Essential Apps for China: The 14 Apps You Actually Need

Mainland China runs on its own ecosystem of apps. The ones you use at home, like Google, WhatsApp and Uber, won’t get you far here. The local versions make everyday life incredibly convenient once you know which ones to download.

I’ve lived in China for more than five years, across Shenzhen, Shanghai and Chengdu. These are the 14 apps I actually use, whether you’re visiting for a week or moving here. Download them before you land: some need a phone number or ID check to set up, and that’s much easier to do from your hotel bed than at a ticket barrier.

Download the free Essential Apps for China PDF (with app icons and step-by-step screenshots)

The must-haves

These four run everyday life. If you only download four apps, make it these.

1. WeChat (微信 Wēixìn)

China’s all-in-one “life app” for messaging, group chats, voice and video calls, and mini-programs. Your school, your landlord and your friends will all expect you to be on it. If you live in China, it’s an absolute must.

2. Alipay (支付宝 Zhīfùbǎo)

The most common way to pay in China, plus a hub for utilities, transport and services. You’ll use it every day. Travelers can now link a foreign bank card, so you can pay like a local from day one.

3. Taobao (淘宝 Táobǎo)

China’s biggest online marketplace, for everything from clothes to home basics. Learn it once and you can build your whole life from your phone.

4. Meituan (美团 Měituán)

The go-to app for food and grocery delivery. It’s everyday convenience on autopilot. Traveling? Ask your host or hotel to add the address for you.

Getting around

5. DiDi (滴滴出行 Dīdī chūxíng)

China’s main ride-hailing app for quick, reliable trips. Great when you’re new or in a hurry.

6. Trip.com (携程旅行 Xiéchéng Lǚxíng)

Book flights, trains, hotels and attractions with English support and easy mobile payment. The easiest way to book high-speed trains between cities.

7. MetroMan (地铁通 Dìtiětōng)

Simple metro maps and routes that work even with weak data. Perfect for learning a new subway system fast.

8. HelloBike (哈啰 Hāluō)

Shared bikes for quick trips around dense cities, often faster than walking. My pick over the other bike-share apps if you’re a foreigner.

Maps and good food

9. Apple Maps (苹果地图 Píngguǒ dìtú), iPhone

Built in and English-friendly. You can usually search by English place names or pinyin. The easiest option if you don’t read Chinese.

10. Amap (高德地图 Gāodé dìtú), Android

Super accurate in China, but the app is mostly in Chinese, so searching is harder if you don’t read characters. Pinyin helps.

11. Dianping (大众点评 Dàzhòng Diǎnpíng)

China’s main app for restaurant and service reviews, with photos, menus, ratings and deals. Basically the local Yelp people actually use. The best way to find good food and avoid tourist traps.

Translation

12. Translate (Apple), iPhone

Clean, fast translation with handy offline packs. Great for quick phrases and signs.

13. Google Translate (Google 翻译), Android

The best default translator for Android. Download the Simplified Chinese pack before you arrive.

14. Baidu Translate (百度翻译 Bǎidù Fānyì)

A China-native translator that handles Chinese ↔ English well. Useful for screenshots, menus and everyday text.

The trick that makes every Chinese app usable: screenshot and translate

Most of these apps are partly or fully in Chinese. You don’t need to read it. Here’s how to translate anything on an iPhone:

1. Screenshot. In any app, if you can’t read the Chinese, take a screenshot first.
2. Open Photos and open the screenshot.
3. Press and hold the text, drag the blue handles around the phrase, then tap the arrow.
4. Tap Translate in the menu that pops up.
5. Done. Copy it, save it, or tap play to hear it out loud.

On Android? Open the screenshot in Google Translate or Baidu Translate and use image translation. Same idea, a couple of extra taps.

Apps and sign-up rules in China change fast, so double-check anything important before you rely on it.