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Planning a trip to China? Before you even start looking at hotels or creating an itinerary, there are a few apps you’ll want to download for your China trip first.
China is an incredible destination to visit, but it’s also very different from travelling in Europe or North America. Many apps we use every day either don’t work properly or aren’t commonly used in China. At the same time, there are a few local apps that make travelling around the country much easier.
After spending time travelling through Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou and Guangzhou, I found these apps most useful during my trip.
1. Airalo eSIM
If I could recommend only one thing you need to get before travelling to China, it would be getting an eSIM. Of course, there are other things you should download before going to China, but without setting up an eSIM before your trip, most apps you are used to will be blocked.
Many popular websites and apps are blocked in China by the Great Firewall, including Google, Gmail, Google Maps, Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp. Most eSIMs, such as the one I used from Airalo, automatically bypass these restrictions, which makes travelling in China so much easier.
And also, everything in China is so digital that without data on your phone you will be struggling to pay, or even order in a restaurant. It really is that essential!
I personally tested both Airalo and Holafly eSIMs during my trip, and I had a much better experience with Airalo, because Holafly was not super reliable once I arrived in Beijing.
👉 Read my full comparison here: Airalo vs Holafly eSIM for China
2. Alipay
Alipay is probably the most important app you’ll use once you arrive in China. And you should definitely already set it up before you travel and make sure it is connected to your bank account. Setting everything up beforehand will save you a lot of stress when you arrive.
China is basically cashless, and credit cards are also not accepted in most places. Alipay is the main payment method, and without it you will run into some issues. Even metro tickets are activated within Alipay.
And paying with Alipay is super easy and convenient; either you scan a barcode or your own barcode is scanned. It makes paying in any shop or store super quick and convenient.
In some restaurants and cafés, you may even need to scan a QR code within Alipay to access the menu and place your order.
3. WeChat
There is an alternative to Alipay when it comes to paying, which is WeChat Pay. But even if you plan to use Alipay for payments, you’ll still want WeChat installed.
WeChat is China’s most popular messaging app and many businesses use it for customer service, bookings, and communication.
Some restaurants also use WeChat QR codes for ordering food, and certain attractions may provide information through WeChat.
I personally relied more on Alipay, but having WeChat installed as a backup was definitely useful.
4. Google Translate
English is not widely spoken in China, especially outside of major tourist attractions. Even in hotels, people often just use translation apps to check you in, and when ordering at a restaurant, I usually just ordered by translating with my phone and then pointing at something.
So even simple things like reading menus, asking for directions, or understanding signs can be difficult without a translation app.
Because I had an eSIM that bypassed the Great Firewall, I was able to use Google Translate without any issues throughout my trip.
I would still recommend downloading the offline Chinese language pack before your trip just in case.
5. Amap
Forget Google Maps.
While Google Maps technically works in some situations, I found it unreliable in China. Locations were often inaccurate and public transport information wasn’t particularly useful.
Instead, download Amap. That is the map I used while in China, and it worked really well for me. It was also accurate when checking metro connections.
The app can take a little getting used to, but it’s far more accurate than Google Maps for navigating around China, so I would highly recommend downloading this app for your trip to China.
6. Trip.com
Trip.com became my go-to booking platform while travelling in China.
Not only is it easy to use, but it often has significantly more hotel options available than Booking.com. At least when it comes to accommodation in China. And I also used Trip.com to book my high-speed train tickets within China, which worked out really well.
Even before the train tickets went on sale, I was able to reserve them via Trip.com, who then did the order once the tickets were available. It was super convenient!
Trip.com also has a great selection of tours and attractions.
Read all about how to travel by train from Shanghai to Hangzhou.
7. NordVPN
While I personally relied on an eSIM that bypassed the Great Firewall during my trip, I think it’s also good to have a VPN as a backup. But in general, having a VPN that protects your data while travelling is always a good idea!
A VPN (Virtual Private Network) allows you to access websites and apps that are normally blocked in China, including Google, Gmail, Google Maps, Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp. It also encrypts your internet connection, making it much more secure when you’re using public Wi-Fi in hotels, cafés or airports.
One of the most popular options is NordVPN. It’s fast, reliable and easy to set up before your trip. Just make sure you install and test it before you arrive in China, as VPN websites and downloads are often blocked once you’re already there.
If you’re planning to use hotel Wi-Fi instead of buying an eSIM, a VPN is especially important.
👉 Check out the latest NordVPN deals.
8. Klook
For tours and attraction tickets, Klook is one of the best apps to have in China. Or, in general, when it comes to travelling in East Asia, such as travelling around South Korea, Klook would always be my first choice. They have a huge selection of activities, and I often see good deals on the platform.
Some popular bookings include:
- Great Wall tours
- Forbidden City tickets
- Shanghai attractions
- Day trips
- Airport transfers
It’s worth comparing prices between Klook and Trip.com, but having both apps installed gives you more options.
9. TripBFF
If you are solo travelling in China, these last two apps might be interesting for you, as it can become a little lonely at times.
TripBFF is one of my favourite apps for meeting other travellers.
You can connect with people who are travelling to the same destination, join activities, or simply find someone to grab dinner with.
I’ve personally used TripBFF on several trips and found it a great way to meet people while travelling solo.
10. Nomadtable
Another alternative to TripBFF (or I mostly use them in combination) is Nomadtable, which is another great app that lets you connect with other travellers.
Nomadtable helps you see activities nearby and join them to start a chat with everyone interested in that activity.
Whether you’re looking for someone to join you for hotpot, want someone to go for a drink with, ot looking for someone to explore the Great Wall of China with you, Nomadtable is a great tool for that.
And that wraps up my list of the best apps you need for travelling in China! Having these apps downloaded before your trip will make getting around and navigating daily life so much easier. If you only install two before you go, make sure it’s an eSIM and Alipay with your bank card already linked. Those are by far the two most essential apps for travelling in China.
Travelling to Shanghai? Check out my guide on travelling to Shanghai alone! 🇨🇳
Or travelling to Beijing? Here is my guide to solo female travel in Beijing!
Please let me know if you have any questions.
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