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If you're planning a trip to China, downloading the right apps before you arrive can make your journey much smoother
Many global apps are restricted in China, but the country has its own well-developed alternatives that locals rely on daily.
Better yet, if you don't speak Chinese, several of these apps offer English interfaces and useful features to help you get around, order food, and make payments with ease.
Here are some essential apps you should install before landing:
1. WeChat
Often described as China's "super app", WeChat (微信, wēi xìn) is much more than a messaging platform. Developed by Tencent, it allows users to chat, make payments via WeChat Pay, book services, and even access mini-programs for various daily needs.
Since its launch in 2011, it has become an essential part of daily life in China.
You can download the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
2. DiDi
DiDi (滴滴出行, dī dī chū xíng) is China's main ride-hailing platform and the local equivalent of Grab or Uber. The app supports both English and Chinese and can also be accessed through mini-programs on WeChat and Alipay.
The app also includes built-in translation tools to help passengers communicate with drivers, making it especially useful for foreign visitors. Compared to traditional taxis, DiDi is often easier to use if you don't speak the language.
You can download the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
3. Meituan
Meituan (美团, měi tuán) is China's leading lifestyle and food delivery super app. Besides ordering takeaway, you can also use it to buy groceries, book restaurants, and find various dining deals.
The app is mainly in Chinese, but travellers can still navigate it by using translation tools, learning the icons, or accessing it on WeChat through its mini-program.
You can download the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
4. AMap
Google Maps has limited functionality in China, which makes AMap (高德地图, gāo dé dì tú) one of the best alternatives. It is one of China's most widely used navigation apps and offers an English version designed for international users.
AMap provides detailed routes for driving, public transport, walking, and cycling, along with step-by-step navigation to help you get around efficiently.
You can download the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
5. Dianping
Dianping (大众点评, dà zhòng diǎn píng) is often compared to Yelp and is one of China's most trusted review platforms. Locals commonly use it to check ratings and reviews before choosing where to eat or visit.
Travellers can also use Dianping to discover restaurants, cafes, and attractions, making it a useful tool for planning your daily activities.
You can download the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
6. Xiaohongshu
Xiaohongshu (小红书, xiǎo hóng shū), also known as RedNote, is a lifestyle social media platform often compared to Instagram.
The platform is especially popular for travel guides, food recommendations, shopping tips, and beauty content. Many users share detailed recommendations that can help travellers discover hidden gems and local experiences.
You can download the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
7. Trip.com
Trip.com (携程旅行, xié chéng lǚ xíng) is one of China's largest travel booking platforms and is popularly used for booking domestic flights, hotels, high-speed trains, transfers, and tours.
The app has a full English interface, making it particularly convenient for international travellers. Interestingly, Trip.com is actually a Chinese company headquartered in Shanghai.
You can download the app from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
8. Any VPN
Before travelling to China, you should also consider installing a VPN (Virtual Private Network). Many popular platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, Google services, and YouTube are restricted in China.
A VPN allows you to access these services by encrypting your Internet connection and routing it through servers outside the country.
Popular options include NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark. These usually require a subscription, although some offer free trial periods suitable for short trips.
