📱 Essential Apps for Visiting China
Download these apps before you arrive. They will make your trip much easier!
Payment
WeChat + Alipay
Maps
Amap (Gaode)
Translation
AI Tools
Transport
Didi
Tickets
Trip.com
💰 Payment Apps
China is almost completely cashless. Mobile payment is accepted everywhere — from hospitals to street vendors. We strongly recommend installing BOTH apps as backup for each other.
微信
China's super-app. Not just for chat — it's essential for payments, mini-programs, and more.
- Universal payment acceptance
- Link international Visa/Mastercard
- Scan QR codes everywhere
- Hospital mini-programs for booking
- Chat with local contacts
Alipay
支付宝
The easiest payment app for foreigners. Better international card support than WeChat.
- Easiest setup for foreigners
- Link Visa/Mastercard directly
- Built-in translation feature
- "Transport" section for metro/bus
- Tour Pass for short visits
⚠️ Important: Link Both Credit Card AND Debit Card
Most users only link a credit card, but many small shops in China do not accept credit card payments — they only support debit/savings cards (储蓄卡).
- Link a debit card (savings account) for small shops and street vendors
- Link a credit card as your primary payment method
- Set credit card as the default payment option
- Switch to debit card if a payment is declined
🗺️ Maps & Navigation
Google Maps doesn't work well in China. Download a local map app before you arrive.
Amap (Gaode)
高德地图
China's most accurate navigation app. Best for driving, walking, and public transit.
- Most accurate China maps
- Real-time traffic updates
- Public transit directions
- Built-in taxi booking
- English interface available
Baidu Maps
百度地图
Another popular option. Good street view feature and indoor mall navigation.
- Detailed indoor maps
- Street view feature
- Good for finding businesses
- Interface mostly in Chinese
💡 Tip: Save Hospital Addresses Offline
Before your hospital visit, search for the hospital in Amap and save it to your favorites. You can also screenshot the Chinese address to show taxi drivers.
🌐 Translation Apps
We strongly recommend AI translation tools over traditional translators. AI provides more accurate, context-aware translations that are essential for medical conversations.
DeepSeek
DeepSeek
Powerful AI assistant with excellent reasoning. Download before your trip — works everywhere!
- 100% accurate translations
- Excellent for medical terms
- Can answer complex questions
- Works globally — same app in/outside China
- Free tier available
Doubao
豆包
ByteDance's AI assistant. Best translation in China, supports English conversations.
- Near-perfect translation accuracy
- Understands medical terminology
- Voice input supported
- Supports English conversations
- Free to use
Google Translate
谷歌翻译
Classic translator. Now works in China without VPN! Great for camera translation.
- Camera translation for signs/menus
- Offline mode available
- Works in China (no VPN needed)
- Familiar interface
📥 How to Download Doubao (豆包)
Doubao is only available through Chinese app stores. Here's how to get it:
- iPhone: Change App Store region to China in Settings → Apple ID → Country/Region
- Android: Download APK from APKPure.com or Uptodown.com
- Tip: Download after arriving in China using hotel WiFi
⚠️ Important: Overseas vs China App Versions
Some apps have different versions for overseas and China:
- DeepSeek, Google Translate: ✅ Download anywhere, works in China
- Doubao (豆包): ⚠️ Must download in China — overseas version (Cici/Dola) doesn't work in China
- WeChat, Alipay, Amap, Didi: ✅ Overseas version works in China
✅ Why AI Translation is Better
Traditional translators often make mistakes with Chinese, especially for:
- Medical terms — AI understands medical context
- Spoken Chinese — AI handles colloquial expressions
- Hospital signs — AI can explain what departments do
- Doctor's instructions — AI provides accurate interpretation
🚗 Transportation Apps
Getting around in China is easy with the right apps. Ride-hailing, bikes, metro — all in your phone.
Didi
滴滴出行
China's Uber. The most popular ride-hailing app with English interface.
- English interface available
- Link international cards
- See price before booking
- Share ride status
- Various car options
Shared Bikes
共享单车
No separate app needed! Scan bike QR codes with WeChat or Alipay.
- Scan QR with WeChat/Alipay
- Hellobike, Meituan Bike
- Pick up and drop anywhere
- Very affordable
Metro & Bus
公交地铁
Use Alipay's "Transport" section to scan and pay for metro and buses.
- Open Alipay → Transport
- Scan QR at turnstiles
- Automatic fare deduction
- Works in most cities
💡 Good to Know
- WeChat, Alipay, and Amap all have built-in taxi booking features
- For shared bikes, just scan the QR code on the bike with WeChat or Alipay
- For metro/bus, use Alipay's "Transport" (出行) section
🎫 Travel & Tickets
Book trains, flights, and hotels through these apps. For domestic travel in China, high-speed rail (HSR) is highly recommended — it's fast, comfortable, and reliable.
Trip.com
携程
China's largest travel platform with excellent English support. Book everything here.
- Full English interface
- High-speed rail tickets
- Flights domestic & international
- Hotels with English reviews
- 24/7 English customer service
12306
铁路12306
Official China Railway app. Cheapest option but requires Chinese phone number.
- Official railway booking
- Cheapest prices
- Requires Chinese phone number
- Interface in Chinese
🚄 Why Take High-Speed Rail?
- Beijing → Shanghai: 4.5 hours (vs 2h flight + 3h airport time)
- Quick security check: Arrive 30 min before departure (security is fast and simple)
- City center to city center: Stations are downtown
- Comfortable seats: More legroom than planes
- Scenic views: See the countryside
📥 Download Checklist
Install these apps before you arrive in China. Most require verification with your phone number.
✅ Must Have (Download Before Trip)
WeChat Alipay Amap ⭐ Highly Recommended
DeepSeek Didi Trip.com ⚠️ Download in China
Doubao (豆包) Overseas version (Cici/Dola) doesn't work in China