Must-Have Apps for China 2026: What to Download Before You Fly
Must-Have Apps for China Travel
Priority: 🟡 Download ALL of these before you fly
China runs on apps. Your phone is your wallet, your map, your translator, and your ticket. Here are the essential apps you need.
The Big 3 (Absolutely Essential)
1. 💳 Alipay (支付宝)
- What: China's #1 payment app
- Why: You need this to pay for almost everything
- Setup: See our Alipay Setup Guide
2. 💬 WeChat (微信)
- What: Messaging + payment + everything app
- Why: Some merchants only accept WeChat Pay. Also used for communication.
- Tip: Set up WeChat Pay as a backup to Alipay
3. 🗺️ Amap / Gaode Maps (高德地图)
- What: Navigation app (like Google Maps for China)
- Why: Google Maps doesn't work well in China
- Tip: Interface is in Chinese, but you can search in English/pinyin. See our Maps Guide
Navigation & Transport
4. 🚗 Didi (滴滴出行)
- What: Ride-hailing app (China's Uber)
- Why: Has an English interface and accepts foreign payment cards
- Tip: Download the international version for easier setup
5. 🚇 MetroMan (地铁通)
- What: Metro/subway navigation for all Chinese cities
- Why: Shows routes, transfer info, and first/last train times in English
- Tip: Works offline — download city maps before you go
Translation & Communication
6. 🌐 Google Translate
- What: Translation app with camera translation
- Why: Point your camera at Chinese text for instant translation
- ⚠️ Requires VPN: Google services are blocked in China
- Alternative: Apple Translate (works without VPN on iPhone)
7. 📖 Pleco
- What: Chinese-English dictionary
- Why: The best Chinese dictionary app. Camera lookup, handwriting input, and offline mode.
- Tip: Free version is excellent. The paid add-ons are worth it for serious learners.
Food & Daily Life
8. 🍜 Dianping (大众点评)
- What: Restaurant reviews and ratings (China's Yelp)
- Why: Find the best local restaurants, not just tourist traps
- Tip: Interface is in Chinese, but you can use camera translation. Search by location.
9. 🛵 Meituan (美团)
- What: Food delivery + hotel booking + movie tickets + everything
- Why: Order food delivery, book hotels, buy attraction tickets
- Tip: Works through WeChat or Alipay mini-programs (no separate app needed)
Train Tickets
10. 🚄 Trip.com or 12306
- What: Train ticket booking
- Why: China's high-speed rail network is the best way to travel between cities
- Trip.com: English interface, accepts foreign cards, slightly more expensive
- 12306: Official Chinese railway app, cheapest prices, but Chinese-only interface
Download Checklist
Before you leave home, make sure you have:
- Alipay (with foreign card linked)
- WeChat (with WeChat Pay set up)
- Amap / Gaode Maps
- Didi (international version)
- MetroMan (download your destination city)
- Google Translate (download Chinese offline pack)
- Pleco
- A VPN app (see our VPN Guide)
- Your eSIM or plan for buying a SIM card
💡 Pro tip: Most Chinese apps work through "mini-programs" inside WeChat and Alipay. You don't always need to download separate apps — just search for the service inside WeChat/Alipay.
FAQ
Do I need a VPN in China as a tourist? Almost certainly yes. Without a VPN, you cannot access Google, YouTube, Gmail, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, or most Western websites. China actively blocks these services.
What VPN actually works in China in 2026? Astrill VPN and LetsVPN are the most reliable. ExpressVPN works but is sometimes blocked. Free VPNs almost never work. Set up your VPN before arriving in China.
Can I use Google services without a VPN in China? No. All Google services (Search, Maps, Gmail, Translate, YouTube, etc.) are blocked by the Great Firewall. You need a VPN to access them.
Is WeChat safe for foreigners? Yes. WeChat is the dominant communication app in China. Set up WeChat Pay as a backup to Alipay — some merchants only accept WeChat Pay.
Do I need a Chinese phone number for apps? Some apps (like 12306 for train tickets) require a Chinese phone number for registration. A physical SIM card gives you a Chinese number; most eSIMs do not.
What apps should I download before arriving in China? Alipay, WeChat, Amap, Didi (international version), MetroMan, Google Translate (with offline Chinese pack), Pleco dictionary, and your chosen VPN app.
Last updated: 2026-06-05 · Written by Bobby, living in Chengdu since 2023
