When traveling in China, one of the biggest differences you’ll notice is how much everyday life depends on mobile apps.
From paying for a coffee to booking a train or finding a restaurant, everything is done through your phone.
If you prepare the right apps before your trip, things become much easier.
Wechat – the All-in-one app in China
It’s not just a messaging app that almost everyone in China uses, it’s also a very important payment method (WeChat Pay), and many services are built directly inside it as mini-programs.
What’s most useful for travelers:
- WeChat Pay: Once you link an international credit card, you can pay in most shops by scanning a QR code.
- Mini-programs: These are apps inside WeChat, so you don’t need to download anything. You can use them to check menus, rent power banks, or buy tickets.
- Communication: You can connect with locals, and messages can be translated directly into English.
Alipay – payments and everyday services
Alipay is a payment and lifestyle platform widely used across China. Beyond paying for things, it also connects many everyday services in one place. Alipay is generally easier for international travelers to set up, so it’s a good place to start.
What’s most useful for travelers:
- Pay in shops and restaurants
- Use public transport in many cities
- Access services like bike sharing or ticket booking
Amap (Gaode Maps) – for navigation
Because of map restrictions and data differences, Google Maps may not work accurately in China. Amap, on the other hand, is designed for local use and stays up to date.
What’s most useful for travelers：
- Accurate navigation
- Public transport routes
- Planning places to visit
RedNote — for ideas and real reviews
If you want to know “where is worth visiting” or “which restaurant is actually good,” RedNote (Xiaohongshu) is one of the best places to look. It’s often described as a mix of Instagram and a travel forum in China, with content mainly shared through photos and videos.
What’s most useful for travelers：
- Real travel post: You’ll find a huge number of travel notes shared by real users, including hidden spots, local street food, and up-to-date recommendations.
- Honest reviews: People often share both positive experiences and what didn’t meet expectations, which helps you avoid tourist traps.
- Everyday insights: Beyond travel, you can also see how locals live, eat, and explore. This will give you a more realistic view of China.
Meituan – for food delivery and deals
Meituan is especially useful for food, whether you want to find a restaurant nearby or order delivery. Beyond food, it also delivers everyday essentials from nearby supermarkets and pharmacies.
You can also find good deals and discounted packages for restaurants and local activities.
What’s most useful for travelers：
- Finding restaurants
- Food delivery
- Booking attractions
DiDi – for taxis and ride-hailing
It’s China’s largest ride-hailing platform and is available in almost all cities. Didi is one of the easiest ways to get around in cities, and most of the time it’s quite affordable. The app has English version and payment is handled directly through your linked WeChat Pay or Alipay.
What’s most useful for travelers：
- Booking Rides
- Shared Bike Rentals
A Quick Tip
Most of these apps are designed for Chinese users, so the interface may not always be in English and setup can take a bit of time. It’s worth preparing them before your trip rather than trying to figure everything out after you arrive.
If you’d like help understanding how to use them, I am always happy to guide you through everything step by step before your trip.
