Apps

When traveling in China, having the right apps can significantly enhance your experience and make navigating the country easier. Here are some essential apps, including their features and availability in English.

These apps provide essential services for navigation, communication, travel booking, and more, making them invaluable tools for travellers in China. While some apps offer English versions, it’s advisable to familiarize yourself with the Chinese versions for a more comprehensive experience.

We highly recommend getting a Chinese SIM card to enhance your mobile internet experience.

While Baidu is the primary search engine in China, you can use Bing for English searches. Please note that accessing Google services will require a VPN, but many VPNs may not function properly in China, even if they worked before. You might want to try searching for “PandaFan.” 😉

For translation, you can use Google Translate, which is reportedly available in China, or Baidu Translate (百度翻译). However, keep in mind that their performance with Chinese can be inconsistent. DeepL and ChatGPT are not available (without VPN).

Payment

(the major two ways of daily transaction in China)

1. WeChat (微信):
• Description: A multifunctional app that combines messaging, social media, payment services, and more.
• Functions:
  • Messaging: Send texts, voice messages, and videos to friends and groups. Social Media: Share moments, photos, and updates with friends.
  • Mobile Payments: Use WeChat Pay for transactions, pay bills, and transfer money.
  • Mini Programs: Access various services such as ordering food, booking tickets, and more, all within the app.
  • Official Accounts: Follow brands, news outlets, and service providers for updates and promotions.
  • Financial Services: WeChat offers financial products such as wealth management, insurance, and investment services, allowing users to manage their finances directly within the app.
  • Availability in English: Yes, the app is available in English.
• WeChat
• 微信


2. Alipay (支付宝):
• Description: A widely-used mobile payment platform that offers a range of financial services.
• Functions:
  • Mobile Payments: Pay for goods and services, transfer money, and manage finances.
  • Bill Payments: Pay utility bills, mobile top-ups, and more directly through the app.
  • Financial Products: Access loans, insurance, charity, and investment services.
  • Lifestyle Services: Book hotels, book trains, order food, and find discounts on various products and services.
  • Availability in English: Yes, Alipay has an English version, but some features may require a local phone number or ID.
• Alipay
• 支付宝

Maps

1. Gaode Maps (高德地图):
• Description: A leading navigation app in China that offers detailed maps, public transport routes, and real-time traffic information.
• Availability in English: Limited; has an English version but may not include all features.
• Services: Navigation, public transport, call taxis (integrated in Alipay), and traffic updates.
• Gaode Maps
• 高德地图


2. Baidu Maps (百度地图):
• Description: A comprehensive mapping app that provides extensive mapping, public transportation information, and walking directions.
• Availability in English: Limited; primarily in Chinese.
• Services: Maps, navigation, and location-based services.
• Baidu Maps
• 百度地图

Travelling and traffic

1. Didi Chuxing (滴滴出行) (integrated in WeChat and Alipay as well):
• Description: The leading ride-hailing app in China, offering various transportation options.
• Services: Ride-hailing, taxi services, and car rentals.
• Availability in English: Yes, available in English.
• Didi Chuxing
• 滴滴出行


2. Trip.com:
• Description: A comprehensive mapping app that provides extensive mapping, public transportation information, and walking directions.
• Availability in English: Limited; primarily in Chinese.
• Services: Maps, navigation, and location-based services.
• Trip.com (english)
• Trip.com (deutsch)


3. Ctrip (携程):
• Description: Similar to Trip.com, Ctrip is a travel service platform offering a range of travel-related services including flights, hotels, and tours.
• Availability in English: Yes, Ctrip offers an English version of the app.
• Services: Travel bookings, itinerary management, and customer service.
• Ctrip
• 携程


4. Meituan (美团):
• Description: A popular app for ordering food, booking hotels, and finding local services.
• Availability in English: Limited; primarily in Chinese, but some features may be available in English.
• Services: Food delivery, hotel bookings, travel tickets, and entertainment options.
• Meituan
• 美团


5. WeChat (微信) (s. above):
• Official account Services: Book travel tickets.
• WeChat
• 微信

Bike-Sharing

1. Didi Qingju (滴滴青桔):
• Description: A bike-sharing service operated by Didi, offering convenient and eco-friendly transportation options in urban areas.
• Availability in English: Yes, the app has an English version.
• Services: Locate, rent, and return bikes using GPS, along with payment options through mobile wallets.
• Didi Qingju
• 滴滴青桔


2. Haluo (哈喽) (integrated in Alipay):
• Description: A bike-sharing platform that provides easy access to bicycles for short trips in cities across China.
• Availability in English: Yes, the app offers an English interface.
• Services: Locate, rent, and return bikes using GPS, with payments made through mobile wallets.
• Haluo
• 哈喽


3. Meituan (美团) (s. above):
• Meituan
• 美团

Food delivery

1. Dazhong Dianping (大众点评):
• Description: A local reviews and recommendations app, similar to Yelp, for finding restaurants, shops, and entertainment.
• Availability in English: Limited; primarily in Chinese.
• Services: Restaurant reviews, user ratings, and booking services.
• Dazhong Dianping
• 大众点评


2. Ele.me (饿了么):
• Description: A popular food delivery app that connects users with a wide range of restaurants and food options.
• Availability in English: Limited; primarily in Chinese, but it may have an English interface for basic use.
• Services: Food delivery from local restaurants, grocery shopping, and more.
• Ele.me