Traveling in China can be an exhilarating experience, but navigating its vast cities and rich cultural landscape requires the right tools. To help you make the most of your trip, we’ve curated a list of 10 essential apps that cover navigation, payments, bookings, and local services. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, these apps will streamline your journey and ensure you don’t miss a beat.
1. Navigation: Getting Around with Ease
A. 高德地图 (Amap)
Key Features:
- Multilingual Support: Fully English-friendly interface with voice-guided navigation .
- Real-Time Traffic: Avoid congestion with live updates on road conditions and public transport.
- Satellite SOS: Emergency feature using China’s Beidou satellite system for off-grid locations .
- Local Services: Find nearby ATMs, restrooms, and parking spots.
Why Use It?
Amap is China’s most popular navigation app, trusted by locals and tourists alike. Its English version, launched in 2025, offers seamless integration with public transport, including subway lines and bus routes. Perfect for exploring cities like Beijing or Shanghai.
Download: Amap
B. 百度地图 (Baidu Maps)
Key Features:
- AR Navigation: Use augmented reality to scan streets and find directions.
- Offline Maps: Download maps for areas with limited internet.
- Shared Bikes/Scooters: Directly rent bikes or scooters from the app.
Why Use It?
While Amap dominates, Baidu Maps excels in rural areas and offers detailed satellite imagery. It’s ideal for road trips or exploring less touristy regions.
Download: Baidu Maps
2. Travel Booking: Plan Your Trip Efficiently
A. 携程 (Ctrip)
Key Features:
- Flight & Hotel Bookings: Access competitive prices for domestic and international travel.
- English Support: Full English interface and 24/7 customer service .
- Local Experiences: Book tours, attractions, and airport transfers.
Why Use It?
Ctrip is China’s largest online travel agency, with a user base of 135 million . Its partnerships with airlines and hotels ensure reliability and flexibility, making it perfect for business travelers and tourists alike.
Download: Ctrip
B. 飞猪 (Fliggy)
Key Features:
- Budget-Friendly Options: Affordable flights and hotels, often with exclusive discounts.
- AI Travel Assistant: “Ask Fliggy” helps plan itineraries and manage bookings .
- Cross-Border Support: Tailored for international travelers, with partnerships in Southeast Asia and Europe.
Why Use It?
Owned by Alibaba, Fliggy leverages Alipay’s ecosystem for seamless payments. It’s ideal for budget-conscious travelers and those seeking unique cultural experiences.
Download: Fliggy
3. Payments: Cashless Transactions Across China
A. 支付宝 (Alipay)
Key Features:
- International Card Support: Link Visa, Mastercard, or JCB to pay at millions of merchants .
- Transport Integration: Pay for subways, buses, and taxis directly from the app.
- Currency Conversion: Real-time exchange rates for 100+ currencies.
Why Use It?
Alipay is China’s leading mobile payment app, accepted everywhere from street stalls to high-end stores. Its transaction limits for international users have been increased to $5,000 per transaction and $50,000 annually , making it perfect for big-ticket purchases.
Download: Alipay
B. 微信支付 (WeChat Pay)
Key Features:
- QR Code Payments: Scan to pay at restaurants, shops, and markets.
- Low-Fee Transactions: Free for purchases under ¥200 (~$27.82) .
- Mini Programs: Access services like bike rentals and food delivery without downloading extra apps.
Why Use It?
WeChat Pay is deeply integrated into daily life, with 80+ million merchants accepting it . While its transaction limits are slightly lower than Alipay, it’s essential for smaller vendors and local experiences.
Download: WeChat
4. Local Services: Explore Like a Local
A. 美团 (Meituan)
Key Features:
- Food Delivery: Order meals from local restaurants with English menus.
- Activity Bookings: Book tickets for attractions, spas, and events.
- Multilingual Support: Switch to English in settings for a seamless experience .
Why Use It?
Meituan is China’s answer to Uber Eats and Groupon combined. Its English interface makes it easy to discover nearby dining options and activities, even in smaller cities.
Download: Meituan
B. 大众点评 (Dianping)
Key Features:
- User Reviews: Read ratings and recommendations for restaurants, hotels, and services.
- Discounts: Access exclusive deals and coupons.
- Map Integration: Find nearby hotspots with location-based search.
Why Use It?
Dianping is China’s version of Yelp, with a focus on local businesses. It’s especially useful for finding authentic Chinese cuisine and avoiding tourist traps.
Download: Dianping
5. Transportation: Moving Around Safely
A. 滴滴出行 (Didi Chuxing)
Key Features:
- Ride-Hailing: Book taxis, private cars, or shared rides.
- International Payment: Accepts international credit cards via Didi Pay .
- Safety Features: Share your trip status with contacts in real-time.
Why Use It?
Didi dominates China’s ride-hailing market, offering reliable and affordable transportation. Its integration with international payment methods makes it accessible to foreign travelers.
Download: Didi
B. 中国铁路 12306 (12306)
Key Features:
- Train Ticket Booking: Book high-speed rail tickets in English.
- Real-Time Updates: Track train schedules and seat availability.
- Passport Support: Use your passport to register and purchase tickets .
Why Use It?
China’s high-speed rail network is extensive and efficient. The 12306 app simplifies ticket buying, though the English version has limited features—consider using Ctrip or Fliggy for a smoother experience.
Download: 12306
6. Travel Planning: Expert Tips and Guides
A. 马蜂窝 (Mafengwo)
Key Features:
- Travel Guides: Discover curated itineraries and destination insights.
- User Reviews: Read tips from other travelers, though recent controversies highlight credibility issues .
- Local Events: Find festivals, markets, and cultural activities.
Why Use It?
Mafengwo is a go-to for crowdsourced travel advice, but exercise caution due to reported content plagiarism. Pair it with official guides for a balanced perspective.
Download: Mafengwo
B. 穷游行程助手 (Qyer Trip Planner)
Key Features:
- Itinerary Building: Create custom trips with day-by-day plans.
- Offline Access: Download guides for areas without internet.
- Visa Support: Generate visa application forms and check requirements.
Why Use It?
Perfect for independent travelers, Qyer helps organize your trip efficiently, especially for first-time visitors navigating China’s visa processes.
Download: Qyer
8. Conclusion: Choosing the Right Apps for Your Trip
- Navigation: Use Amap for city exploration and Baidu Maps for rural areas.
- Bookings: Ctrip offers reliability, while Fliggy is ideal for budget travelers.
- Payments: Alipay is best for large transactions, and WeChat Pay excels in daily use.
- Local Services: Meituan and Dianping help you discover hidden gems.
- Transportation: Didi ensures safe rides, and 12306 simplifies train travel.
By combining these apps, you’ll unlock China’s full potential, from its bustling cities to its serene countryside. Download them before your trip and enjoy a seamless, stress-free adventure!
Ready to start planning? Visit Amap for navigation, Ctrip for bookings, and Alipay for payments. For more insights into China’s travel landscape, follow @gotochina.guide.
Which app are you most excited to try? Share your thoughts in the comments!
