboard one of China’s bullet trains with our Leshan Giant Buddha and Luocheng Ancient Town Tour from Chengdu by Train .

Explore with Metro China Subway App

If you’re planning on doing a lot of sightseeing in China’s main cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Chengdu, the Metro China Subway is one app you need to download. China’s Metro systems are a fantastic way to explore. They’re generally very clean, run on time and have stops at all of the major tourist attractions. With the Metro China Subway app, you can plan your travel around the city with maps, schedules, and recommendations for what to see and do nearby.

Grab a Cab with Didi Chuxing

China’s answer to Uber, the Didi Chuxing app is the best way for foreign visitors to book a taxi in China. Many Chinese taxi drivers will speak no English, even in the big cities. With Didi Chuxing, you can easily book a pickup and drop-off point in English, with a built-in translator for messages between yourself and the driver. Use Didi Chuxing to get to all the best tourist attractions or to start a tour, like our Best of Shanghai Private Day Tour .

Explore China’s Cities with Maps.me

You’ve landed in China. You’re ready to start exploring. But your Google Maps app won’t work. As one of the victims of the Great Firewall of China, no Google app will work in China. But you can still explore with Maps.me, the easy-to-use and user-customizable offline map app. Maps.me has the advantage of being usable worldwide without the internet – simply download the country and city you are visiting before you go. Previous travelers can also pin places on the map and leave recommendations, meaning you’ll discover some fantastic hidden gems as you use them.

Try the Best Food in Town with Da Zhong Dian Ping

Want to eat where the locals eat? Or discover the best-kept secret in town? Da Zhong Dian Ping is a community platform with reviews on over a million different places to eat across 300 cities and towns. The app provides addresses, opening hours, contact information, and online bookings, as well as filters to search by popularity and budget. If you’re interested in discovering more of the best-kept secrets in Chinese cuisine, join us on a Beijing Evening Hutong Food Tour.

Stay Healthy with the AirVisual App

It’s no secret that China’s air quality isn’t the healthiest in the world. For travelers sensitive to air pollution, including those suffering from asthma, it’s worth downloading an air quality app before you travel. One of the best apps for this is AirVisual. The app provides a seven-day forecast, allowing you to safely plan outdoor activities.

Do Everything in China with WeChat

The best travel apps in China list wouldn’t be complete with China’s number one app – WeChat. Known as Weixin within China, the app has more than 300 million registered users. Primarily a messaging app, WeChat has grown to include a huge list of functions. It can be used for booking trains, flights, and events, for health services and to pay for almost anything, anywhere with WeChat Pay. Depending on which country you are in when you download WeChat, you’ll have access to different features. You may also need an app invitation from a Chinese friend for some elements.

Say What You Mean with Waygo

Award-winning Waygo is one of the best travel apps for China. The easy-to-use app translates signs, food menus, and characters with just a click. Moreover, Waygo doesn’t even require a connection to the internet. The app can be a lifesaver when eating in China, where English menus and translations are few and far between.

With your phone packed with the best travel apps for China, you’re almost ready to go! Check out our great range of Tours in China and read our Chinese Culture Guide before setting off. If you’re looking for inspiration on the best places to visit, don’t forget to take a look at our Insider Travel Food Guide .

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Top 20 Must Have Apps in China for Travellers and Expats

Looking for must have apps in China before your plane takes off?

We've rounded the 20+ best apps in China to make your China travel easier.

A simple guide of best apps that work in China for foreign  travelers. 

Visit all Apps in China

Some apps don’t work in China since they are blocked by the GFW . It is a must to use VPNs for China to access your Gmail, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and Twitter, etc.

Best VPN For China

I personally tried many other VPNs, and finally decided to stay with ExpressVPN since it is the most reliable one.

When you are travelling to China, it is the best choice to ensure a stable connection to Facebook, Gmail, Youtube, Google, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, ...

• I can use it on up to 3 different devices at the same time.
• One VPN client for all your devices.
• 30-day money back guarantee.

Best Language Apps in China

Google translate.

While many Google services are blocked, Google Translate is working petty well in China. Thought it is not always 100% accurate, it is useful for looking up how to say simple sentences especially as it shows the Pinyin as well as the characters for Chinese.

Best Social Apps in China

Wechat (微信).

The ultimate all-in-one communication app, used for messaging, payments, and even hailing taxis.

This is the top one and recommended for you to get in touch of your local Chinese friends, or other expats in China. Nowadays, weChat ID is more popular than your phone number in China. This Chinese developed app has become one of the world’s most popular mobile messaging and social networking platform.

Send text, voice messages, photos, and make phone and video call to friends no matter where they are, for free. Users can post status and share photos and links on their “moments” timeline, through a feature similar to Instagram and Facebook.

With the huge active user base in China, WeChat has become a marketing platform with all kinds of possibilities. Enterprises are setting up official WeChat accounts to do wechat marketing.

Scan to Follow SinoStep

This micro-blogging app is the Chinese equivalent of Twitter and is a good way to keep up to date with what’s going on in China. Since most content is in China, You may need to know some Chinese.

If you have a QQ number, then this official app from Tencent is the best way to use it online. Though Chinese people prefer using wechat now, most of them still use QQ as an alternative social solution and many QQ groups are still very active. People in China normally do not use Skype, WhatsApp, etc.

20 Must Have Apps for Travellers and Expats in China

Best Maps and Navigation Apps in China

Google maps 谷歌地图.

Google Maps is the best comprehensive maps service throughout China, as it is fully available in English and makes it easy to navigate around even if you don’t speak the language. As for now, this google-powered service is blocked and cannot work in China without VPN.

so you don’t need to bother installing other Map Apps.

Autonavi Navigation 高德导航

Autonavi Navigation is China’s most popular in-car GPS with maps iPhone app. Now it supports English language.

Baidu Maps 百度地图

Since Google (and therefore Google Maps) is blocked in China, this is the best way to properly navigate around town. However, you need to be able to type in Chinese! The app works the same like Google Maps, which lets you calculate directions. However, Baidu Maps makes it possible to check accurate bus schedules and even shows you prices for taxis!

Apple Maps 苹果地图

Apple Maps in China is becoming solid after IOS 9 released in 2015. And the map data is licensed from AutoNavi.

Best Transport Apps in China

Didi chuxing 滴滴出行.

More widely available with bigger market share. Acquired Uber in 2016 and became stronger. It is integrated in WeChat and you can use WeChat payment to use the app.

Best Local Consumer Service Apps In China

A popular app for food delivery, group buying, and local services.

Another popular food delivery app with a wide range of restaurant options.

Dianping 大众点评

Just like Yelp for China. Hundreds of restaurant reviews, including features like showing highly rated restaurants near you. This app offers you a similar service to Yelp! providing you with a range of reviews, descriptions and locations of restaurants, bars, accommodation around China. Dianping also has a feature that show highly rate restaurant around your current location.

Best Entertainment Apps In China

“Youku” offers you a great selection of Chinese, Korean and foreign dramas, movies and other TV shows for free!

iQIYI (爱奇艺) - A video streaming app with a large selection of Chinese movies, TV shows, and other content.

Best Travel Apps for China

Hotels in China, Air Flight Tickets For China

A popular travel booking app for flights, hotels, and train tickets in China.

China Air Quality Index (AQI) (空气质量指数)

An app that monitors air quality in real-time across major Chinese cities.

is one of the world’s fastest-growing online hotel platforms. Today, Agoda offers hundreds of thousands of accommodation options around the globe with service and support in over 40 languages. Operations have been set up in Singapore, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur, Tokyo, Sydney, Hong Kong, and Budapest, and an additional presence can be found in major cities across Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and the Americas.

Book Your Hotel in China!

a leading online accommodation booking website with properties ranging from international chains and all-inclusive resorts to local favorites and bed & breakfasts, together with all the information needed to book the perfect stay. Special apps for mobile phones and tablets can also be downloaded enabling customers to book on the go with access to 20,000 last minute deals. Hotels.com LP is an affiliate of Expedia, Inc. (NASDAQ: EXPE).

Deals of the Day in China

Booking.com B.V., part of the Priceline Group (Nasdaq: PCLN), owns and operates Booking.com™, the world leader in booking accommodations online. Each day, over 1,200,000 room nights are reserved on Booking.com. The Booking.com website and apps attract visitors from both the leisure and business sectors worldwide. Established in 1996, Booking.com B.V. guarantees the best prices for every type of property, from small, family-run bed and breakfasts to executive apartments and five-star luxury suites. Truly international, Booking.com is available in more than 40 languages, and offers 1,243,979 active properties in 227 countries and territories.

Now, It's Your Turn.

What are your favorite apps in china , related posts, best map app in china that works, china reopens for international group tours and “flight + hotel” packages: a new era for travel.

60 Essential Things to Know Before You Visit China for Business

6 thoughts on “top 20 must have apps in china for travellers and expats”.

I tried Didi before, but they only accept China bank card, a US bank issued credit card can not be used to call a car service . Any good taxi app you can recommend that accept a foreign bank credit card?

Hi， Michael， Wechat now supports more International credit card, you can check whether your bank is included in their list. https://www.sinostep.com/wechat-payment-foreigner/

Another choice is Shenzhou 神州专车

The fare is a little bit expensive and there are fewer cars, a car rental company with more standard services.

Shenzhen supports Paypal, so you can use it directly.

My personal experience is better with Shenzhen.

Hi. I will be going to Beijing next week. I’m wondering if I can pay cash using Didi? Any tips? Thank you

It is a good way to protect yourself from taking high price rides by some insatiable greedy drivers.

If you need to buy train tickets in China, I would recommend China Train Booking app. This app is really helpful, and its customer service is excellent! No matter when you need help, you can contact them on the phone or Wechat. And no worry about the payment – they accept credit card, Paypal, Wechat, and Alipay. Super easy to use!

I am really thankful to the holder of this site who has shared this wonderful post at here.

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The Best Map App for China: A Comprehensive Guide for Travelers

Updated on: August 26, 2023

As a frequent traveler, I’ve found that having a reliable map app is essential, especially when visiting China. With a plethora of options available, it can be challenging to choose the best one for navigating through this vast country.

Having carefully considered various apps, I can confidently say that Apple Maps and Google Maps are among the top choices. Although Apple Maps comes pre-installed on iPhones and has turn-by-turn spoken directions, the need for aa VPN arises when using Google Maps as the service remains blocked by the Great Firewall of China. However, both apps are fully available in English, making it easy for travelers to explore the country without language barriers.

Besides these popular options, there are many alternative map apps to explore as well, ensuring that travelers have a seamless experience navigating through the beautiful cities and landscapes of China.

Table of Contents

Types of Map Apps

Web-based apps.

In my experience, web-based map apps can be convenient options for users who prefer not to install dedicated apps on their devices. These apps, accessible directly through a browser, often offer similar features to their native counterparts, such as routing and point of interest searching. While web-based apps might not have the same level of detail or integration as native apps, they still provide valuable information to help travelers navigate China. For example, Apple Maps can be a good choice for iPhone users, as it offers decent detail and accuracy for most locations in China source.

Native Apps

On the other hand, native apps tend to offer more in-depth features and real-time information, as they are developed specifically for a particular country or region. For China, apps such as Baidu Maps and Amap stand out as popular options for locals and travelers alike source. Since these apps are native to China, they provide comprehensive access to points of interest and offer real-time traffic information, allowing users to make informed decisions about their travel routes.

Top Map Apps in China

Name in Chinese: 高德地图 (Gaode Ditu)

As someone who frequently travels to China, I find Amap (or Gaode Map) to be one of the most reliable and popular mapping apps in the country. The user interface is clean and easy to use, with comprehensive mapping data and accurate navigation services. Amap is available in both English and Chinese, making it easily accessible for foreign travelers.

Tencent Maps

Name in Chinese: 腾讯地图 (Tengxun Ditu)

Another great option for navigating in China is Tencent Maps. Tencent is a well-known and respected technology company in China, responsible for popular apps like WeChat. Tencent Maps offers real-time traffic updates and detailed directions, making it a reliable choice for locals and tourists alike. The app is available in English, which is a significant advantage for travelers who don’t speak Chinese.

Name in Chinese: 百度地图 (Baidu Ditu)

Baidu Maps is a popular choice for map services in China. It is created by Baidu, a leading Chinese search engine company, and offers many features like real-time bus tracking, indoor maps, and voice-guided navigation. The app is predominantly in Chinese but has some English functionality; however, it might be less convenient for travelers who are not proficient in the Chinese language.

Name in Chinese: 苹果地图 (PingGuo Ditu)

For iPhone users, Apple Maps is a viable alternative to other map apps in China. Apple has significantly improved its mapping services in recent years, and it now provides comprehensive and accurate map data for China. The turn-by-turn spoken directions are helpful, and the app is available in English. This makes it an excellent choice for travelers who already have an iPhone and prefer not to download additional apps.

Deciding Factors for the Best App

Offline maps.

As a frequent traveler, I find it essential to have access to offline maps. This feature allows me to explore cities without relying on an internet connection or Wi-Fi. The best map app for China should offer this functionality to ensure users can navigate with ease.

User Interface

The app’s user interface plays a crucial role in the overall user experience. A clean, intuitive design with well-organized functions makes it simple for me to find what I need quickly. Therefore, the best map app for China should have an easy-to-use interface and seamless navigation.

Real-Time Traffic Information

While commuting in China, real-time traffic information is invaluable to avoid congested areas and delays. This feature would enable me to plan my routes more effectively and save time on the road. The best map app for China should provide accurate real-time traffic updates, helping users to efficiently reach their destinations.

Language Support

As a foreigner exploring China, I need an app that supports both English and local languages. This feature makes it easier for me to understand the map and get around, even if I can’t speak Chinese fluently. The best map app for China must have robust language support to cater to users from different backgrounds.

GPS Accuracy

Accurate GPS tracking is crucial for me to navigate confidently in unfamiliar places. The app should enable me to pinpoint my exact location and offer precise directions to my destinations. In summary, the best map app for China should have excellent GPS accuracy, ensuring users can rely on it for successful navigation.

Comparative Analysis

I have looked into the various map applications available for use in China and found some interesting insights. Gaode Map is the most popular map and navigation app in China, with around 491 million monthly active users as of December 2022. In a close second place is Baidu Map, another highly popular option among locals and travelers alike.

When comparing Gaode Map and Baidu Map, I noticed a few distinct differences. Gaode Map seems to focus more on providing detailed, accurate directions and traffic information, making it ideal for navigating in densely populated areas. Baidu Map, on the other hand, emphasizes its integration with other Baidu services, such as search and local reviews. Both apps are available in English and Chinese, ensuring a comfortable experience for non-Chinese speakers.

While Google Maps is a widely respected and commonly used map service around the world, it is not generally accessible in China due to the Great Firewall. Although some users can find creative ways to use Google Maps in China or access it via a VPN, there are inherent risks and the need for a more reliable alternative.

In addition to the popular Chinese map apps, there are other alternatives available for travelers visiting China. Here Maps and Maps.Me are two global map services that offer offline functionality and detailed maps for a variety of locations, including China. These options can act as valuable supplementary tools to Gaode Map and Baidu Map when navigating unfamiliar regions and limited internet access.

In summary, travelers and expats in China have several quality choices for map applications, with Gaode Map and Baidu Map leading the pack in terms of popularity and localized functionality. Additionally, Here Maps and Maps.Me offer offline navigation options, making it easier for users to find their way around the country without relying on constant internet access.

Tips for Using Map Apps in China

In my travels to China, I’ve discovered a few useful tips for making the most of map apps. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience while navigating the streets and landmarks of this vast country.

Download Maps Ahead

Before embarking on your trip, it’s essential to download maps of the areas you plan to visit. This not only saves time and data usage but also ensures that you have access to your location and directions even if the internet connection is unreliable. Depending on the map app you choose, like Baidu Maps or Gaode Maps, you can easily download offline maps for specific cities or regions in China.

Carry Extra Power Supply

While using map apps can be incredibly helpful, it’s important to remember that they can quickly drain your device’s battery. To avoid getting stuck with a dead phone in the middle of your journey, I always make sure to carry a portable charger or an extra battery pack. This ensures that my device stays powered, and I can continue to access my maps and other important information throughout the day.

Enable Roaming

Although China has many Wi-Fi hotspots, they might not always be accessible, especially in rural areas. To ensure seamless access to my maps and other vital apps, I enable data roaming on my device. It’s important to note that roaming charges can be costly, so be sure to check with your service provider to avoid any unexpected expenses. Alternatively, you can also purchase a local SIM card with a data plan to stay connected while exploring China.

By following these tips, I’ve found that navigating China using map apps becomes a much more manageable task. With the right preparation and resources, you can confidently explore this amazing country without worrying about losing your way.

Conclusions

In my research, I have found that there are several great map apps for traveling in China. Apple Maps is a reliable option for iPhone users, as it offers turn-by-turn spoken directions and is available in English source . However, it may not be an option for those using Android phones.

For a more inclusive solution, I discovered that Google Maps is considered the best comprehensive maps service in China despite being blocked by the Great Firewall source . To use Google Maps, you would need a VPN beforehand. This is a great choice for travelers as it is available in English and easy to use even if you don’t speak Chinese.

Among the local options, Gaode Map and Baidu Map are popular choices with a large number of monthly active users source . Both are efficient when it comes to navigation, but may have limited English support.

Regardless of your choice, I would recommend having a backup map app to ensure smooth navigation in China. Additionally, a VPN might come in handy not only to access Google Maps but also for other blocked services such as Facebook and Twitter.

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I moved to the United States at the age of 15 for high school and later graduated from Cal State University. After working for a while, I decided to return to my homeland, China. Now, I live in northern China again with my family, rediscovering the place I call home.

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Top 20 recommended apps for expats in China

Here are 20 apps (in no particular order) highly recommended for expats who live or travel in China.

1. WeChat 微信 

WeChat is a mobile social network application with more than a billion users. Developed by Chinese technology giant Tencent, it is the Chinese version of WhatsApp and the most popular instant messaging service in China. Users can send voice messages, photos, videos and text messages, make audio and video calls, chat in groups, and share their real-time location with friends. Users can also post updates, photos or videos on the app's social function, or 'pengyouquan'. WeChat Pay is also one of the top online payment options in the world.

2. Weibo 微博

Weibo is a leading social media platform for people to create, share and discover content online, like Facebook and Twitter. Users can post updates and express ideas in real time. They can create and post a feed, attaching multi-media and long-form content. People can also follow any other user and add comments to a feed while reposting. Its search list enables users to follow the hot issues and breaking news.

3. Meituan 美团

Although food delivery is its core business, Meituan is an on-demand platform that covers a wide range of services, including gourmet recommendations, takeaway food orders, delivery of daily necessities and medicines, hotel booking, discounts on tourist products, and customer ratings. It helps make the lives of its users more convenient, and has become a must-have app for many people.

4. Dianping 大众点评

A Chinese equivalent of TripAdvisor and Yelp, Dianping not only provides users with business information, consumer reviews and discounts, but also offers 'online-to-offline' trading services such as group-buying, restaurant reservations, on-demand delivery and electronic membership cards. Users can make an informed decision on a purchase after scrolling through a large number of genuine customer reviews.

5. Eleme 饿了么

Similar to Deliveroo, this app enables people to buy food, search for nearby takeaways, make a reservation, or even update the takeaway delivery at any time. Users can also add their favorite restaurants to collection lists, and enjoy discounts.

6. Hemaxiansheng 盒马鲜生

Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group's online-to-offline fresh produce retailer Hemaxiansheng, or Hema Fresh Store, serves as a supermarket, restaurant and food market, providing users with a one-stop shopping experience ranging from fresh food to catering services. Consumers can place orders on the app and enjoy a 30-minute door-to-door delivery service within three kilometers.

7. Taobao 手机淘宝

Similar to Amazon, it meets the needs of users' daily consumption and online shopping, including daily necessities, cosmetics, entertainment, books, and electronic appliances. Many brands, such as Uniqlo, have opened digital flagship stores on it.

8. JD 京东

The JD app sells 40.2 million products in 13 categories, including electronic appliances, digital communications, computers, household supplies, clothing and accessories, maternal and infant supplies, cosmetics, personal care, food, and travel.

9. Alipay 支付宝

As one of the leading independent third-party payment platforms in the world, Alipay provides users with secure and fast electronic payments, online payments, mobile payments, transfers, payments of water, electricity and gas fees and credit card repayments, as well as Yu'ebao, an internet-based money market fund.

Pleco is a Chinese dictionary app with several functions, and one of the most widely used and highly-acclaimed products in its field. Users can query in Chinese, English, Pinyin, handwriting, and glyph. It has abundant word explanations and provides a large number of references on related phrases while listing similar-looking Chinese characters.

11. Baidu 百度

Baidu is a Chinese search engine that contains a variety of data. Known as the Chinese version of Google, it can help you find the information you want. At the same time, it regularly pushes news and videos to users.

12. Ctrip 携程旅行

A Chinese equivalent to Expedia and Priceline, Ctrip provides many kinds of travel services including accommodation reservation, transportation ticketing, package tours, corporate travel management, guides to attractions and hotels, and food recommendations.

13. Gaode maps 高德地图

China's equivalent to Google Maps, the Alibaba-backed map service provider Gaode offers precise positioning and can recommend the best route to your destination. It will provide a corresponding travel plan depending on the means of transportation you choose. Users can also get information about traffic restrictions and toll fees on it.

14. DiDi Chuxing 滴滴出行

Didi Chuxing is a mobile transportation platform, offering a full range of commuting options, including taxi hailing, private car hailing, Hitch (social ride-sharing), chauffeur services, shuttle buses, test drives, car rental, travel solutions for businesses, and bike-sharing.

15. Linkedln  领英

LinkedIn is the world's largest employment-oriented social networking platform. It offers job opportunities to users with multilingual services.

16. Boss Zhipin BOSS直聘

Boss Zhipin is a mobile recruitment app, which directly connects job seekers and employers. Users with better Chinese can chat on the app with business executives or even company founders one-to-one to get offers efficiently.

17. China Daily 中国日报

China Daily is the largest English portal in China, providing domestic and international news, and has columns including China, World, Opinion, Business, Sports, Watch this, Culture, Travel, and Lifestyle.

18. Iqiyi 爱奇艺

Similar to YouTube, Iqiyi is a Chinese provider of high-quality video and entertainment services. Users can enjoy abundant and diverse resources covering films, TV series, animation, and music on it.

19. Douyin (Tik Tok) 抖音短视频

Douyin (Tik Tok) is a popular social media app that allows users to watch, create, and share short videos on mobile devices. Users can watch and produce personalized feeds of quirky and creative short videos. Besides adding effects like filters, background music, and stickers to their videos, users can also collaborate on content even if they're in different locations and create split-screen duet videos.

20. Keep 

Keep is a fitness app providing one-stop sports services such as online running training, cycling fitness diet guidance and equipment purchase and even social networking. Its personalized training courses help users improve their fitness exercises. It can also record the data and enables you to share them with other users on the platform.

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Apps for China: 11 Useful Apps for Expats in China

Table of Contents

China is a fascinating, yet sometimes challenging country to navigate.

Google, Instagram, Facebook, platforms you’re probably used to by now, are blocked here. For a lot of people this can be unimaginable, but The Great Firewall is no joke.

You’re probably wondering: then how can I survive in China?

Well, to make your stay in China a lot easier, I’ve compiled this list of 11 must-have apps to use in China as an expat. After studying and living in China, I’ve learned what apps are the most important to download.

Especially if you’re planning to stay in China for a little bit longer, for example to study , it can be extremely helpful to download the following apps as soon as possible:

1. WeChat (微信 ( wēi xìn ) in Chinese)

Had it not been for my family and friends living outside of China, China almost made me forget about Whatsapp, Instagram, Facebook and other social media platforms.

When you’re in China, you will definitely need to download WeChat, as this can be viewed as the Chinese version of Whatsapp (also: Wechat is not censored like other social media platforms are).

Wechat is more than that though, you can post things on your feed, you can use it to pay and you can even use it to translate things such as menus. The app WeChat is the primary line of communication in China.

Google is censored in China and the maps provided by Google Maps are not accurate. Therefore, it’s a much better idea to download maps.me beforehand to make sure you can count on some offline directions.

I cannot recommend this free navigation app enough.  During my first few days of studying in Shanghai , I had drastically underestimated the absence of Google Maps.

I got lost on multiple occasions for hours and hours. As I did not speak any Mandarin, asking people for directions wasn’t really going well either.

3. Alipay (支付宝 ( zhī fù bǎo ) in Chinese)

Alipay is a great way to pay for everything during your stay in China. Compared to other countries, the use of a QR code to pay has been around for a lot longer in China. With Alipay you can easily scan QR codes and pay directly.

As mentioned above, you can also use Wechat as an E-Wallet during your stay in China. However, this requires a Chinese phone number to be able to work. If you don’t have this or if something goes wrong setting this up, Alipay will be a great alternative. 

What’s even more convenient about Alipay, is that it has more apps built into the app. Such as DiDi (taxi app), a bike renting app and a translation app.

4. Astrill VPN / LetsVPN

As China has its own Great Firewall, you will need a reliable VPN while you are staying in China. You will need this VPN if you want to visit Instagram, Facebook and other censored platforms. The VPN that I have found most reliable is ExpressVPN.

Make sure to download the app before you come to China. The only time that this VPN became less reliable for me was during the Golden Week, when the national holidays of the People’s Republic of China are being celebrated.

Update March 2024: ExpressVPN isn’t working that great anymore in China. The most preferred VPN in China right now is Astrill . Another good VPN right now is LetsVPN .

5. Meituan (known as 美团 ( měi tuán ) in Chinese)

The Meituan app makes it possible for you to order a taxi in China. Do keep in mind that this app is exclusively in Chinese. Another alternative for ordering a taxi used to be Didi, except this sometimes disappears from the App store because of a crackdown by the government.

6. China Train Booking

This app makes it easier to book a train in China. The train system in China is excellent and it will really add to your experience in China to make use of traveling by train.

The app is in English, which makes it easy for foreigners to use. Besides, you don’t have to print your tickets, as e-tickets are widely accepted in China.

7. Ctrip (携程旅行 in Chinese)

Another transport app I recommend is Ctrip, also known as Trip.com. This app makes it possible for you to book trains, flights and hotels in China. 

8. Taobao (淘宝 ( táo bǎo ) in Chinese)

Taobao is a shopping heaven. Whatever you are looking for, chances are high that you will find it on Taobao. Although this app is in Chinese, I think you can still be able to make it work without speaking a word of Mandarin. While I was in China, I ordered a lot of clothing from Taobao and they often arrived very quickly. 

9. Ele.me ( 饿了么 ( è le me ) in Chinese)

This app will open a whole new world for you in China, especially if you are a foodie like me. It literally means ”are you hungry?”. The app is used by locals and foreigners alike and offers an enormous range of food delivery in China.

You will need to put your address in Chinese. But after you’ve managed to do this, you will quickly learn why this was worth it. During my stay in China I was really surprised by how incredibly fast the food (and bubble tea!) delivery through this app was. 

If Google is blocked, what search engine should you use? Well, there is the option to use Baidu, a widely used search engine in China. However, everything is in Chinese.

Therefore, if you’re still not able to use Google and if you cannot read Mandarin, opt for Bing instead. 

11. Baidu Translate (百度翻译 ( bǎi dù fān yì ) in Chinese)

I cannot recommend this app enough. This app makes communicating with local people a whole lot easier. It is the best Chinese/English translating app out there if you ask me. 

Lastly, there are many more Chinese apps you could download during your stay in China. However, I think the apps mentioned above are the must-have apps to use in China.

If I would add all the apps that could be of use in China, the list would be too long and there would be no overview (or space on your phone!) of what to really download and what not. This is why I’ve only compiled a list of the must-have apps to use in China.

If you’ve read this list it may sound like visiting China is a pain in the ass. Especially due to the existence of The Great Firewall. I must admit staying in China can be challenging at times, but it’s all worth it in the end.

If you’ve set up these apps correctly, living or studying in China can even be very comfortable! It can even be more comfortable than what you’re used to at home. 

In conclusion

The apps listed above currently are the best apps for China. If you’ve set up these apps correctly, you will be able to order food which arrives quicker than you can imagine.

You will be able to communicate with locals on the Chinese version of Whatsapp, you will be able to pay everywhere very easily by just scanning the QR code and you will be able to immerse yourself even better in the unique culture that China has to offer.

Traveling in China is very affordable and regardless of whether you want this or not – it will get you out of your comfort zone. 

Besides all of this, you will also be able to travel throughout China to landscapes you did not even know existed, such as Huangshan, Yellow Mountains .

Away with Danae

See more China travel content here:

• A Travel Guide To The Untouched Shengsi Islands in China
• What Studying at Shanghai Jiao Tong University Is Really Like
• The Shanghai Confucian Temple: A Hidden Oasis of Peace

The Shanghai Jewish Refugees Museum: A Unique Place To Visit

• A Hidden and Unusual Gem: Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre
• Essentials for Traveling in China

Danae is the founder of Away with Danae. She is 25 years old, has traveled to over 40 countries and has a background in migration law and consular affairs. Danae aims to help you discover the lesser known gems of the world. She specifically focuses on authentic travel experiences in Europe and Asia.

Similar Posts

Essentials For Traveling in China, By a Former Expat

Shengsi Islands, China: The Ultimate Travel Guide for 2024

Huangshan: One of The Most Spectacular Places in The World

What Studying at Shanghai Jiao Tong University Was Really Like

Shanghai Propaganda Poster Art Centre: A Hidden and Unusual Gem

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Top 28 Chinese Apps You Must Download in 2024

No access to Google, YouTube, Facebook or Whatsapp in China? No problem!

The Great Firewall of China might prevent you from browsing your usual sites and platforms, but there are plenty of alternatives and essentials that will tide you over.

Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, moving here for study or work, learning Chinese or not, here’s a list of the 28 must-have Chinese apps that cover all the bases.

3. ExpressVPN

4. sogou input, china travel and transportation, 6. china train booking, 8. metroman china, shopping apps in china, 10. xiaohongshu (red), chinese food and restaurant apps, 12. dianping, 14. meituan waimai, 15. that’s, chinese social media, chinese media apps, 18. bilibili, 21. tencent video, dictionary and translation apps, 22. baidu translate, 23. microsoft translator, 24. trainchinese, apps for learning chinese, 25. hsk study and exam – supertest, 26. hellochinese, 27. ninchanese.

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Developer: Tencent

Monthly active users: Over 1.2 billion users

Available on: iOS | Android

Price: Free

If there’s one app in this list that you can’t live without in China, it’s WeChat. Referred to locally as 微信 (wēi xìn) , it’s your primary line of online communication with family, friends and coworkers.

WeChat has several in-app translation functions. Plus, it’s equipped with OCR (Optical Character Recognition) technology, meaning you can translate images of text scanned with your phone.

In addition to being the main form of online communication, it’s also an e-Wallet. WeChat Pay is one of the most popular methods of payment in China. If you select the “Pay” function, you can pay for utilities, phone bills and more.

Developer: Alibaba

Monthly active users: 711 million

If you’re staying in China for three months or less, Alipay or 支付宝 (zhī fù bǎo) is what you need.

Most Chinese e-Wallets require a Chinese phone number and a local bank account. But if you download the international version of Alipay, you can sign up with your regular number and connect an international bank card to the app.

Since only certain establishments accept foreign bank cards as a payment method, it’s better to be safe with Alipay than sorry.

Alipay also includes a health mini-program. Depending on what establishments you visit, you may be asked to present your health code for entry.

Developer: Express VPN International

Price: Paid, free trial available

ExpressVPN will help you bypass the Great Firewall and let you browse the internet as you normally would. And if you’re an Android user, ExpressVPN will let you access the Google Play store.

While it might be pricier compared to similar apps, Chinese residents favor ExpressVPN because of its multi-platform capability, vast number of servers and overall speed.

Just remember that you need to download the app and follow these steps before you come to China.

Developer: Sogou

Monthly active users: 506 million

Price: Free with paid premium options

Sogou Input or 搜狗输入法 (sōu gǒu shū rù fǎ) is an intuitive keyboard that makes Chinese typing a breeze.

You don’t have to worry about switching between the handwriting and pinyin keyboards built into your phone, as Sogou lets you do it all on one screen. There’s also voice input if you don’t feel like writing manually.

Other features include text prediction, a grammar checker, custom emojis and skins, stickers and GIFs.

In addition to Chinese, there are keyboards for English, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Russian, Arabic and French.

Developer: Trip.com

Monthly Active users: Over 50 million

Although there are many apps and mini-programs for booking flights and hotels, Ctrip still manages to be the most popular method for travel planning.

Ctrip or 携程 (xié chéng) is the Chinese version of Trip.com.

Used by locals and foreigners alike, Ctrip accepts payment methods such as Chinese bank cards, WeChat Pay and Alipay. So it’s ideal for China-based foreigners who don’t have an international debit or credit card.

But if you’re a traveler with an international bank card, the standard Trip.com app will make more sense for you.

Developer: China Highlights International Travel Service

Metropolises like Shanghai and Beijing conveniently have designated ticket booths for foreigners, but you might not be as lucky with Tier 2 and 3 cities .

Thankfully, foreigners have access to China Train Booking, an app for buying train tickets in English. So if you struggle to speak Mandarin or read Chinese, this is definitely what you need.

Even Tier 1 city dwellers will find this app useful since they can book their tickets ahead of time rather than arriving early at the station to wait for the next available train.

Also, note that train stations in China accept e-tickets.

Developer: Meituan

Monthly active users: Over 667 million

There are multiple options for hiring cars and taxis, such as Alipay. But for cheaper rides and extra discounts, 美团 (měi tuán) is where it’s at.

Meituan isn’t exclusively a ride-hailing app— it’s primarily a shopping app for local goods and services, and car hire is one of the features there.

While Meituan is exclusively in Chinese, you can follow this guide to make it easier for you to use.

You can search for your destination using pinyin, and I recommend saving your favorite destinations in your notes for easy copying and pasting.

Developer: Wuqiu Ping

Shanghai and Beijing boast two of the world’s top 10 best metro networks . China’s subway systems in Tier 1 and Tier 2 cities are extensive. So at some point during your stay, chances are you’ll be taking the subway.

If you have plans to explore a larger region, I recommend downloading the MetroMan China app, which contains subway maps for 43 cities. Using the app offline, you can look up fares and plan your route.

It’s also available in 11 languages, which is perfect for non-native English speakers.

Monthly active users: 875 million

If you can’t live without the convenience of Amazon, 淘宝 (táo bǎo) has got you covered.

Taobao has tons of stores for international companies that have set up shop in China. Still, if you can’t find a specific brand or item, Taobao recommends a domestic—and often cheaper—alternative.

Note that everything on the app is in Chinese, with no in-app translation feature for chats. Be prepared to have your preferred translation app ready just in case the sellers need to communicate with you.

As an Alibaba app, you’ll need to sign up with an Alipay account.

Developer: Xingin

Monthly active users: 158 million

Also known as “Little Red Book” in English, 小红书 (xiǎo hóng shū) is like a combination of Instagram, Pinterest and Amazon.

It was first introduced in 2014 as an e-commerce platform for fashion and luxury goods, but it has since grown into a content-sharing app where users can write posts and upload pictures and short clips to review, advertise and offer tips on products.

Naturally, this is where you’ll find lots of Chinese influencers. So if you’re interested in what products are trending or want to read honest reviews before you make any purchases, Xiaohongshu will come in handy.

Monthly active users: 6.83 billion

Available on: iOS | Xiaomi

盒马鲜生 (hé mǎ xiān shēng) or Hema is a cashless grocery chain that allows residents in Shanghai, Beijing, Shenzhen and Guangzhou to shop in-store with nothing more than their phones.

They also have the option to get their groceries delivered to their homes through Hema in as little as 30 minutes after checkout.

While shopping for domestic and imported items in their physical stores, you can also scan barcodes to discover the origin of products.

Since it’s owned by Alibaba, you’ll need an Alipay account for checkout.

Monthly active users: 628.4 million

Available on: iOS

Known as 大众点评 (dà zhòng diǎn píng) in Chinese (which literally translates as “public reviews”), Dianping is China’s answer to Yelp.

In addition to restaurants and latest food trends, you’ll find information on businesses like hotels and entertainment venues. You’ll also see info on door-to-door services like babysitting and moving companies.

Besides seeing what’s popular among the locals, you can also use the app to make reservations, grab great deals, book hotel stays and purchase tickets to movies and special events. Just be aware that this app is entirely in Chinese.

Developer: Shanghai Rajax Information Technology Co., Ltd.

Monthly active users: 75 million

Meaning “are you hungry?” in Chinese, 饿了么 (è le me) is the go-to food delivery app for locals and foreigners alike.

Even though the app is in Chinese, it’s not difficult to figure out how to use it since everything has pictures.

But if you still struggle after a while, you can access Ele.me through the WeChat mini program. That way, you can use the WeChat translate function.

Discounts are automatically included on the order page and additional discounts can be found on the payment page. And besides food and drinks, you can also order groceries, medication and toiletries from participating stores and pharmacies.

Monthly active users: 100 million

Although you’re spoiled for choice on Ele.me, some restaurants deliver exclusively through Meituan Waimai or 美团外卖 (měi tuán wài mài) .

Personally, I don’t use Meituan Waimai very often, but the app comes in handy when I want to order from places like Papa John’s.

You can always compare the discounts for restaurants that appear on both apps to get the best possible deal on your meal.

Note that Meituan Waimai is separate from Meituan (the ride-hailing app).

Meituan Waimai is also available as a WeChat mini program.

Developer: China Intercontinental Press

Although this one’s more of a general lifestyle news and listings app, I mostly use That’s for finding brunch and holiday meal deals, food-related events and newcomers in the Shanghai F&B scene.

But That’s also keeps you updated on current affairs, new restaurants, weekend markets, school community news, travel inspiration and much more.

T he best part is that everything is in English , although Chinese is included sporadically for names, addresses and such.

Originally a magazine for expat families in Shanghai, That’s has since expanded into multiple platforms and is now operating in various cities like Beijing, Shenzhen, Guangzhou, Tianjin, Suzhou and Sanya.

Developer: Sina Co.

Monthly active users: 584 million

Available on: iOS (intl. version) | iOS | Android

微博 (wēi bó) or Weibo is the mainland version of Facebook and Twitter. Whatever’s going on in the news or trending in online communities, you’ll find it there.

And like all social media platforms, Weibo is also used for seeing what your friends are up to.

While mostly used by native speakers, international celebrities and foreign brands also use Weibo to reach out to Chinese fans.

The original Chinese app has a translation feature to cater to non-Chinese users, but the English translations aren’t the best. Unless you know some Chinese, you might want to consider using the international version instead.

Developer: Microsoft Co.

Monthly active users: Over 1 billion worldwide

With Google and Yahoo blocked in China, the Chinese rely on local alternatives Baidu and Sogou. But as popular as those two search engines are, they’re not foreigner-friendly.

Thankfully, Bing survived.

It was blocked temporarily and has since received a Chinese makeover (with censored search results), but the most important thing is that foreigners can use it in China without a VPN. 

Google is available once you’ve got your VPN on , but it’s good to have Bing as a backup search engine when your VPN is acting up.

Developer: Bilibili Inc.

Monthly active users: 332.6 million

哔哩哔哩 (bì lī bì lī) or Bilibili has been dubbed as the YouTube of China. Many people also call it “ B站 ” (B zhàn) , meaning “B-Station.”

It started as a video-sharing platform for anime, comics and gaming content, but it’s since grown to host broad-spectrum entertainment, from lifestyle videos to educational clips.

But unlike YouTube, Bilibili has a unique commentary feature that creates a sense of community while watching videos, where comments are displayed in real-time.

Developer: KuGou Technology

Monthly active users: Over 308 million

Meaning “cool dog” in English, Kugou or 酷狗 (kù gǒu) has become one of the top three most popular music streaming apps in China. It allows you to listen to the radio and download and play songs, albums, podcasts and audiobooks from their massive library.

And if you love to sing along to your music, the lyrics conveniently appear on the screen , so you don’t have to manually search for them on your browser.

If you’re feeling brave, you can even live-stream your karaoke session!

Developer: iQIYI Inc.

Monthly active users: 530 million

Binge all your favorites Asian dramas and browse for new titles on iQIYI or 爱奇艺 (ài qí yì) . With the library constantly updated, you’re guaranteed to find everything from the classics to the latest trending shows.

Some movies and episodes are available for download with only a free account!

And no worries if you can’t read Chinese. The international version of iQIYI offers multilingual support, allowing you to change the language setting from Mandarin to either English, other popular languages like Spanish or Southeast Asian options like Indonesian.

You can also upgrade to a premium account for exclusive content and ad-free video streaming.

Monthly active users: Over 574 million

Price: Free with paid premium content

If you want to go beyond Asian content, 腾讯视频 (téng xùn shì pín) or Tencent Video is the app for you. The library includes a mix of original productions, concerts and sports events.

In addition to Chinese dramas, variety shows and movies, you can also find Hollywood hits and international TV shows on the platform.

These videos can only be accessed with a premium account, but you can stream the first episode of a season for free. In addition to exclusive video content, a VIP account also lets you stream in HD.

Known as 百度翻译 (bǎi dù fān yì) among locals, Baidu Translate offers the most accurate English-to-Chinese translation of all the apps. Numerous native speakers have relied on Baidu Translate alone to learn English and other popular languages.

It includes learning features like bilingual texts, vocabulary help for official exams, pronunciation guides and much more.

But if you aren’t a native or fluent Chinese speaker, the next best thing would be downloading Microsoft Translator.

Available on: Android

Microsoft Translate is for you if you want to translate between Chinese and other languages . It’s straightforward and user-friendly, with options for translating text, audio and pictures.

The latest update includes handy tools such as a phrasebook and a conversation function. And when verbal communication and translation functions fail, this chat feature allows you to have translated text conversations with native speakers who also use the app.

Developer: trainchinese

Trainchinese is a complete dictionary app that favors commonly used words to ensure you’re talking the way native speakers would.

You can switch between Simplified and Traditional Chinese and pick pinyin with tone marks or numbers. You can also use Zhuyin or the bopomofo system commonly used in Taiwan.

Trainchinese is packed with loads of other features, such as flashcards that include handwriting training. It also has OCR capabilities, which may provide you with more accurate English translation than WeChat or Microsoft Translator.

Developer: Shanghai Yuxuan Information Technology

The HSK or 汉语水平考试 (hàn yǔ shuǐ píng kǎo shì) is the official method for measuring Chinese proficiency, specifically your listening, reading and writing skills.

If you plan on taking the HSK , this app contains HSK vocabulary practice, mock exams and previously administered exams, all of which will be graded by teachers who provide corrections and detailed explanations.

Most importantly, it preps you for all six HSK levels. Believe it or not, most HSK apps only prep up to HSK 4 or 5.

Developer: HelloChinese Technology

HelloChinese offers gamified lessons catered to complete beginners. The bite-sized lessons get you speaking right away by introducing commonly used words and phrases with the help of pinyin, native audio pronunciation, grammar and culture notes.

The lessons test you on your listening, reading, speaking and writing skills so that you have a well-rounded Chinese language education.

And if you want to study offline, HelloChinese courses can be downloaded so you can learn Mandarin anytime.

Developer: Nincha Languages

Ninchanese is an excellent option for learners who are intermediate level and above.

Ninchanese is a gamified learning experience that aims to improve all language skills. On top of the interactive lessons, you can play and compete against fellow users. You can also chat to help you get used to typing in Chinese and see how natives talk to each other online.

Ninchanese also contains HSK content for levels 1 to 5 if you need extra help.

Although there isn’t an iOS app for Ninchanese, the website can still be accessed on Apple devices. Just make sure you visit Ninchanese via Google Chrome for the voice recognition feature.

You’ve made it to the end of the list!

Although it’s unlikely that you’ll need all 28 of these Chinese apps, it’s better to have all the information to prepare you for future adventures in China!

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30 essential travel apps every traveler needs before their next trip

When it comes to planning and taking a vacation, travelers rely on their phones now more than ever.

Travel apps are a source of inspiration and are extremely useful for booking and managing logistics — even making restaurant reservations or finding a great fitness class wherever in the world you're flying next.

From apps that help with everything from day-of hotel bookings and last-minute flight changes to those that serve as guidebooks and foreign-language dictionaries, travel is infinitely easier thanks to technology.

Apps can help you navigate a new city, make currency conversions, pack a perfect suitcase and even provide on-the-ground local expertise. Whatever you need when you hit the road, there's an app for that.

We've rounded up the most-loved apps here at TPG. Some may be obvious, and others more obscure, but either way, get ready to download.

Best apps for researching and booking trips

In addition to the apps for the airlines you fly most frequently and your favorite hotel brands, these apps can help you save money on flights and accommodations.

Hopper has changed in recent years from just offering a price prediction tool for flights to being a true online travel agency. The app helps travelers find the cheapest flights, hotels and rental cars.

Of course, Hopper also still offers its signature price prediction technology to help you plan out when to book, as well as travel protection options and a price freeze to help you lock in the lowest possible price on hotels and flights.

Kiwi is used mainly to book flights, but it also helps you book hotels (using its partnership with Booking.com) and car rentals (using its partnership with RentalCars.com).

Some of the app's most interesting features include the "Deals" section, which pulls in discounted flights, and the "Travel hacks" section, which includes options for hidden city ticketing, throwaway ticketing (making one-way flights more affordable) and free price alerts.

Hotel Tonight

A dream for last-minute travelers, Hotel Tonight ( now owned by Airbnb ) lets you book stays for the same evening up to a few months in advance in thousands of cities worldwide. Available hotel rooms are categorized into sections like basic, luxe, hip, charming and solid, so you can select what works for your vibe. Take advantage of the daily drop feature, where you swipe to find a personalized deal with a special price only valid for 15 minutes after unlocked.

At TPG, we love a good loyalty program, and HT Perks, the app's nine-level reward program, is extensive. Not unlike a video game, you "level up" by reaching specific spending thresholds on the app, and you'll gain access to perks like discounts, VIP customer support and credits. Also, your levels never expire, so you can only continue to move up.

To book home rentals instead of hotels, use the Airbnb app. After entering your destination and dates, you can filter results based on the home type, price, requisite amenities and more. If you find something you like, you can book directly through the app.

The app is ideal for managing your trips while on the road — you can access all your bookings under the "Trips" tab, where you can view your reservation (and the address or directions), contact the host or change your reservation. Once you have a booking, you can also explore and book local experiences in your destination, such as wine tastings, kayak tours, hikes, shows and concerts.

We can't talk about travel apps without mentioning the TPG App. Use it to track your credit card, airline and hotel points balances; earn points and miles efficiently through using the right credit card ; and research how many points or miles you'll need to book your dream getaway. You can even curate your own news feed so you see the news and advice that matters most to you first.

The TPG App is available for download on iOS . Android users can join the waitlist here .

Related: The TPG App has arrived — here's why you should download it now

Best apps for organizing a trip

From keeping all your documents in order to perfectly packing your suitcase without forgetting a thing, these are the best apps for organizing travel plans.

TripIt declutters your itineraries and documents by keeping them organized in one place. You can set your reservations to automatically send to TripIt, which lets you view travel confirmations, flight itineraries, tickets, hotel and Airbnb booking information, rental car reservations, ferry tickets and driving directions without ever leaving the app.

TripIt also makes it simple to share your trip plans with whoever picks you up from the airport or train station or anyone else who may need to coordinate with you. TripIt Pro subscriptions cost $49 per year and include extras like real-time flight alerts, security wait times, baggage claim information and updates on your loyalty reward programs.

Roadtrippers

Perfect for organizing that epic road trip you've always wanted to take, Roadtrippers plans out your driving route and lets you book hotels and activities along the way. The app is especially useful for finding interesting and off-the-beaten-path roadside attractions, cool restaurants and can't-miss landmarks you can bookmark.

A Roadtrippers Premium membership includes offline maps, live traffic information, overnight RV parking and more for $59.99 per year. For those looking to only venture on a few road trips per year, the app also offers a Pro ($49.99 per year) and Basic ($35.99 per year) membership.

PackPoint takes all the stress out of packing . The app shows you what to bring based on the length of your trip, the weather in your destination and any activities you're planning along the way. If you have access to laundry facilities at your destination, PackPoint even allows you to account for washing your clothes and wearing them multiple times.

Just download and install the app, type in the city you're visiting and plug in your travel details. So, stop waiting until the day before your trip — or the hours before you have to leave for the airport — and start packing now.

Best apps for navigating the airport and flights

Track flights, navigate airports and find airport lounges with these apps.

LoungeBuddy

LoungeBuddy offers access to premium airport lounges around the world, regardless of the airline or class you're flying. When you create a trip in the app and type in the credit cards you currently hold, it will tell you which lounges you have access to based on the airports you'll be transiting through and how to purchase access if you don't already have it.

You can purchase access on the day you're traveling or up to two months in advance if you're the plan-ahead type. If you prefer to search by lounge or lounge program, the app will tell you exactly what is needed to use them.

Priority Pass

Priority Pass offers access to more than 1,300 lounges worldwide and provides meal vouchers at select airport restaurants across the world for an annual fee starting at $99.

Several cards, including The Platinum Card® from American Express , the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card and the Chase Sapphire Reserve , offer Priority Pass memberships for all cardholders (enrollment required). Otherwise, you'll have to pay an annual fee to be a member and, depending on your membership tier, a fee to enter each lounge on top of the annual fee.

To use the Priority Pass app, enter the name or code of the airport you're in, and Priority Pass will pull up the lounges or restaurants that you have access to, including photos, hours, amenities and specific location information. For more information on the Priority Pass Program and how to gain lounge access, click here . Enrollment is required for select benefits.

Related: The best credit cards for Priority Pass lounge access

FlightAware

The FlightAware app allows you to track flights online, see a live map of a flight and check on delays, cancellations and gate changes. This app is especially helpful if you have a tight connection or want to track your flight.

It's also useful when picking up friends and family at the airport, as you can track their flight and see updated landing times or delays. AvGeeks will enjoy digging into flight statistics, flight maps and community aviation discussions on the app.

Best apps to use during your flight

Timeshifter.

What better way to cure jet lag than with an app? Timeshifter actually helps you avoid jet lag long before your flight takes off and also offers inflight and post-flight suggestions. The app relies on neuroscience research about sleep and circadian rhythms to provide personalized recommendations, taking into consideration your age, gender and normal sleep patterns — as well as specifics about your trip and travel plans. Timeshifter maps out when you should avoid or seek light, take a nap or try to stay awake. It even tells you if you should consider supplementing with melatonin or caffeine.

Your first jet lag plan is free, then $9.99 per plan, or you can enjoy unlimited plans for a year for $24.99.

Flying can cause anxiety — or provide a welcome relief from constant contact with our digital devices. Either way, use travel as an opportunity to relax, meditate or listen to soothing sounds that will lull you to sleep or a deep, relaxed state. Or, perhaps, you'll simply find it helps pass the time during a long flight.

Calm offers meditations on topics such as self-awareness, calming anxiety, breathing, lowering stress levels and happiness, among others. The app also has music options for focusing, relaxing and sleeping, as well as stories for adults and content for kids.

A limited selection of meditations and music is available for free (which you can download to use when you're offline or in flight). The premium version of the app costs $14.99 per month or $69.99 annually.

OK, so Netflix isn't really a travel app, but it can be a lifesaver during a long flight on an aircraft without seatback inflight entertainment or at the airport during an unexpected flight delay or boring layover. If you have a Netflix account, the app allows you to download your favorite shows onto your device to watch offline.

Just make sure to download your shows while connected to Wi-Fi before flying and check them again preflight to make sure they haven't expired (you can usually renew any expired downloads, but you must be connected to Wi-Fi or data to do so). Monthly prices vary depending on the plan.

Another app that's not really a travel app, Spotify can still be incredibly useful during tedious travel moments — just pop in those noise-canceling headphones and listen to your favorite music, meditations, podcasts and more.

The app's Premium plans (prices vary) allow you to download all your content offline on your phone, so you'll have it during long flights or when you don't have data or Wi-Fi access. Whether you want to take a morning jog in Bali to your favorite tunes or pass the time with a podcast on the metro in Barcelona, Spotify has it all.

Best apps to use in your destination

From exchanging money and sightseeing to communicating and knowing all the local tips and tricks, you don't want to land in a foreign city for the first time without these key apps.

XE Currency Converter

The XE Currency Converter app quickly provides live, up-to-the-minute currency rates, then allows you to store and view them even when you're offline. You'll never need to wonder if you're really getting a good deal in another country if you have this app.

Google Translate

Google Translate is a translation app that allows you to do it all — translate into more than 100 languages by typing, access 59 languages offline, translate via photo, translate bilingual conversations and even use the handwriting tool to translate.

The app is simple to use, too, with icons at the top you can click on to draw, take a photo, speak or type.

Not quite sure how much to tip when traveling internationally? GlobeTips will advise you on how to tip appropriately in more than 200 countries. It also offers a tip calculator for easy math. Globe also has apps for currency conversion, unit conversion and more that may be useful for travelers.

Related: The ultimate guide to tipping while traveling

For travelers globe-trotting with friends and family members or simply splitting the cost between groups, Tricount calculates shared costs and splits bills so you don't have to think twice about who owes what. Just enter your trip and currency and invite your travel mates to join your trip.

Each time someone pays for something, you enter the amount in Tricount, and the app splits everything up. You can also snap and store photos of receipts in the app. At the end of your trip, it will show the balances of who owes who what, making it easy to settle up.

Metric Conversions

Never be baffled by Celsius temperatures or suitcase weight in kilograms again with the Metric Conversions app . Whether you're measuring flour to cook at your Airbnb, figuring out distances for your Europe road trip or deciding whether to take a sweatshirt with you during your walking tour of the Great Wall of China, this app has you covered with easy conversions in volume, weight, temperature, area and more.

Google Maps

Google Maps is essential when visiting a new city (or even for getting around your hometown). You can map locations, get directions (walking, driving, public transportation, ride-hailing services and beyond) and see how crowded your subway will be in select cities .

You can make restaurant reservations, save your favorite spots and read and write reviews of attractions, eateries, shops and more. Make sure to download specific city or area maps ahead of time for offline access if you know you'll be without internet at your destination. For obvious reasons, the app works best when your GPS is turned on.

WhatsApp is a handy messaging service for travelers abroad as it uses an internet connection to avoid SMS fees.

It works like most other messaging apps: You start by creating an account, then add your friends and family members to contact and voila! You're able to call, video chat and send messages, images, voice memos, gifs and files just as you would in, say, iMessage (but with Android users too). You can also download WhatsApp on your Windows or Mac computer.

Best apps for planning activities

Traveling is about more than just getting from point A to point B. If you're looking for activities to add to your itinerary, check out these apps.

Meetup is an app designed for interacting with locals and other travelers who have mutual interests or shared hobbies. Whether you're traveling or at home, take what you love and do more of it with Meetup.

The app shows you groups that are formed around particular interests in your city, including yoga, photography, cooking, wine tasting, hiking, cinema and other activities. You can join groups to get updates on particular events you may want to participate in. The app can even help with networking, as there are many groups dedicated to business and technology. You might even be able to join a coworking group. Travelers with kids can participate in family-friendly meetups, and it's a great way for solo travelers to make friends and connect with others.

TheFork is one of the most useful resources for making restaurant reservations in Europe. Similar to OpenTable or Resy, the app lets you browse different restaurants by category and make reservations. TheFork features more than 60,000 restaurants in cities like London, Madrid and Geneva, as well as spots outside of Europe like Sydney, Australia.

The biggest perk is that many restaurant reservations come with discounts — in some cases, you can get up to 50% off your meal just by reserving a table through TheFork. Since we here at TPG are always down for earning rewards, make sure to monitor your YUMS — TheFork's reward system. You'll earn YUMS with each reservation, and when you hit 1,000, you receive a discount on your bill. Foodie travelers should also consider downloading these apps , too.

Happy Cow helps vegan and vegetarian eaters locate more than 180,000 restaurants, coffee shops, bakeries, farmers markets and grocery stores in over 180 countries around the world. The app allows you to filter by not only vegan and vegetarian but also gluten-free and cuisine types. You can also read reviews and get recipes on the app as well.

The app does cost $3.99, but it's a one-time expense.

TripAdvisor

Besides reading reviews of restaurants, hotels and attractions, you can book almost anything on TripAdvisor, from vacation rentals and restaurant reservations to tours and tickets.

The app has grown to include almost all things travel, allowing you to search by destination or interest (like the outdoors, food and drink, family or by the water, for example), which can give you inspiration for a trip or help you get your activities, meals and accommodations organized before traveling or on the fly.

With over 400,000 curated trails, AllTrails can help you find the hike or walk perfect for you and your group. It's not just mountain trails — AllTrails offers city walks, too, like easy meanders through the Marais district in Paris or peaceful strolls through Bangkok's Lumpini Park in Thailand.

See photos, updated weather predictions and key information about each route and connect with other travelers through reviews and forums. Access to AllTrails+ is $35.99 per year, which offers perks like offline maps and wrong turn alerts.

Best apps for staying safe

Use these apps to stay safe when traveling.

Smart Traveler

Smart Traveler is a free service that offers tips and information specifically for U.S. travelers. You can see what visas and vaccines you'll need before traveling and where to find help if you need it during your trip.

Register your trip on the app, which gives your information to local embassies and consulates in your destination. If there's any kind of disaster or tragedy, the local embassy can contact you to see if you need help.

TripWhistle

Another app dedicated to keeping you safe, TripWhistle maps your location and allows you to easily text or send your GPS coordinates or location. It also provides emergency numbers for firefighters, medical personnel and police in nearly 200 countries. After all, 911 is only for U.S.-based emergencies: Each country has its own specific emergency number.

Yes, Uber (or any local ride-hailing service app) is convenient, but it may also keep you safe. Using this app when traveling means you'll never get stuck wandering around in an unfamiliar area late at night or have to deal with unscrupulous taxi drivers trying to scam you. Uber also has in-app safety features such as an emergency assistance button which will allow you to call local emergency services right in the app.

Editorial disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airline or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.

• Reward Trip.com

Daftar Aplikasi Travel Online China Terbaik

Oleh Trip.com

30 April 2024

Berpetualang di Negeri Tirai Bambu tanpa persiapan matang bisa menjadi mimpi buruk. Kendala bahasa, sistem pembayaran yang berbeda, dan kompleksitas transportasi publik dapat membuat perjalanan Anda penuh rintangan.

Untungnya, teknologi hadir untuk menyelamatkan! Dengan 10 aplikasi travel online China yang tepat, Anda dapat menjelajahi negeri ajaib ini dengan mudah, hemat, dan penuh kenangan indah.

Dari memesan makanan lezat hingga menemukan akomodasi nyaman dan menaklukkan sistem transportasi yang rumit, aplikasi travel terbaik di China ini akan menjadi sahabat terbaik Anda selama di China. Ini dia 10 daftar aplikasi perjalanan China untuk bantu liburan lebih mudah dan murah:

Daftar Aplikasi Terbaik untuk Berlibur di China

Alipay-aplikasi perjalanan china sehari-hari.

Di China, Alipay adalah aplikasi pembayaran yang sangat umum digunakan. Hampir semua toko dan layanan menggunakan Alipay untuk transaksi. Pembayaran pun mudah, cukup pindai kode QR (QR Code) menggunakan fitur scan di Alipay. Untuk menggunakannya, tentu Anda harus mengunduh dan mendaftar di Alipay terlebih dahulu, lalu tautkan dengan kartu debit/kredit Visa Anda. Dengan begitu, Anda dapat menggunakannya dengan nyaman tanpa perlu memiliki nomor telepon China.

Alipay juga menawarkan fitur 'Transportasi' yang mudah diakses di layar utama aplikasinya. Fitur ini berguna untuk pembayaran transportasi umum dan taksi. Anda bisa mengakses kereta bawah tanah dan bus hanya dengan memindai kode QR, tanpa perlu membeli tiket fisik. Untuk taksi, cukup masukkan tujuan Anda di bagian 'Transportasi', dan pengemudi akan diutus untuk menjemput Anda. Biaya perjalanan akan langsung dipotong dari kartu tertaut Anda, menjadikannya pilihan yang terjangkau dan efisien.

WeChat-Aplikasi Travel China Sehari-hari

Berkunjung ke China tanpa menggunakan WeChat tentu bagaikan datang ke sebuah pesta tapi tak mengenal satupun orang yang hadir dalam pesta tersebut. Aplikasi ini memiliki fungsi yang tak tergantikan dan telah menjadi platform utama untuk berbagai aktivitas, mulai dari komunikasi hingga transaksi. Saat berada di China, WhatsApp dan Facebook yang biasa Anda gunakan mungkin akan terblokir (karena kebijakan pemerintah setempat), namun WeChat hadir sebagai penggantinya. Pengguna dapat saling bertukar pesan teks, suara, bahkan video. Fitur "Moments" di dalamnya pun mirip dengan lini masa Facebook, tempat pengguna berbagi kabar dengan jaringan pertemanan mereka. Keunggulan lain yang ditawarkan WeChat adalah fitur berbagi "lokasi langsung". Fitur ini sangat memudahkan Anda untuk bertemu teman di keramaian atau kota asing yang baru pertama kali dikunjungi.

Tak hanya unggul dalam urusan komunikasi dan berbagi, WeChat juga berfungsi sebagai dompet digital dengan nama fitur WeChat Pay. Dengan WeChat Pay, Anda bisa memesan makanan, belanja online, memanggil taksi, hingga memesan tiket pesawat, semuanya tanpa perlu uang tunai atau kartu fisik. Untuk memahami kebutuhan wisatawan mancanegara, WeChat juga mendukung penggunaan kartu kredit global. Hal ini memudahkan turis untuk beradaptasi dengan budaya cashless di China.

Tetap Terhubung dengan keluarga di Perjalanan Anda di Tiongkok! Temukan cara tetap terhubung dengan mudah melalui eSIM Tiongkok dan kartu SIM turis yang didiskon. Baik Anda menjelajahi kota kuno, pasar yang ramai, atau lanskap yang tenang, eSIM Tiongkok dan kartu SIM turis kami membantu Anda tetap terhubung, berbagi pengalaman, dan bepergian dengan mudah. Bekali diri Anda dengan peralatan yang tepat untuk pengalaman perjalanan tak terlupakan di Tiongkok.

Trip.com-Aplikasi Travel China untuk Pesan Hotel & Penerbangan

Di urutan pertama, ada Trip.com. Aplikasi travel terbaik di China ini bisa jadi rekomendasi utama Anda untuk merencanakan liburan yang mudah dan terjangkau. Aplikasi berbahasa Inggris ini menawarkan semua yang Anda butuhkan, mulai dari paket perjalanan, penginapan hotel, tiket pesawat, transportasi bandara, bahkan tiket Disney yang terjangkau!

Trip.com terkenal sebagai penyedia layanan travel papan atas. Aplikasi ini menawarkan berbagai pilihan pemesanan hotel berperingkat tinggi, tiket transportasi, paket wisata, dan banyak lagi. Pilihan mereka sangat luas, mencakup lebih dari 5.000 hotel terbaik, penerbangan ke lebih dari 45 kota, dan paket wisata yang tak terhitung jumlahnya ke seluruh penjuru China.

Tak hanya itu, pengguna Trip.com juga mendapatkan akses eksklusif ke diskon untuk berbagai layanan dan produk. Jaringan mereka mencakup lebih dari 3.000 mitra di seluruh China. Trip.com menjamin perjalanan Anda ke China menjadi lebih mudah, kaya pengalaman, dan tentunya hemat!

Website | iOS | Android

Aplikasi 12306-Aplikasi Travel China untuk Transportasi

Ingin merencanakan perjalanan antar kota di China? Tak perlu bingung! Manfaatkan aplikasi 12306, platform resmi pemesanan tiket kereta cepat China. Anda bisa membeli tiket hingga 15 hari sebelumnya.

Kereta cepat China terkenal akan ketepatan waktu dan kecepatannya, melaju hingga 300-400 km/jam. Kereta ini juga bersih, luas, dan nyaman, menjadikannya pilihan sempurna untuk perjalanan antarkota. Jadi, unduh aplikasi 12306 dan bersiaplah menyusuri China dengan mudah dan menyenangkan!

Didi Chuxing -Aplikasi Travel China untuk Transportasi

Anda tak perlu khawatir kesulitan transportasi saat wisata di China. Didi Chuxing, layanan ride-hailing terkemuka di China, siap menjadi teman perjalanan Anda. Fungsinya mirip dengan Grab atau Gojek di Indonesia. Lewat aplikasi ini, Anda lebih mudah memesan taksi online dengan cepat dan nyaman.

Bagi wisatawan yang memiliki nomor telepon China, Anda bisa langsung menggunakan aplikasi Didi Chuxing. Namun, tak perlu risau jika Anda tidak memilikinya. Didi Chuxing terintegrasi dengan Alipay, platform pembayaran digital terpopuler di China. Melalui Alipay, Anda tetap bisa memesan taksi online di Didi Chuxing dan pembayarannya akan langsung terpotong dari saldo Alipay Anda. Dengan kemudahan ini, Anda tak perlu repot mencari uang tunai atau kartu lokal selama berwisata di China.

MetroMan-Aplikasi Travel China untuk Transportasi

Ada banyak destinasi menarik yang tak boleh dilewatkan saat Anda berada di China. Kabar baiknya, China juga memiliki sistem subway yang canggih sehingga memudahkan Anda menjangkau semuanya. Tetapi, merencanakan perjalanan dengan menggunakan subway atau kereta bawah tanah bisa sedikit membingungkan. Nah, MetroMan hadir sebagai penolong Anda!

Aplikasi ini menjadi panduan terpercaya untuk berkeliling kota-kota besar China menggunakan subway. MetroMan membantu Anda merencanakan perjalanan, memilih rute terbaik, dan bahkan memperkirakan biaya transportasi Anda. Baik untuk petualang solo maupun yang memiliki waktu luang di sela-sela tur,

MetroMan siap membantu. Aplikasi ini mencakup semua kota yang memiliki jaringan metro, mulai dari Beijing dengan keindahan utara hingga Shenzhen yang memesona di selatan. Jadi, unduh MetroMan dan jelajahi China dengan mudah dan efisien!

Baidu Maps-Aplikasi Travel China untuk Mencari Peta

Butuh petunjuk arah agar tak tersesat saat menjelajah China? Nah, Baidu Maps bisa jadi solusinya. Aplikasi ini andalan banyak wisatawan di China untuk menemukan rute terbaik, cepat, dan hemat biaya. Keunggulannya dibanding Google Maps adalah akurasi datanya. Baidu Maps selalu diperbarui secara real-time sesuai lokasi di China.

Meskipun seluruh antarmuka dalam bahasa China, Baidu Maps tetap mudah digunakan. Anda bisa mengetikkan nama jalan menggunakan pinyin (sistem pengejaan Romanisasi bahasa Mandarin). JIka butuh taksi, cukup masukkan tujuan Anda di aplikasi dan pesan taksi secara langsung.

Tak hanya itu, navigasi suara Baidu Maps juga sangat akurat. Baik saat Anda menyusuri jalanan kota yang sibuk maupun mencari taksi, aplikasi ini selalu siap membantu. Jadi, unduh Baidu Maps dan jelajahi China dengan tenang.

Dianping-Aplikasi Travel China untuk Mencari Restoran

Bingung mencari makan atau tempat nongkrong saat wisata di China? Dianping solusinya! Ini adalah aplikasi hasil gabungan dua aplikasi ternama di China, yaitu Dazhong Dianping dan Meituan. Dazhong Dianping terkenal dengan review makanan, tempat, dan layanan, sementara Meituan biasa digunakan untuk pesan makanan online. Kini, dengan nama Meituan-Dianping, aplikasi ini menjadi platform terdepan untuk menemukan restoran terdekat, informasi gaya hidup lokal, dan penawaran menarik di China.

Bayangkan memiliki Groupon, Deliveroo, Tripadvisor, dan Yelp dalam satu genggaman. Dianping menawarkan segalanya, mulai dari review pengguna hingga promo spesial. Dengan mudah Anda dapat menemukan restoran yang tepat sesuai selera dan kantong. Tak hanya itu, Dianping juga mengintegrasikan platform belanja online dan offline, semakin memudahkan Anda selama berada di China. Jadi, unduh Dianping dan nikmati pengalaman kuliner dan gaya hidup lokal yang tak terlupakan!

Ele.me-Aplikasi Travel China untuk Pesan Makanan

Berwisata tanpa mencicipi kuliner lokal tentu tidak lengkap rasanya. Apalagi, China punya banyak hidangan lokal yang menggugah selera. Namun, kendala bahasa dan minimnya uang tunai bisa jadi penghambat. TNamun, kini Anda tak perlu khawatir.

Bagi yang memiliki nomor telepon China, Anda dapat langsung mengunduh aplikasi layanan pesan antar makanan dan melakukan registrasi dengan nama asli. Beberapa aplikasi populer seperti Meituan dan Ele.me menawarkan kemudahan ini. Tak perlu khawatir bahasa, karena aplikasi biasanya memiliki antarmuka bergambar yang intuitif.

Bagaimana jika tidak punya nomor China? Tak masalah! Anda tetap bisa memesan makanan melalui Alipay. Integrasi Alipay dengan layanan pesan antar makanan memungkinkan Anda memesan dan membayar langsung melalui saldo Alipay Anda. Cepat dan efisien, proses pengiriman biasanya hanya memakan waktu sekitar satu jam. Seringkali, biaya pengiriman pun terjangkau, bahkan terkadang gratis! Namun, pastikan alamat Anda ditulis dalam bahasa Mandarin yang akurat untuk menghindari kendala pengiriman. Selamat menikmati kuliner China yang lezat!

Waygo-Aplikasi Travel China Untuk Penerjemah

Banyak wisatawan internasional yang bergantung pada Google Translate untuk menerjemahkan bahasa lokal. Sayangnya, aplikasi ini tidak berfungsi di China. Tak perlu khawatir, China menawarkan banyak aplikasi terjemahan alternatif untuk membantu Anda berkomunikasi dengan mudah.

WAYGO adalah aplikasi yang menerjemahkan teks bahasa China, Jepang, dan Korea ke bahasa Inggris secara akurat dan instan. Aplikasi ini menggunakan perpaduan teknologi cerdas untuk mengenali karakter Mandarin dan mengubahnya menjadi kata dan kalimat yang dapat Anda pahami. Bahkan, WAYGO bisa digunakan tanpa internet! Ini sangat berguna untuk memahami menu, papan petunjuk, dan tulisan cetak lainnya saat Anda bepergian. Dengan WAYGO, Anda tidak perlu lagi terkendala bahasa saat memesan makanan, menanyakan arah, atau sekadar berinteraksi dengan penduduk setempat.

FAQ-FAQ Tentang Aplikasi Travel di China

Apa aplikasi yang sering digunakan di china, apa aplikasi terbaik untuk pesan tiket pesawat di china, apakah trip.com tersedia dalam bahasa inggris dan indonesia.

10 Aplikasi Travel Online China Terbaik- Trip.com

• 1. Daftar Aplikasi Terbaik untuk Berlibur di China
• 2. Alipay-Aplikasi Perjalanan China Sehari-hari
• 3. WeChat-Aplikasi Travel China Sehari-hari
• 4. Trip.com-Aplikasi Travel China untuk Pesan Hotel & Penerbangan
• 5. Aplikasi 12306-Aplikasi Travel China untuk Transportasi
• 6. Didi Chuxing -Aplikasi Travel China untuk Transportasi
• 7. MetroMan-Aplikasi Travel China untuk Transportasi
• 8. Baidu Maps-Aplikasi Travel China untuk Mencari Peta
• 9. Dianping-Aplikasi Travel China untuk Mencari Restoran
• 10. Ele.me-Aplikasi Travel China untuk Pesan Makanan
• 11. Waygo-Aplikasi Travel China Untuk Penerjemah

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Qantas Cuts Shanghai-Sydney Route, Citing Slow China Recovery

Qantas has suspended its route to Shanghai as part of multiple changes to its Asia network, in what is another sign of the slow rebound in the China international market.

The Australian flag-carrier plans to halt its Sydney-Shanghai service on July 28. Qantas had previously suspended this route during the pandemic, but reinstated it in October 2023. This is its only flight to mainland China, although it does operate service to Hong Kong.

“Since COVID, the demand for travel between Australia and China has not recovered as strongly as expected … in some months, our flights to and from Shanghai have been operating around half full,” said Cam Wallace, head of the Qantas international operation.

The carrier said it will “continue to monitor the Australia-China market closely and will look to return to Shanghai when demand has recovered.” In the meantime, the airline intends to switch capacity from this route to other Asia-Pacific markets with stronger demand.

Many other carriers have also reported a slower-than-expected recovery on their China routes since border restrictions were lifted. Overall international capacity in the China market is at 71% of 2019 levels for the week of May 13, according to data from CAPA – Centre for Aviation and OAG Schedules Analyser.

Competition is probably also a factor. There are currently nine carriers based in mainland China that are serving Australia, CAPA data shows.

China Eastern is the only other airline with a Sydney-Shanghai service, and it accounts for a 68% share of weekly seats on this route. Qantas and China Eastern previously had a partnership on Australia-China services, but in November 2023 Australian regulators rejected their application to extend the joint venture relationship.

In other changes announced by Qantas, the airline will begin a route between Brisbane and Manila, Philippines, on Oct. 28. It will start at four times per week using Airbus A330s.

The carrier last served the Brisbane-Manila route more than 10 years ago. Qantas already operates flights to Manila from Sydney.

Qantas plans to boost its Sydney-Singapore flights to 17 per week from Dec. 11, an increase of three per week. Brisbane-Singapore flights will increase from seven to nine per week from Oct. 27.

Frequency on the service connecting Sydney with Bengaluru, India, will rise from five to seven per week between mid-December and late March.

Adrian is a senior air transport editor for Aviation Week, based in New Zealand. He covers commercial aviation in the Asia-Pacific region.

• Qantas Airways
• Shanghai Pudong International Airport

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The latest on the massive solar storm

By Angela Fritz, Elise Hammond and Chris Lau, CNN

Incredible lighthouse picture from Maine

From CNN's Chris Lau

Among a flurry of surreal images capturing the dazzling auroras is one taken by Benjamin Williamson of a lighthouse in Portland, Maine.

"It's one of the most incredible things I've ever seen, the awe and wonder," Williamson told CNN.

He said he used a long-exposure technique to snap the shot, but did not edit it.

Watch the full interview with Williamson here .

Things could be about to ramp up

If you still haven't seen the aurora, hold on for another 30 minutes to an hour, according to CNN meteorologist Chad Myers.

The next wave of coronal mass ejections, or CMEs, which cause the aurora, is about to arrive, he said.

"Just wait a minute because things are going to start to ramp up here," he said, adding that the increase could arrive "anytime now." "When it comes, get outside, get ready, put your coat on."

For those who are too busy to witness the phenomenon tonight, Myers said the aurora is expected to last three nights.

Why does the aurora last for a weekend?

By CNN's Chris Lau

Generally, it takes just eight minutes for light to travel 93 million miles to the Earth from the sun, but astrophysicist Janna Levin said the energized particles causing the current wave of aurora travel a lot slower, causing the phenomenon to last for the weekend.

"Some of these mass ejections are trillions of kilograms," she said. "They're slower. So they're taking longer, but still hours, maybe tens of hours."

Here's how the solar storm looks in the South and on the East Coast

The aurora was visible across the East Coast and in the South Friday.

Here's how it looked in Chester, South Carolina.

Down in Florida, waves of color swam through the sky.

Up north in New Jersey, a purple-ish haze could be seen in the sky.

Will solar storms get more intense and risky in the future?

The answer is probably not in the short term, according to astrophysicist Hakeem Oluseyi.

He said scientists study what is constantly happening on the surface of the sun and have found a pattern.

“Geological data shows us that in the past the sun was way more active than it is today. It has cycles where it goes very quiet ... and you have events that show that the solar activity was much, much greater,” he told CNN. “So there's no evidence that we're going to see those big maxima this cycle." 

But the astrophysicist also spoke of a caveat - the limitations of modern science.

“Even though it's predictable in the short term, we still don't quite understand what creates the magnetic fields in the sun,” he said, adding: “That's why NASA has so many satellites looking at the sun.”

In Pictures: Auroras light the sky during rare solar storm

From CNN Digital's Photo Team

A series of solar flares and coronal mass ejections from the sun are creating dazzling auroras across the globe .

The rare solar storm may also disrupt communications. The last time a solar storm of this magnitude reached Earth was in October 2003, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Space Weather Prediction Center.

See more photos of the aurora from tonight.

Behind dazzling aurora could lie “real danger,” Bill Nye the Science Guy says

The massive solar storm could present “a real danger,” especially with the modern world relying so much on electricity, according to Bill Nye the Science Guy , a science educator and engineer.

Scientists are warning an increase in solar flares and coronal mass ejections from the sun have the potential to disrupt communication on Earth into the weekend. Solar flares can affect communications and GPS almost immediately because they disrupt Earth’s ionosphere, or part of the upper atmosphere. Energetic particles released by the sun can also disrupt electronics on spacecraft and affect astronauts without proper protection within 20 minutes to several hours.

In comparison to tonight's event, Nye drew comparisons with another incident in 1859, known as the Carrington Event, when telegraph communications were severely affected.

“The other thing, everybody, that is a real danger to our technological society, different from 1859, is how much we depend on electricity and our electronics and so on,” Nye said. "None of us really in the developed world could go very long without electricity."

He noted that there are systems in place to minimize the impact, but “stuff might go wrong,” stressing that not all transformers are equipped to withstand such a solar event.

“It depends on the strength of the event and it depends on how much of our infrastructures are prepared for this the sort of thing,” he said.

Bill Nye breaks down significance of the solar storm | CNN

This post has been updated with more details on solar flares' impact on electronics.

Here's where clouds will block the view of the northern lights in the US

From CNN's Angela Fritz

After an incredibly stormy week, most of the Lower 48 has clear skies to see the northern lights. But there are some areas where clouds and rainy weather are spoiling the view.

A deck of clouds is blocking the sky in the Northeast, from parts of Virginia into Maine, as an area of low pressure spins off the East Coast.

In the Midwest, the aurora will be hard to see through thick clouds in parts of Wisconsin, Michigan — including the Upper Peninsula — and Illinois.

A stripe of clouds is tracking across Texas, including Dallas-Forth Worth, and into Louisiana.

And in the Southwest, patchy clouds across the the Four Corners region could make the northern lights difficult to spot.

Aurora seen at least as far south as Georgia

Barely visible to the naked eye, the aurora can be seen in Atlanta in the 10 p.m. ET hour. 

It is easier to see through photographs using a long exposure. The photos below, taken by CNN's Eric Zerkel and Emily Smith, used 3- and 10-second exposures.

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