The Best Map App for China: A Comprehensive Guide for Travelers
Updated on: August 26, 2023
As a frequent traveler, I’ve found that having a reliable map app is essential, especially when visiting China. With a plethora of options available, it can be challenging to choose the best one for navigating through this vast country.
Having carefully considered various apps, I can confidently say that Apple Maps and Google Maps are among the top choices. Although Apple Maps comes pre-installed on iPhones and has turn-by-turn spoken directions, the need for aa VPN arises when using Google Maps as the service remains blocked by the Great Firewall of China. However, both apps are fully available in English, making it easy for travelers to explore the country without language barriers.
Besides these popular options, there are many alternative map apps to explore as well, ensuring that travelers have a seamless experience navigating through the beautiful cities and landscapes of China.
Table of Contents
Types of Map Apps
Web-based apps.
In my experience, web-based map apps can be convenient options for users who prefer not to install dedicated apps on their devices. These apps, accessible directly through a browser, often offer similar features to their native counterparts, such as routing and point of interest searching. While web-based apps might not have the same level of detail or integration as native apps, they still provide valuable information to help travelers navigate China. For example, Apple Maps can be a good choice for iPhone users, as it offers decent detail and accuracy for most locations in China source.
Native Apps
On the other hand, native apps tend to offer more in-depth features and real-time information, as they are developed specifically for a particular country or region. For China, apps such as Baidu Maps and Amap stand out as popular options for locals and travelers alike source. Since these apps are native to China, they provide comprehensive access to points of interest and offer real-time traffic information, allowing users to make informed decisions about their travel routes.
Top Map Apps in China
Name in Chinese: 高德地图 (Gaode Ditu)
As someone who frequently travels to China, I find Amap (or Gaode Map) to be one of the most reliable and popular mapping apps in the country. The user interface is clean and easy to use, with comprehensive mapping data and accurate navigation services. Amap is available in both English and Chinese, making it easily accessible for foreign travelers.
Tencent Maps
Name in Chinese: 腾讯地图 (Tengxun Ditu)
Another great option for navigating in China is Tencent Maps. Tencent is a well-known and respected technology company in China, responsible for popular apps like WeChat. Tencent Maps offers real-time traffic updates and detailed directions, making it a reliable choice for locals and tourists alike. The app is available in English, which is a significant advantage for travelers who don’t speak Chinese.
Name in Chinese: 百度地图 (Baidu Ditu)
Baidu Maps is a popular choice for map services in China. It is created by Baidu, a leading Chinese search engine company, and offers many features like real-time bus tracking, indoor maps, and voice-guided navigation. The app is predominantly in Chinese but has some English functionality; however, it might be less convenient for travelers who are not proficient in the Chinese language.
Name in Chinese: 苹果地图 (PingGuo Ditu)
For iPhone users, Apple Maps is a viable alternative to other map apps in China. Apple has significantly improved its mapping services in recent years, and it now provides comprehensive and accurate map data for China. The turn-by-turn spoken directions are helpful, and the app is available in English. This makes it an excellent choice for travelers who already have an iPhone and prefer not to download additional apps.
Deciding Factors for the Best App
Offline maps.
As a frequent traveler, I find it essential to have access to offline maps. This feature allows me to explore cities without relying on an internet connection or Wi-Fi. The best map app for China should offer this functionality to ensure users can navigate with ease.
User Interface
The app’s user interface plays a crucial role in the overall user experience. A clean, intuitive design with well-organized functions makes it simple for me to find what I need quickly. Therefore, the best map app for China should have an easy-to-use interface and seamless navigation.
Real-Time Traffic Information
While commuting in China, real-time traffic information is invaluable to avoid congested areas and delays. This feature would enable me to plan my routes more effectively and save time on the road. The best map app for China should provide accurate real-time traffic updates, helping users to efficiently reach their destinations.
Language Support
As a foreigner exploring China, I need an app that supports both English and local languages. This feature makes it easier for me to understand the map and get around, even if I can’t speak Chinese fluently. The best map app for China must have robust language support to cater to users from different backgrounds.
GPS Accuracy
Accurate GPS tracking is crucial for me to navigate confidently in unfamiliar places. The app should enable me to pinpoint my exact location and offer precise directions to my destinations. In summary, the best map app for China should have excellent GPS accuracy, ensuring users can rely on it for successful navigation.
Comparative Analysis
I have looked into the various map applications available for use in China and found some interesting insights. Gaode Map is the most popular map and navigation app in China, with around 491 million monthly active users as of December 2022. In a close second place is Baidu Map, another highly popular option among locals and travelers alike.
When comparing Gaode Map and Baidu Map, I noticed a few distinct differences. Gaode Map seems to focus more on providing detailed, accurate directions and traffic information, making it ideal for navigating in densely populated areas. Baidu Map, on the other hand, emphasizes its integration with other Baidu services, such as search and local reviews. Both apps are available in English and Chinese, ensuring a comfortable experience for non-Chinese speakers.
While Google Maps is a widely respected and commonly used map service around the world, it is not generally accessible in China due to the Great Firewall. Although some users can find creative ways to use Google Maps in China or access it via a VPN, there are inherent risks and the need for a more reliable alternative.
In addition to the popular Chinese map apps, there are other alternatives available for travelers visiting China. Here Maps and Maps.Me are two global map services that offer offline functionality and detailed maps for a variety of locations, including China. These options can act as valuable supplementary tools to Gaode Map and Baidu Map when navigating unfamiliar regions and limited internet access.
In summary, travelers and expats in China have several quality choices for map applications, with Gaode Map and Baidu Map leading the pack in terms of popularity and localized functionality. Additionally, Here Maps and Maps.Me offer offline navigation options, making it easier for users to find their way around the country without relying on constant internet access.
Tips for Using Map Apps in China
In my travels to China, I’ve discovered a few useful tips for making the most of map apps. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience while navigating the streets and landmarks of this vast country.
Download Maps Ahead
Before embarking on your trip, it’s essential to download maps of the areas you plan to visit. This not only saves time and data usage but also ensures that you have access to your location and directions even if the internet connection is unreliable. Depending on the map app you choose, like Baidu Maps or Gaode Maps, you can easily download offline maps for specific cities or regions in China.
Carry Extra Power Supply
While using map apps can be incredibly helpful, it’s important to remember that they can quickly drain your device’s battery. To avoid getting stuck with a dead phone in the middle of your journey, I always make sure to carry a portable charger or an extra battery pack. This ensures that my device stays powered, and I can continue to access my maps and other important information throughout the day.
Enable Roaming
Although China has many Wi-Fi hotspots, they might not always be accessible, especially in rural areas. To ensure seamless access to my maps and other vital apps, I enable data roaming on my device. It’s important to note that roaming charges can be costly, so be sure to check with your service provider to avoid any unexpected expenses. Alternatively, you can also purchase a local SIM card with a data plan to stay connected while exploring China.
By following these tips, I’ve found that navigating China using map apps becomes a much more manageable task. With the right preparation and resources, you can confidently explore this amazing country without worrying about losing your way.
Conclusions
In my research, I have found that there are several great map apps for traveling in China. Apple Maps is a reliable option for iPhone users, as it offers turn-by-turn spoken directions and is available in English source . However, it may not be an option for those using Android phones.
For a more inclusive solution, I discovered that Google Maps is considered the best comprehensive maps service in China despite being blocked by the Great Firewall source . To use Google Maps, you would need a VPN beforehand. This is a great choice for travelers as it is available in English and easy to use even if you don’t speak Chinese.
Among the local options, Gaode Map and Baidu Map are popular choices with a large number of monthly active users source . Both are efficient when it comes to navigation, but may have limited English support.
Regardless of your choice, I would recommend having a backup map app to ensure smooth navigation in China. Additionally, a VPN might come in handy not only to access Google Maps but also for other blocked services such as Facebook and Twitter.
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I moved to the United States at the age of 15 for high school and later graduated from Cal State University. After working for a while, I decided to return to my homeland, China. Now, I live in northern China again with my family, rediscovering the place I call home.
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The Top 15 Apps for China Travelers
Apps are revolutionizing the way we travel, and nowhere is this more true than China. Downloading these apps before you get to China can make everything a whole lot easier, as it alleviates problems with the language and can help you get your bearings quicker.
That's why we've listed the top 15 most useful China apps for travelers, whether it be language, directions, traveling, taxis, keeping access to your social media, or restaurants.
1. A VPN App — for Internet Access
You won't get very far in China without a VPN these days, as apps such as WhatsApp, anything Google (Google mail accounts, Google docs), Instagram, Facebook and Twitter all require a VPN for use.
We've listed the best free and paid VPNs so that you can start your trip prepared!
Language Apps
2. pleco (free or upgraded version).
In terms of getting to terms with the Chinese language, Pleco is one of the best language-learning apps, and will also save your time if you can't read things such as menus, signs, or can't translate a tourist attraction name into Chinese.
You can either input using pinyin (the alphabetic system of Mandarin), or you can draw out characters in order to translate them. The dictionary from English into Chinese is also very good.
3. Learn Chinese Mandarin (Free or Upgraded Version)
A great beginners' language app with sets of key phrases for the most important parts of traveling. Greetings, general conversation, numbers, directions and places, transportation, eating out, and emergency are all included in the free version.
If you want to take your Chinese learning to the next level, consider paying $4.99 for the upgraded version which also includes vocab lists for time and date, accommodation, shopping, colors, regions and towns, countries, tourist attractions, family, dating, feeling sick, and more.
Navigation Apps
4. google maps (free).
Google Maps is the best comprehensive maps service throughout China, as it is fully available in English and makes it easy to navigate around even if you don't speak the language.
Now google, facebook, twitter, youtube, and instgram have been blocked by China firewall. You'd better get a VPN before departure. See the Best VPNs for Use in China (Free and Paid) .
5. China Travel Guide (Free)
A travel guide with listings for popular tourist attractions throughout the country, including addresses, pictures, locations on the map, and other peoples comments on each of the popular tourist sites.
Great for pre-planning or while you're on the road as this app can be used offline too, which is perfect if you're traveling without much access to Internet.
Transport Apps
6. our train-booking app.
We've designed an app to connect mobile users with our acclaimed English-language China train service, making it easier for foreign travelers in China to book train tickets.
Read more about it here , including information on how to download it.
7. China Metro (Free)
China Metro has a huge collection of subway maps from cities through China, whether you're traveling to Beijing , Shanghai , Guangzhou , or even smaller cities like Harbin , Wuhan, Hangzhou and Changsha .
Even more conveniently, it also has information for Singapore, Hong Kong and Taipei if you're traveling off the mainland.
8. DiDi ChuXing (Free) — for Taxis
Since Uber was taken off the market, a local equivalent called DiDi ChuXing has taken over the car-sharing market. Similarly with Uber, drivers will be eager to please and get you to your location for a good rating.
The vast amount of Wi-Fi around the country in hotels and restaurants means that even without 3G or a Chinese SIM you'll be able to request a car, and the driver will be able to find you based on the pin you have dropped at your location. The chat function in-app also means you can chat with your driver through a translation service in real time.
Payment gets taken off your international card as per usual, it's very simple and the same price as normal taxis.
9. Taxi! China ($1.99)
Taxi! China is the best way to ensure that you have important information to pass onto taxi drivers throughout the country about your hotel, the locations you want to go to, and can flawlessly communicate with them.
It has lists of important phrases and phone numbers so that you'll never be caught off-guard or lost.
10. MoBike (Free)
The bike-sharing economy is taking the world by storm, and the revolution started in China! MoBike is one of the many apps that you can easily download and catch a shared bike ride on. Bikes are found throughout most Chinese cities, on pretty much every street corner.
First few rides are free, and from there on you'll pay CNY1 per ride. You do have to put down a CNY200 deposit but you can get this back.
11. WeChat (Free) — THE Social App
WeChat is the most popular messaging service in China, and is great if you're meeting people in China and want to stay in touch. Even in cases where you, for example, meet a lovely taxi driver and want to keep his contact in case you need him to drive you around the next day, WeChat is the best way to do this.
You can send text and voice messages, and call people for free if you're both connected to either Wi-Fi, 3G or 4G. It can also be used to pay for things by QR code.
Travel Help Apps
12. day tour booking app.
If you only have 1-2 days to visit a city, our Day Tour Booking app is the best way to plan your day trip.
The app selects the most popular attractions to visit in the main tourist cities, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, Xi’an, and Guilin. Every stop of your tour can be checked easily on the app before you make your payment.
After you have booked, you will be picked up from your hotel lobby by a local tour guide, and an experienced driver in a comfortable car to start your tour.
Now the Day Tour Booking is available on App Store. Get your free trial by clicking here.
13. Flight Radar (Free or Upgraded Version)
If you're considering doing a lot of traveling by air in China, Flight Radar may actually have more information than the airport when it comes to delays and actual flight times.
Prepare by getting this app, and you won't regret it in case something unexpected happens while you're at the airport. Also great for those with a special interest in airplanes!
14. Airbnb (Free) — for Accommodation
Airbnb is not only changing the way people travel in the West, but also in China. On Airbnb you will find a wide array of accommodation throughout the entire country, including some very unique spots near the Great Wall of China , for example.
Most Airbnb hosts signed up in China do speak English, and you'll also find that many of them are actually foreigners living in China with a unique view of the country to share.
15. AirVisual (Free) — for Air Quality
If you're worried about traveling in China as a result of increased coverage of its air pollution issues, it can be worth downloading AirVisual ahead of your trip. The app shows real-time air pollution levels as measured at different points in the country, with an estimation for the next few days. This can be useful if you're traveling with someone who has a weaker respiratory system.
The app's coverage isn't limited to China though, you might be surprised that your hometown is more polluted than you thought.
Our China Tours
Our tours will guide you as much or as little as you need, so you won't even need to use any of these apps if we guide you through China, as we'll take care of it all.
To get in touch with us about organizing a tour, all you have to do is contact us through this form and tell us more about how many people are traveling, and where you'd like to go.
Further Reading
- Internet access in China is not the same as back home, so make sure you know what you're doing before coming out here. For example, if your only email address is a gmail address, consider creating a hotmail or yahoo to stay in touch with friends.
- For HK, we have Hong Kong Apps: The Top 10 for Travelers/Expats .
- And if you're going to Shanghai, we've also compiled a list of apps for tourists visiting Shanghai.
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The 11 Best Apps for Traveling in China
Best Apps to Travel in China – Index
- City maps: Google Maps, Maps, Baidu Ditu
- Subway maps: Metro China Subway
- Train and plane tickets: China Train Booking and Trip
- VPN: Express VPN and the others
- Hotels: Agoda, Hostelworld, Booking
- Taxis: Didi Chuxing
- Chinese dictionaries: Pleco, Hanping, Google Translate
- The App of all Apps: WeChat
- Web content search engine: Baidu, Bing, and Google
- Payment Apps: Alipay
- Music player: Kugou Music, QQ music
Before you begin
Are you going to travel to China and would like to use of some tools that will make your experience easier?
In a country where the language is a huge barrier, it certainly doesn’t hurt to load up your smartphone with a few megabytes that will help you deal with typical situations of all types, namely where to stay, how to get around and how to access key information.
Keep in mind that not all applications that work in your country will work in China, meanwhile, others will work, albeit very slowly.
Because of this, in this article, I present the 10 applications that I consider to be the most useful and effective for traveling to the country. Of course, there exist many more, but I will focus on those that don’t require a knowledge of Chinese to use.
Unless there’s an indication to the contrary, all of these are available for iOS and Android. However, take note Android users:
1. City maps: Google Maps, Maps, Baidu Ditu
With them, in addition to locating yourself and accessing more detailed information on the services around you, they also allow you to calculate the time and the most convenient transportation means for your routes.
Unfortunately for some people, Google Maps doesn’t work in China ( unless you have a VPN ). Nonetheless, new versions allow you to download some city maps for offline use. However, as Google states, the bad news is that some maps aren’t available for offline use.
This is the case of the key mainland Chinese cities, such as Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Guangzhou, etc. On the other hand, you’re able to download maps of Hong Kong and Taipei, if they’re one of your destinations.
But not all hope is lost. For iOS users, there’s an alternative within basic iOS applications, which is Apple’s Maps. It’s practical and works very similarly to its counterpart Google.
I only find one drawback of this app for China, which is the fact that all addresses appear in English (or the language in which your smartphone is configured) and not Chinese. The good thing is that you will have no problems looking up destinations in the app, but you might have problems on the street if road signs are only in Chinese characters.
There exists another possibility available for both iOS and Android, which is called Baidu Map. You could say that Baidu is the equivalent of Google in China considering that in addition to being the continent’s search engine par excellence among Chinese users, it has other functions, like the one I’m discussing here.
Bad news once again: Baidu Map can only be used in Chinese. Addresses can be entered in pinyin format, but it’s essential to be able to recognize Chinese characters to be able to use it.
2. Subway maps: Metro China Subway
For China, I recommend “ Metro China Subway, or MetroMan, by Wu Qiuping ”. It covers all Chinese cities that currently have a subway (and some in South Korea, Japan, and other isolated cities, such as Moscow or Mexico City) all within the same application.
Here the links for Android and iOS systems .
It’s available in 8 languages in addition to Chinese, but regardless of your choice, it maintains the names of all stations in Chinese characters and pinyin .
Its most noteworthy functions are calculating routes with information on prices, times, transfers, etc., the map of each station to be able to choose the most appropriate exit, and information on the services that you can find around stops.
3. Train and plane tickets: China Train Booking and Trip
The app is owned by China Highlights, a big travel agency that has been working with foreigners visiting China since 1998, and offer a train booking ticket service since 2013. Also, the app is available for both Android and iOS devices and has been available since 2015, with the goal to make it easier to book a train ticket, for foreigners.
Here the main features of this app:
- Live Data : ticket availability is tracked in real time by an automatic system and synchronized with China Rail, ie. the official government database;
- Multiple Payment Methods Accepted : the app accepts payments from foreign credit cards, Paypal, Alipay, and WeChat. I can’t stretch how important this is, as often the problems for foreigners in China is not the language, but the fact that their credit cards are not accepted;
- 3-Minute Process : The app’s interface is quite simple, and this makes it possible to book your train ticket quickly, and without hassles;
- Customer Service : You will have access to 1-on-1 English speaking customer service, from 8 AM to 11 PM (Chinese time, GMT+8), every day of the week.
Usually, you will receive your tickets pickup vouchers via the app, which means that your tickets are issued successfully, around 5 minutes after you paid. Showing the e-vouchers on your phones and your passports, you can then easily collect your tickets at any train station without hassles.
Also, if you prefer, the app provides a delivery service that allows you to receive the train tickets at your hotel in China , within 2 days.
Click here to download the free app for your iOS or Android device .
You can access all of the information on domestic and international flights quickly and intuitively. At the same time, it includes the schedules, rates, and availability for train routes across the entire country.
Buying both types of tickets is very simple and reliable. If you sign up beforehand, your information will be saved, which will make the buying process faster. When your payment is confirmed, you receive an email with all of the information on the trip.
In the case of plane tickets, the electronic ticket will also be sent to your inbox (after the confirmation of the booking).
For train tickets, you receive a single booking confirmation email and a booking number. With this number and your passport, you have to go to the train ticket pickup window at the train station (any station: it doesn’t have to be the same one you are departing from) to get the physical ticket to travel.
When using Trip, you can pay in 22 different currencies. In addition, the application allows you to view all bookings, make bookings at hotels, or for tourist packages (lodging + transportation), or check the status of your flight.
This Chinese tourism company is also trying to become the hotel search engine of choice in Asia, although for the time being, it doesn’t benefit from the popularity of its competition in this sector, which I will present below. Even so, it’s very practical if you prefer to book transportation and lodging at the same time.
4. VPN: Express VPN and the others
In this article , you’ll find detailed information on what a VPN is and how it’s used as well a comparison of the best VPNs for China. It also discusses the websites that generally tend to be blocked in this Asian country.
VPNs allow short subscription times (starting with one month), so they’re very suited to travelers. In addition, once you get one, you’ll be able to download it onto multiple devices and use it on all of them (there’s a limit in the users connected at the same time with the same password), which means that if you’re traveling as a couple or with friends, you’ll be able to share costs.
Note that at the moment we especially recommend Express VPN .
5. Hotels: Agoda, Hostelworld, Booking
In my case, I’ve had good experiences with the three of them, so choosing one or the other will depend on your criteria. The information on lodging that they provide, the booking process, and the payment methods don’t differ very much from one to the other. What sets them apart is the volume of the offering and the prices of rooms . On the other hand, they are all available in multiple languages and accept international credit cards.
It’s very useful to download their mobile apps onto your smartphone because these speed up the booking process compared to on the websites. In addition, it will store your booking information as well as the location of the establishment in Chinese. Thanks to the fact that this information is available offline, all you have to do is show your cell phone to the taxi driver or at the hotel reception.
6. Taxis: Didi Chuxing
Because of this, it’s interesting to have this application during your travels through the Middle Kingdom. With Didi Chuxing, you can request a driver to come to pick you up at your location or the place you indicate. The vehicle can be a public taxi, a private vehicle, a shared vehicle, or other options, each with a different price estimated beforehand.
This amount is calculated based on the type of vehicle and destination address that you manually input into the application. Once you accept the price, the driver picks you up and takes you to the destination indicated with no need for oral communication. The payment method is integrated into the application.
Up until now and since summer 2016 (the date when Didi Chuxing bought Uber in China), tourists and the ex-pat community in China who can’t read or write Chinese were required to go through the tedious task of flagging down taxis on the street.
However, to the joy of all, the Chinese company has just announced the launch of its application in English, which also plans to allow credit cards from 12 countries as a payment method (although for the time being, no Spanish-speaking countries appear on the list).
It seems like it’s just a matter of time, although, at the time of the writing of this article, the long-awaited English version of Didi Chuxing has not yet become reality. On the other hand, for the time being, only iOS users have direct access to the application via the Apple Store (if you’re an Android user, you still need to understand Chinese to download it from the virtual labyrinth of websites written in characters).
7. Chinese dictionaries: Pleco, Hanping, Google Translate
Pleco is one of the most popular Chinese-English-Chinese dictionaries . It lets you look up words in both languages and in the case of Chinese, you can input the word in pinyin format (phonetic transcription of characters into Latin) or by manually drawing the character strokes (only for Android devices, but iOS devices have this function integrated into the telephone’s Chinese keyboard).
On top of that, it has two very useful tools: one is the “Clipboard Reader” and the other is “Optical Character Recognition.”
The first immediately translates any text that you copy onto the clipboard. Nonetheless, the free version only offers the translation of isolated characters. This means that if you’re trying to find out what a phrase or paragraph means, you’ll have to be imaginative.
The second allows you to recognize Chinese characters through your smartphone’s camera. This is a paid service (9.99 USD), but it might be a good investment if you don’t know any Chinese, as writing characters by hand isn’t easy if you’re not familiar with the order of strokes.
Hanping is another one of the most-downloaded dictionaries. Nonetheless, it’s not available for iOS users. Just like Pleco, it allows you to enter characters manually or in pinyin , translates phrases copied onto the clipboard (better than Pleco in my opinion), and has a visual character recognition system if you pay for it (9.95 USD).
The difference between both dictionaries is most prominent among students of Chinese , who find the functions of one or the other to be better depending on their study method. For the rest of people, both have 110,000 entries and are equally easy to use.
Google Translate
While it’s not a dictionary in itself, we can’t neglect this tool from Google. While it’s true that many of the American platform’s services aren’t available for users connecting from China, Google Translate is an exception.
You might ask why you would need to download this app if you download one of the dictionaries mentioned above. I’ll give you two reasons: the first is because it’s the only application that allows you to translate large phrases and paragraphs both ways (into and from Chinese) while maintaining a certain degree of coherency. For the type of translations that you’ll need during your trip, it’s more than enough and will let you move beyond 你好 Ni hao! (Hi!) in your conversations.
The second reason is that it offers a large number of language packages, and not only English or Spanish (for example, Catalan or Basque, which are official languages in Spain). On top of that, you can download the majority of these packages and use the application offline, which is a huge advantage for travelers.
8. The App of all Apps: WeChat
Some people say that WeChat is the Chinese equivalent of WhatsApp . Even so, the former has infinitely more uses than the latter. In fact, WeChat is used more like a social network than as a messaging service, as each account is associated with a profile where you can post photos, videos, share links, etc. which your contacts can access (if you have it configured that way).
But that’s not all: if you’re not interested in the likely routines of traveling, the application also allows you to link your credit card (it has to be Chinese) and to then make payments and money transfers immediately, whether at a small store, to a friend, in the subway, to buy movie tickets, to automate the balance of personal taxes and much more.
With all of these uses for consumers, it’s no wonder that more than half the population has an active WeChat account. Among Chinese people, it’s really common to ask for people’s WeChat contact info, as it’s a way of prying into the personal life of others and at the same time expands your personal network of contacts, which is so important in oriental society.
So, you shouldn’t be surprised if even before asking your name, people ask to scan your personal QR code that will let them send you a friend request (you can accept or reject). Personally, I think this is a really interesting way of establishing contacts in China who can be very helpful during your stay.
WeChat is available in 20 languages in addition to Chinese and is capable of translating text messages received in any of these languages into the language you have configured in your profile. Therefore, it’s a huge advantage to travelers in China, as not only does it facilitate a means of communication with people but it also helps to reduce the language barrier.
9. Web content search engine: Baidu, Bing, and Google
The most used online search engine in the Asian giant is called Baidu. Like Google, it has many other functions, although these aren’t too interesting for travelers. While it’s really useful for looking up information or webpages in Chinese, it isn’t very useful for other languages, and not even English.
As always, there’s an alternative: Microsoft’s Bing . Bing carries out searches very similar to Google. You can put your search keywords in whatever language you want and it works perfectly in the Asian country.
Bing has a mobile app (for iOS and Android) that is used as a web content search engine as well as a browser in itself. This way, you can open the webpage that you choose in the same application or redirect it to your preferred browser.
10. Payment Apps: Alipay
In a country where cash payments are becoming increasingly rare and a separate banking network (Union Pay) exists, making payments and purchasing things can be frustrating for tourists.
In China, the most commonly used way of making payments is by using QR codes via the WeChat or Alipay apps.
While apps need to be linked to a local telephone number and a Chinese bank account, since late 2019, Alipay has been offering tourists the possibility of making use of this service by means of the Alipay Tour Pass .
Alipay Tour Pass features :
- Valid for 90 days
- Accounts can be reloaded with any international payment method
- Minimum top-up of 100 CNY (approx. 13 EUR)
- Maximum top-up of 2,000 CNY (approx. 260 EUR)
- Top-ops can be added multiple times
- Once the 90 days have elapsed, the remaining balance is returned to the bank account of origin
How to use an Alipay Tour Pass
- Search for and install the Alipay app
- Register with an email address or telephone number
- Look for “Tour Pass” in the app
- Top up the Bank of Shanghai card using your typical payment method
- Use all of Alipay’s services, such as scanning to make a payment or Didi to book a taxi
11. Music player: Kugou Music, QQ music
Given that platforms such as Spotify and YouTube aren’t available in China if you want direct access to your favorite music, you’re going to need to plan ahead. One option is to save all of your playlists on your phone’s memory. The other is to download a Chinese music player.
The two most popular ones are Kugou Music and QQ Music . You’ll be surprised by their quantity and diversity of songs from across the globe. While they’re only available in Chinese, both are very intuitive and have similar functions, so choosing one or the other doesn’t make a big difference.
These apps allow you to access a limitless supply of songs, videos, radio channels, or music programs via streaming . On top of that, you can create playlists and if you download the songs, you can listen to them whenever you want without needing to be connected to the Internet.
These are also a good way of familiarizing yourself with the panorama of Chinese music. Also, if you’re a karaoke fan, you’re in luck, as the majority of songs (not only Chinese songs) come with lyrics!
If you use these applications outside of China, you’ll see that QQ Music is very limited (due to copyright issues). However Kugou works both in China and outside of it, although you’ll have to download it directly from its webpage .
I hope that these recommendations help to make your trip more comfortable. As the virtual world is constantly changing and improving, don’t hesitate to leave a comment about your experience or any new and useful suggestion that you have. It will be greatly helpful in keeping us up to date!
Photo Credits: Photo by FOX on Pexels
About The Author
Andrea Lasheras
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10 thoughts on “the 11 best apps for traveling in china”.
There is a foreigner-friendly app for foreign guys, because you need to use some Chinese applications when you travel, study or work in China, the app named “laowai”, which can translate the Chinese websites/applications to the national languages in seconds. You can get all kinds of services in China easier after using laowai app.
Thank you Elaine, but most of the apps suggested here have an English version
For city maps, I use MAPS.ME (Android). It has downloadable maps for all of China, province-by-province. It’s free (with adds but they don’t usually show in China!), shows tourist sites, and you can “pin” your own sites. I find it excellent and use it anytime I’m out-and-about.
Hello Nigel,
yes, Maps.me is also good!
Google translate also has optical character recognition these days. You can highlight specific text on a pic, or the camera will actually translate before you even take the pic! It’s miraculous.
China Train Booking app is the best app I used when I was travelling in China for 2 months. This app along with the staff were a complete life saver. The app clearly sets out train times, ticket availability, journey length and cost. You submit tickets to be booked and have the option to provide a ‘plan b’ if the tickets aren’t available. Staff will get in touch with you if there are any problems getting the correct tickets and will walk you through all the alternative options! They were so helpful during the busy Chinese New Year period when we were struggling to find tickets. If tickets are available, they will usually book them for you within minutes. With their confirmation email, they provide enormously helpful PDFs setting out useful phrases, station layout, what to do if you miss your train, how early to arrive, etc etc. I honestly have nothing bad to say about the app / staff.
Thanks for the suggestion
I’d add the Baidu Translate app. It works like Google Translate, except it also has a free optical character translation option that works well.
For those who read Chinese, meituan is really handy too.
Hello Kevin,
thank you for the feedback : )
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8 Useful Travel Apps for Traveling in China 2024
Some people say China is the country where you need apps than other destinations in the world, for there are so many things to see and do, yet China is so vast and only a small portion of Chinese speak English. So download some good apps to help to save time and money, and even enhance fun and convenience in your China vacations .
For most travelers to China, language is the prior problem for them for Chinese is not easy to learn, and there are only few people can say English. So a good language app seems extremely important. WayGo is a visual translation app; as an offline translator, it can offer instant visual translation of Chinese, Japanese and Korean characters. Users only need to use the camera on the smartphone to highlight the Chinese characters and the app will instantly translate it to English. It’s very helpful to order menu, read important signs and transportation maps.
If you want to learn Chinese, then Pleco is a must! Pleco is a Chinese dictionary which integrates the functions of dictionary, document reader, flashcard system with fullscreen handwriting input and live OCR. This app will not only help you to translate Chinese and communicate with Chinese people better in the travel, it also can help you to learn Chinese.
3.OffMaps 2 – Offline Maps
Offmaps is a very useful app which allows its users to download city maps from all over the world. The most brilliant part of this app is that it uses the internal GPS on your device to track your location. To be specific, it can navigate traveler offline in real time (even when you turn off your data, and this will save you a lot on the roaming fees). It will show your position and even the direction you are pointing on the map. Offmaps will guide you turn by turn until you arrive at the destination, and you won’t need to worry about getting lost anymore.
4.Metro China Subway
Subway is becoming more and more popular in China, and it may be the most convenient transportation tool to transfer in big cities where often have traffic jams, like Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong and Guangzhou. Metro China Subway provides the metro information to its users, including riding scheme, the map of the station, subway schedule and food and entertainment nearby the subway station.
5.China Travel Guide
This app offers travelers a complete and up to date city guides for over 100 cities in China , including Beijing, Shanghai, Xian, Chengdu, Guilin… It introduces the historic landmarks, local people and most unique landscapes of China. Bars, pubs and good restaurants are also recommended in this app. It’s very useful no matter you are planning a China trip or just want to get to know China better.
6.China Air Quality Index
Well, air quality in some cities may be poor in certain days, so whether to wear a mask or not is a problem for travelers. This app will tells you the real-time broadcasting air quality information for over 400 cities in China from more than 1800 monitoring stations. The app will shows the air quality information from you nearest monitoring station. It can be accessed by Apple Watch. This app will help your to be more prepared when the air quality is poor.
Trover allows travelers to wander among a collection of geo-tagged traveler photos. Users can post photos of their discoveries, including notes and tips for other travelers. In this app, users can see where the photo was taken. Traveler can use the map to search nearby points of interest, and see pictures and read the notes and tips from other travelers.
If you want to contact with local Chinese people or you tour guide, WeChat is a great app which are very popular in China. It’s also known as Weixin in China, and it has over 300 million registered users in China. WeChat has multiple functions, like group chats and unique meet-and-greet features like “Look Around” and “Shaike”.
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Best apps for foreigners in China
Posted by Mike Cairnduff | Updated November 25, 2023 | Tech
Here’s a roundup of the best apps for foreigners to use in China.
I’ve traveled, worked, and studied in lots of different places around China.
While it’s an incredible country to visit, there are some things that can be challenging because… it’s China.
But with the right apps on your phone, your trip can go from zero to hero!
Here are all the apps for China I swear by.
Table of contents
Best apps for traveling to China
Whether you’re traveling to Shanghai or Shenzhen or somewhere in between, you need the essential travel apps.
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is the ultimate app you need for China. Image supplied by ExpressVPN.
This is the most important China travel app of all.
Without a virtual private network (VPN) app, you won’t be able to use all your favorite sites like Instagram, Facebook, Google, Gmail, YouTube and WhatsApp when using Wi-Fi.
This is because the Chinese government blocks major Western websites and apps .
A VPN app will make it possible to stay in touch with loved ones back home, and allow you to do the things you probably take for granted like watch Netflix or read the news online.
During my travels in China, I’ve found ExpressVPN to be the most reliable VPN.
If you have time on your hands, you can compare the best VPN apps for China by reading my review here . Most of the features are fairly similar though.
Get ExpressVPN here .
2. Google Translate
This app is a lifesaver in China! Image by Dennizn on Shutterstock.
Most people who travel around China book a tour with an English-speaking guide.
This is great as it takes the stress out of things. However, you’re still going to find yourself in situations where you’ll need a quick translation.
For example, you might want to order some Chinese food or ask for directions. Having the Google Translate app on your phone will help you in these sticky situations.
You can also use your phone’s camera to translate street signs and food on a menu. The best thing of all is you can access Google Translate offline!
I recommend Google Translate because it’s easy to use and everyone knows Google. But there are plenty of other great China travel apps to help with translation, such as Waygo.
Sometimes I use Bing to translate if I can’t be bothered turning on my VPN (Bing isn’t blocked in China).
Get Google Translate on Google Play or in the App Store .
Alipay is the best digital payment method for tourists. Image by Tada Images on Shutterstock.
Chinese people use their phones to pay for practically everything, from train stations to coffee and clothing. And when you’re traveling in China, you can too.
Alipay is one of the two major digital payment methods in China. The other is WeChat Pay, which I talk about further down.
Download the international version of Alipay and all of the main functions will be in English.
To be able to make payments with the app, you’ll need to add your bank or credit card as well as prove your identity by uploading your passport details.
I suggest getting set up before you leave your country, in case there are any issues.
If you don’t want to provide your personal information to Alipay, you’ll have to use cash in China instead.
But that can be a pain as barely anyone uses cash, and small vendors won’t have change for big notes. Credit cards are hardly used in the country either.
Get the Alipay app here .
Best apps for solo traveling in China
Make independent travel in China easier with these handy apps.
4. Hostelworld
Hostelworld is the best budget accommodation booking app for China. Image by Ketut Subiyanto on Pexels.
I’ve stayed in numerous hostels in China .
Truth be told, they’ve all been functional and super clean. And, the people working there have been helpful and chill (I guess that’s standard in most hostels around the world, right?).
The Hostelworld app makes booking your bed in China a breeze. You can see photos, reviews, availability and, of course, pricing.
I’ve found most Chinese hostels will help you book tours and some even run their own.
Get the Hostelworld app here .
Use a navigation app like Maps.me. Image by Sebastian Hietsch on Unsplash.
Now, you won’t be able to find your hostel if you don’t have a good map app!
Maps.me is a super-popular choice because the maps are available offline, and you get them for free. So, you’ll be able to find your way around China without having to rely on an internet connection.
Just be mindful that you’ll need to download the map before you hit the ground running.
Also, note that Maps.me is open-source software, so anyone can contribute to its development. This means that maps are not 100% accurate.
That’s why some people prefer to use Google Maps (but you’ll need a VPN to use Google in China). If you can read Mandarin, I recommend using Amap or Baidu Maps instead.
Get Maps.me here .
Traveling to China soon? See the China travel apps page for more great apps to help you get around the country.
Best apps for living and working in China
Live like a local and use the same apps as everybody else!
6. WeChat (微信)
WeChat is the number one app in China. Image by Jirapong Manustrong on Shutterstock.
Need to communicate with Chinese people ? Then WeChat is your app.
With more than a billion users, this is the mother of Chinese tech.
WeChat is so much more than a messaging app. You can pay for a meal in a restaurant, book train tickets, play games, and even donate money to homeless people.
As long as you’ve got WeChat Pay connected, you can pretty much live in China without the need for almost any other app on your phone.
WeChat, or more specifically WeChat Pay, is also an indispensable app for foreign tourists in China.
There’s no need to have both Alipay and WeChat Pay on your phone, as they’re both accepted everywhere. So, just choose one or the other.
Get WeChat here .
7. Taobao (淘宝)
Taobao is the best shopping app in China. Image by Nopparat Khokthong on Shutterstock.
Taobao is China’s Amazon and it’s the biggest online marketplace in the world.
You can buy anything you need or want from Taobao. You can also sell stuff, and each seller has a rating set by previous customers.
If you’re living in China and need something delivered fast, Taobao is the place to find it.
The app is in Chinese, but with a little practice and know-how you can learn how to use it knowing only English.
Plus, online shopping is a great excuse to practice reading Chinese characters!
Get Taobao on Google Play or in the App Store .
8. Ele.me (饿了么)
You can’t miss Ele.me delivery drivers on the street in bright blue. Image by Humphery on Shutterstock.
Are you hungry? Well, that’s exactly what “Èle me” means in English.
Ele.me is one of the leading food delivery apps in China, but you can buy practically anything you need including flowers, electronics, makeup, and even adult toys!
Getting stuff delivered to your door in China is way easier than sourcing what you need from physical stores.
But like Taobao, you’ll need a basic understanding of Mandarin to navigate your way around the app. You can refer to this article on ordering food in China which explains how to do it.
Get Ele.me here .
9. KuGou (酷狗)
You’ll start appreciating the local music once you’re in China. Image by TimeImage Production on Shutterstock.
At the end of a hard day’s work in China, there’s nothing better than chilling out to some cool music (and having a beer, thank you very much).
And you’re in luck with KuGou, because it’s the cool dog of all Chinese music apps.
No, I mean really. KuGou literally means “cool dog” in Chinese.
Over 300 million people listen to music on KuGou every month. This makes it almost as popular as Spotify on a global scale.
And just like Spotify, with KuGou you can do things like create playlists, follow your favorite artists, and watch videos. There’s even a KTV (karaoke) streaming section in the app which encourages amateur singalongs!
Get KuGou Music in the App Store .
10. Tantan (探探)
Tantan is one of the best dating apps in China. Image by TheVisualsYouNeed on Shutterstock.
If you’re single and staying in China long term, you might want to go on dates and meet that someone special.
Tantan is the Chinese version of Tinder. You simply swipe left or right on a profile, depending on whether you like what you see.
To stop fake profiles and protect people, Tantan can identify authentic photos and verifies users with a powerful moderation system.
With more than 10 million daily active users, Tantan is one of the hottest Chinese dating apps to ‘play around’ with.
It also has an English version, so give it a go!
Interested in how the Chinese live? See the top apps in China for the most popular apps used by the locals.
Best apps for studying in China
Here are some great apps to help with the studies and the hip pocket.
An app like Pleco can help you get over the language barrier in China. Image by Gustavo Frazao on Shutterstock.
Regardless of what you’re studying in China, if you want to learn Mandarin while you’re there, having a dictionary app on your phone is vital.
Pleco is the most popular dictionary app with Mandarin learners. And it’s really easy to use.
You can either type the Pinyin or the English word into the search box and the app will search for the most likely options.
One of the best features, however, is looking up unknown Chinese words using your phone’s camera.
I also use WeChat’s translate function to help me decipher things, but it’s not always an accurate translation.
Get Pleco here .
12. Hello (哈啰)
Hello is the best app for pedal-powered and electric bikes. Image by YPPicturesPro on Shutterstock.
Hello, or Hellobike, is ideal for cash-strapped students who want to whizz around the city.
Simply find a bike, e-bike or e-scooter via the app, scan the QR code and off you go!
Bike rides start at just 2 RMB (about US$0.30) for every 30 minutes, making it the cheapest mode of transport around. If you plan on peddling a lot, a monthly plan might be best.
There are designated no-park zones, so make sure you leave your wheels in a suitable place.
You’ll need to use a Chinese payment method to use Hello, which is why this app is more suited to expats in China rather than travelers.
Get Hello here .
13. iQIYI (爱奇艺)
This is the top Chinese streaming app. Image by Faizal Ramli on Shutterstock.
You don’t actually need to be in China to use iQIYI. But I always find I’m more motivated to immerse myself in a foreign language or culture once I’m in the actual country.
iQIYI is a video streaming platform that offers a huge number of Chinese movies and television shows.
It’s similar to Netflix (which, by the way, is blocked in China unless you have a VPN), except there’s heaps of free content.
The actors speak standard Mandarin which helps with your listening comprehension. You can also turn on the foreign language subtitles if you need extra help.
Get iQIYI here .
Thinking about studying Chinese in China? See the Mandarin schools in China page for all the major language institutes.
Best overall apps for foreigners in China
In my opinion, there are two standout apps for China.
WeChat lets you communicate with the locals, organize your life, and pay for stuff with either a foreign bank card or a local Chinese one. Amazing.
ExpressVPN allows you to access all the big foreign websites and apps, and stay connected with home. Also amazing.
Get ExpressVPN here or you can read my VPN review if you’re wanting a slightly cheaper option.
I hope you liked my article on the best apps to use in China. Are there any apps that you swear by? Let me know in the comments!
Main image credit: Rob Hampson on Unsplash.
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Faq about the best apps to use in china, what are the best apps for foreigners in china.
Whether you’re going to China for a quick trip or a longer stay, the best apps are ExpressVPN, Google Translate, and WeChat Pay or Alipay.
What are the best dating apps for foreigners in China?
Try Tantan or Momo if you can understand Mandarin. Otherwise, there is ChinaLoveCupid which is mostly for Chinese women interested in foreign guys.
What’s the best Chinese chatting app?
Hands down it’s WeChat.
What’s the best payment app in China?
WeChat Pay and Alipay are both great and perform similar functions.
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15 Essential Apps for Traveling in China: Your Ultimate Guide
Home > Travel Tips > 15 Essential Apps for Traveling in China: Your Ultimate Guide
China has a vast territory, abundant tourism resources, majestic mountains and rivers, folk customs that have lasted for thousands of years, peculiar animals and plants, and countless places of interest.
In spring, you can enjoy flowers and greenery. In summer, you can enjoy waterfall and surf. In autumn, you can climb mountains and bike riding. And in winter you can go skiing and eat hot pot.
If you don’t know where to go, then you are in the right place, let’s take a look at some of the most beautiful tourist attractions in China.
Welcome to our ultimate guide on the 15 essential apps you need while traveling in China! Navigating a foreign country can be challenging, but with the right apps, your journey becomes a breeze. Whether you’re looking for translation assistance, navigation tools, online payment options, or local recommendations, we’ve got you covered. From VPNs to language translators, popular payment platforms to travel and food apps, this comprehensive list will ensure a smooth and enjoyable travel experience in China. Let’s dive in and discover the must-have apps that will enhance your adventures in this fascinating country.
The Chinese government has blocked access to many popular foreign websites and apps, such as Google, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and more. If you want to use these apps normally while traveling in China, you will need a VPN app that allows you to bypass these restrictions and freely navigate the online world. Commonly used VPN apps include ExpressVPN and NordVPN, and you can choose the appropriate package based on your needs.
Google Translate
When traveling to foreign countries, one of the biggest challenges you may face is the language barrier. Although English is taught in primary, middle, and high schools in China, most people don’t have many opportunities to practice speaking, making it difficult for them to have fluent conversations with foreign friends in English. If you’re not particularly fluent in Chinese, it is recommended to download Google Translate (which requires a VPN connection to access online features, or you can download offline dictionaries) to assist you.
WeChat is the most popular social media app in China, but it’s more than just a social app—it’s also a popular payment app (WeChat Pay).
Most Chinese people communicate through WeChat. For example, if you book a hotel or guesthouse in China, the staff may add you on WeChat to stay in touch with you for timely communication, such as airport pickup and providing accommodation services.
WeChat features many mini-programs that you can use to book flights, hotels, and more. Additionally, many tourist attractions require you to follow their WeChat official accounts, make a reservation for tickets in advance, and then enter the scenic area.
During your travels, you’ll notice that most vendors have QR codes for WeChat Pay and Alipay at their storefronts. If you want to make a purchase, you’ll need to scan the QR code to complete the payment. Cash is rarely used in China.
In most countries, cash, credit cards, and debit cards are common payment methods. However, these methods are not widely used in China. The most popular payment methods in China are Alipay and WeChat Pay, both of which are scan-to-pay systems. Alipay is a reputable financial app, while WeChat is a multi-functional app that combines social, entertainment, and financial features.
Alipay now allows verification with overseas credit cards, so you don’t have to worry about not being able to use it. It is highly recommended to open an Alipay account, as it will be convenient for various scenarios such as hotel bookings, train and flight ticket reservations, purchasing tickets, dining, and shopping.
AMap/Baidu Map
Like most social media apps, Google Maps is also unavailable in China. Therefore, you need to download Chinese map apps. The most popular ones are AMap and Baidu Map, both of which offer similar functionalities. You can freely choose either one to download. With these maps, you can search for the most suitable travel routes, including options for buses, subways, cycling, and driving. You can also find nearby attractions, hotels, parking lots, public toilets, and more.
Mafengwo is a well-known travel guide app where many travel enthusiasts share their experiences and provide destination introductions, photos, travel journals, transportation information, food recommendations, shopping tips, and other travel-related information.
The recommended travel information on Mafengwo comes from real travel users who share practical and up-to-date information. Simply input the place you want to visit, and it will provide you with suggestions on worthwhile places to explore. The platform also offers detailed descriptions and authentic user reviews for each location, allowing you to make informed decisions. If it resonates with you, what are you waiting for? Start your journey now!
Ctrip Travel/Trip.com
Ctrip Travel app (携程旅行) primarily targets the domestic market in China and offers a wide range of travel accommodations, from hostels to five-star hotels, catering to different types of travelers, ranging from budget travel to luxury travel . Additionally, the app supports the purchase of various attractions tickets, flights, train tickets, and more. Many Chinese-developed apps aim to provide an all-in-one solution, offering multiple services within a single application.
Trip.com is the overseas version of Ctrip (携程旅行) and allows users to book hotels and tickets worldwide, including attractions tickets within mainland China. It also features authentic user reviews. However, one notable difference is that most of the reviews on Trip.com come from international users, while Ctrip reviews are predominantly from local Chinese users. Trip.com offers a more user-friendly interface and payment options, making it a suitable choice for travelers coming to China based on their specific needs.
Note : If you choose to use the Ctrip travel app to book hotels, please select the “Foreigner-Friendly” option in the filters, as many hotels in China are not able to accommodate foreign guests.
DiDi is the equivalent of the popular Uber service in China. Although China has a well-developed subway and bus system that can take you to almost anywhere you want to go, there may be instances where your destination is a bit far from the nearest station, requiring you to walk a few hundred meters or a couple of kilometers. If you prefer to reach your destination directly, you can choose the DiDi app, which can take you to any place you want to go.
You can set the app’s language to English, enter your destination, select “Ride-hailing,” and a driver will quickly accept your request. However, if the driver is unsure about your pickup location, they may contact you for confirmation, so it can be helpful to have some knowledge of Chinese for better communication.
Dianping is a leading local life information and e-commerce platform in China. It helps people explore and discover wonderful places both inside and outside the city, enriching their leisure time.
When you arrive in a city or at a tourist destination and want to try local specialty food but don’t know where to start, that’s when you should open Dianping. The app will display a list of nearby businesses, featuring their signature dishes, user reviews, and real photos.
It’s also a great place to search for popular tourist attractions. You can see the recommended ratings from users for a particular attraction, along with corresponding reviews. If a certain attraction captures your interest, then it’s time to begin your journey.
Meituan/Ele.me
If you’re tired from traveling and want to return to your hotel early to rest, but suddenly find yourself hungry, what do you do? There’s no need to worry because China has a highly efficient food delivery system. You just need to open the Meituan and Ele.me apps, where you’ll find a wide variety of food options to choose from. Whether it’s Sichuan cuisine, Hunan cuisine, or Cantonese cuisine, you can find it all on these platforms. Moreover, the delivery time is fast, typically within half an hour (although it may be delayed during peak hours).
In addition to food delivery, the Meituan app also provides many convenient services. You can book hotels and homestays, find various leisure activities, purchase movie tickets, train tickets, flight tickets, and attraction tickets. You can even buy medicine on the app. If you can’t find a specific product, you can use the “errand” service and have a delivery driver bring it to you. You just need to pay a small fee for the errand service.
Taobao/JD.com
These platforms are equivalent to Amazon overseas. If you want to buy something during your journey, you can choose these two platforms. Thanks to China’s robust logistics system, you can generally receive your purchases within three days. If the shipping and delivery addresses are within the same province, it can be even faster, with the goods arriving the next day.
In China, when it comes to purchasing electronic products, appliances, and other items that require strict quality control, people usually choose JD.com. For clothing, accessories, and all kinds of unique and peculiar items, people prefer Taobao. There is a popular saying that describes Taobao: “If you can think of it, you can buy it.”
Tips for Using Chinese Apps and Payments
- Many of the listed apps above are available only in Chinese and do not have an English interface, so it is recommended to download a translation app that can translate the interface into English or other languages.
- Many Chinese apps require registration with a Chinese mobile phone number. You can obtain a Chinese phone number at the airport upon your arrival.
- When booking hotels, purchasing train tickets, dining, and in many other situations, you will need to use WeChat Pay and Alipay for payment. It is advisable to have these two payment methods set up beforehand.
- Consider downloading a reliable VPN (Virtual Private Network) app before your trip to bypass internet restrictions and access blocked websites and services.
In conclusion, these 15 essential apps are your key to unlocking a seamless and unforgettable travel experience in China. From overcoming language barriers to navigating unfamiliar streets, making secure payments to discovering hidden gems, these apps will be your trusted companions every step of the way. Embrace the convenience and efficiency they offer, and immerse yourself in the rich culture, stunning landscapes, and vibrant cities of China. With these apps at your fingertips, your journey will be filled with memorable moments and incredible discoveries. So, download them, embark on your adventure, and let technology enhance your travel experience in this remarkable country. Happy travels!
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Top China Travel Apps
China is a top travel destination for people around the world. With the rise of technology and its availability on mobile devices, travel apps are developing to make our trips more organized and efficient. These apps provide quality information in a variety of ways to make life easier for travelers. So what are the best travel apps to use in China?In this article, we’ll present the top China travel apps that can help make your trip more enjoyable.
The number one travel app for China is Trip.com. It provides comprehensive travel-related services, such as an interactive map to make finding Chinese attractions and locations easier. With exclusive features such as personalized travel discovery, online check-in, and flight and hotel information, Trip.com puts travel ideas in your fingertips. You can also book all your China travel needs such as transportation, accommodation and activities. Moreover, Trip.com offers amazing discounts that can be combined with cashback promotions for even more savings.
China Highlights, another top-rated travel app, has made headlines for its efficient service and expert travel advice. It helps you make customized travel plans according to your budget and duration. You can book tours online with their instant booking engine. Their customer service team is available for 24 hours to answer any inquiries you may have. The app is also available in multiple languages, making it an ideal choice for travelers from other countries.
Eeasing, another app of choice, offers a range of features that make finding the perfect destination an effortless task. It features an up-to-date database of travel guides and recommendations from experts in the field. You can search in real-time for weather, events, hotels, restaurants, bars and cafes. Plus the user-friendly design interface allows you to fine-tune your search results according to your preference, so you can locate the best deals in the shortest time.
What’s more, China has a dedicated app for travelers: ChinaInsight. It is a great source of information related to traveling with its facts, videos, images and news about China. It can help you plan your trip with the latest and comprehensive data. The app also provides updates on entry requirements and customs regulations. For the most part, ChinaInsight is your one-stop-shop for all your china travel needs.
Finally, the mobile app Qingfei is a great choice for finding unique ways to explore China. It provides in-depth travel information on locations, restaurants, hotels, and activities. With its intelligent search engine, you can locate the best spots to visit with ease. Plus, you can get creative with how you explore the cities by finding interactive routes. In addition, the app also offers local news and events that are happening in the most popular cities.
Advanced Features Made Easy
We can see that the travel apps mentioned above have features that make it easier for tourists. Trip.com offers the convenience of multiple languages and discounts while China Highlights provides expert advice and assistance. Those who are comfortable with an online interface can explore the world with Eeasing. The ChinaInsight app is a comprehensive source of information while Qingfei offers an innovative and interactive approach.
These travel apps serve as indispensable companions for those who are travelling in China. The selection of these apps makes it easier to plan trips and navigate the country. Plus, they are available on both iOS and Android phones, and can be used from anywhere in the world.
Compatibility
All of the above-mentioned apps are designed to be compatible with multiple devices, so you can use them without any issue. They run smoothly on both iOS and Android, so it will be easy for travelers to use them. Moreover, the data in these apps is updated regularly so you can have the latest information about your favorite destinations.
In addition, many of these apps also have language support. For instance, China Highlights has local language support for Chinese, English, French, German, Spanish, Dutch, Italian and Portuguese. This makes navigating China much easier.Plus, if you have any queries, you can contact their customer service to get the help you need.
Privacy Protection
Travelers are always concerned about their security, especially when travelling abroad. Rest assured, the above-mentioned apps are secure and reliable, providing peace of mind during your trip. All of these apps use the latest encryption technologies to ensure the safety of your data. Furthermore, they have clear privacy policies in accordance with Chinese law, and make sure that your personal information is protected.
Finally, all these apps have easy-to-use interfaces. Even if you are not familiar with technology, you will be able to understand them quickly and navigate the features without any issue. With this, you can focus on enjoying your trip without worrying about the technicalities.
Reviews and Ratings
If you are still unsure about which travel app is the best, then you should turn to reviews and ratings online. Most of the apps mentioned in this article have favorable customer ratings, which tells us that they are reliable and trusted. In addition, users have given positive feedback for the customer support they offer, as well as the features they provide.
Apart from ratings, you can also find reviews from other travelers who have used these apps. These reviews will help you learn more about the reliability of the apps and the features that they offer. Reading these can give you an idea of what you can expect from the app.
Traveling in China can be daunting, especially if you are not familiar with the area. But with the right tools, you can make your trip more enjoyable and easier. China has some of the best travel apps that can help you explore the country hassle-free. From Trip.com to Qingfei, these apps offer features that can help make your journey memorable and stress-free.
John Melendez
John J. Melendez is a journalist, author, and commentator specializing in Chinese culture, politics, and international relations. He is a frequent guest on radio and television programs, and is the author of several books on Chinese culture and politics. He currently resides in Beijing, China.
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- China Map APP: The Ultimate Guide for Foreign Visitors
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- March 24, 2024
Welcome to China, a country brimming with historical charm and modern wonders. No matter where in the world you come from, a reliable map application is indispensable for exploring this vast land. However, for well-known reasons, you might have realized that Google Maps might not be a feasible option in China. But fear not, as China boasts a series of powerful map services that can help you navigate easily from bustling cities to tranquil countryside. Once you arrive in China, you can rely on the previously mentioned local map applications for daily navigation. Remember to download these apps and familiarize yourself with their basic functions before leaving, so you can seamlessly switch from Google Maps to using Baidu Maps, Amap, and other services. These applications not only provide detailed map information but also include public transportation routes, real-time traffic updates, and location search functions, making them perfect for traveling and exploring in China. This article aims to provide detailed guidance for foreigners on how to use the China Maps.
Google Maps Before Coming to China
Even though Google Map cannot be directly accessed in China, you can still do some preparatory work before departure to ensure that you can travel easily in China.
- Offline Maps : Google Maps allows users to download maps of specific areas for offline use. This means you can download the maps of the cities you plan to visit before arriving in China, allowing you to navigate basically even without an internet connection.
- Marking Locations and Planning Itineraries : Before leaving, use Google Maps to mark the places you want to visit and plan possible itineraries. Doing so not only helps you optimize your travel plan but also allows you to import these locations into other apps after arriving, even if you can’t access Google Maps.
- Printing Maps and Guides : Although it might seem a bit outdated, printing out important maps and route guides as a backup in case of technological failure is still a wise choice. This includes hotel addresses, important attractions, and any key transportation information.
China Map: Baidu Maps in China: Comprehensive and Detailed
Baidu Maps is undoubtedly one of China’s most powerful map services, loved by a vast number of users for its convenient user experience and comprehensive features. A particularly important advantage for foreign visitors is that Baidu Maps supports multiple languages worldwide, allowing users to freely choose according to their needs, greatly reducing the language barrier and making Baidu Maps an irreplaceable tool for exploring China. Whether walking, taking public transport, driving, or cycling, Baidu Maps can provide precise navigation services. Its “Street View” feature offers a wealth of real images of city streets, perfect for those who want to get a preview of their destination’s environment.
Baidu Maps is not only feature-rich but also provides an abundance of local information, including but not limited to restaurants, hotels, and attractions, making it not just a mapping tool but a comprehensive travel assistant.
Amaps: Accurate Positioning and Navigation
Amap, using China’s independent BeiDou satellite navigation system, is renowned for its accurate positioning and fast route planning. It supports modes of transportation such as public transit, subway, driving, and walking, while also providing real-time traffic conditions and detailed public transportation information, making it a very practical aid for getting around.
Amap can provide accurate navigation services in complex urban environments. Its real-time traffic condition feature helps users avoid congestion and save time.
Another highlight of Amap is its detailed public transportation information, including bus routes, subway maps, and arrival times, which is very useful for foreign visitors experiencing Chinese cities for the first time. Moreover, Amap also offers an offline map feature, perfect for use while traveling without internet access.
Additionally, Amap provides a taxi service, similar to Baidu Maps, offering users more convenient options. Amap’s powerful features, including detailed public transportation information and offline map use, not only cater to locals but also greatly facilitate foreign visitors’ travel.
China Map: Tencent Maps’ Friendly Interface and Rich Social Features
Tencent Maps is popular for its user-friendly interface and rich social features. It not only provides basic navigation services but also allows users to share their location and itinerary, making it ideal for traveling with friends or family.
Tencent Maps’ social attributes are especially suitable for group travel, facilitating coordination and sharing travel experiences among members. Additionally, Tencent Maps offers a range of convenient services, such as restaurant reservations, parking spot searches, and nearby discount information, making it not just a navigation tool but a comprehensive lifestyle platform. For travelers looking to delve deeply into local culture and lifestyle, Tencent Maps’ localized information and services can be greatly beneficial.
China Bing Maps: An Option for International Visitors
Although Bing Maps ‘ usage rate in China is not as high as the local apps mentioned above, it remains a viable option, especially for users accustomed to Microsoft services. It offers interfaces in both Chinese and English, catering to the needs of different users. Additionally, Bing Maps integrates seamlessly with other Microsoft products, providing a familiar ecosystem for those using Windows devices or Office applications. Its satellite imagery and road maps can be particularly useful for planning longer journeys or getting an overview of China’s vast and varied landscapes.
China Map: Sogou Maps 3D City
While Sogou Maps may not have the market share of the top three, it stands out with its unique services and deep localization. It offers distinctive features such as booking attraction tickets and recommending local delicacies, making it perfect for travelers wanting to immerse themselves in Chinese culture. Additionally, its incredibly detailed maps look like something out of a simulation city, being both realistic and eye-catching.
GWBMA’s Innovative Service: MANUAL COMPANY VERIFICATION REPORT
For business travelers or professionals evaluating potential business partners, GWBMA has launched a powerful feature called MANUAL COMPANY VERIFICATION REPORT . This service not only provides the target company’s registered address but more importantly, it utilizes Google’s robust data resources to provide clients with the most accurate Google link and latitude and longitude information for the company.
This means that through GWBMA’s MANUAL COMPANY VERIFICATION REPORT service, users can get detailed registration information about the target company and can directly locate the company’s exact location via the link provided in the report. This feature is undoubtedly a significant convenience for users who need to conduct on-the-ground verification, visit, or further understand the operational locations of their partners.
With technological advancements and the continuous development of digital map services, exploring a foreign country has become simpler and more convenient than ever. For foreign visitors coming to China for the first time, despite facing language and cultural barriers, the powerful and user-friendly map applications such as Google Maps, Baidu Maps, Amap, and Tencent Maps enable everyone to navigate this beautiful country as easily as locals.
These applications not only offer precise positioning services and real-time traffic information but also come with a wealth of localized features such as food recommendations and attraction bookings, ensuring a rich and fulfilling journey in China. Whether you’re looking for a local restaurant or trying to find the fastest route to avoid congestion, these map applications can be your trusty assistant.
Remember to download and familiarize yourself with these apps before departure, as they will be indispensable companions in your exploration of China. As you become more adept at using these tools, you’ll find yourself navigating every corner of the country with more confidence and freedom, experiencing all the unique charms this nation has to offer. China is a country filled with history, culture, and modern vitality, waiting for every curious and travel-loving person to discover. Let these map applications be your compass, leading you on an unforgettable journey.
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Six apps you need to survive in mainland China
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It’s a daily occurrence all over China. A newly arrived foreign traveller walks up to a store counter and tries to pay for a coffee, or some gum, or a bottle of water, with cash. The store doesn’t accept cash. In fact, almost nobody does. The traveller proffers an international credit card that is also refused. Thankfully a local companion steps in and settles the bill with a wave of a phone.
It isn’t just mobile payments that can cause problems. The visitor tries to use Google Maps to find their way to a local attraction – but Google Maps doesn’t work. Google Translate won’t load, otherwise they could ask a passerby, and Uber isn’t working, so they can’t hail a ride. They would WhatsApp a local friend for directions, but everyone is on China’s WeChat messaging platform instead.
China’s vast population supports a digital universe that is entirely the country’s own. Instead of X (formerly Twitter) people use Weibo. They eschew Instagram for Xiaohongshu. And the list goes on.
For visitors, this means getting used to possibly unfamiliar Chinese apps – especially the six listed below. If you’re coming from outside the mainland, and you want your trip to go smoothly, don’t leave home without them.
Alipay (支付宝) or WeChat (微信)
Mobile payments are so prevalent in China that cash is considered a liability , with some taxi drivers and vendors even refusing to take physical money, despite it still being legal tender. The sheer convenience of mobile payments is the reason for their ubiquity. That means Alipay or WeChat should be at the top of your download list when planning a trip to the Chinese mainland.
On the surface, both apps have similar functions, as they can be used to make electronic payments by having the customer scan a vendor’s QR code or vice versa. However, there are fundamental differences, as Alipay focuses more on e-payment and financial services, whereas WeChat is more geared towards social media, with mobile payment built-in as a secondary service. (As a matter of fact, when the first version of WeChat was released in 2011, it was exclusively a chat application , and it was not until 2013 that its digital payment system, WeChat Pay, was introduced.)
[ See more: Electronic payment app MPay will be accepted in more than 40 countries next year ]
Despite such differences, WeChat Pay and Alipay are both widely accepted throughout China. The latest versions of the apps allow foreign users to link their international credit cards to their account, which removes the earlier hurdle of having to set up a Chinese bank account. Having said that, successful payment by international bank cards via the apps can be hit and miss depending on the merchant, and there are caps, fees and restrictions that foreign users need to be mindful of.
In addition to cashless payment services, the two super apps offer a range of mini programs that allow users to do everything from calling a Didi (China’s version of Uber) to booking a hotel or plane ticket.
Apple Maps (苹果地图) or GaoDe DiTu (高德地图)
Navigating your way around a new area in China can be downright daunting and confusing, especially if you can’t read Chinese characters. However, it doesn’t have to be that way thanks to the wide range of map apps available.
For non-Chinese readers, Apple Maps is one of the better options, as it is not blocked (unlike Google Maps) and comes in English, featuring all the functions that one would expect in any good map app, including transit directions to your destination. Due to government restrictions, however, the app will only show transit data when you are using a Mainland Chinese SIM card or accessing the internet in mainland China. It is also important to keep in mind that while Apple Maps may be useful for finding major landmarks and metro stations, China’s rapidly changing landscape means that the app is not always one hundred percent accurate.
[ See more : Here are 10 of the best things to do in Zhuhai ]
Alternatively, there is the option of using one of the local map apps such as GaoDe DiTu , which has the most detailed and up-to-date information. The downside to this is that GaoDe DiTu is only available in Chinese, although it is capable of registering many English and pinyin searches with its Chinese equivalent.
Regardless of whichever map app you choose, make sure you have the address to your destination written in legible Chinese, so that if push comes to shove, you can at least hail a taxi and get to where you need to go. Just make sure you have Alipay or WeChat downloaded first (see above).
VPN (虚拟专用网络)
Some of the most popular foreign websites such as Facebook, Google and YouTube are blocked in China due to the infamous Great Firewall of China (GFW). A virtual private network (VPN) can be used to circumvent the firewall, allowing you to keep in contact with family and friends, as well as access useful services such as Google Maps.
[ See more : Macao’s prize-winning 5G Smart Campus Network launches at MUST ]
There are a multitude of VPN service providers, with some of the biggest names in the business being ExpressVPN , Astrill and NordVPN . Monthly plans can range anywhere from USD$12.95 to as high as USD$30 .
Admittedly, VPN services are not always stable in China, meaning that there will be periods when it will be difficult to establish a connection.
Trip is one of the most popular travel service apps in China and has an English version. It allows you to do everything from booking hotels, planes and high speed rail tickets to renting a car and arranging tours.
Foreign visitors to China need not worry about the payment methods, as the app accepts not only WeChat and AliPay, but also a range of bank cards such as Visa and Mastercard. Trip.com is also known for its good customer service.
[ See more : Here’s what to do if you lose your Macao passport while travelling ]
Pro tip: When booking a plane or train via the app, do keep in mind that you will be given a confirmation receipt that you need to use to collect your ticket at the counter in person.
Baidu Translate (百度翻译)
One of the most nerve wracking parts of visiting China for many foreign travellers is dealing with the language barrier. Although China has approximately 400 million people learning English, don’t expect the language to be widely spoken.
Thankfully, for those who don’t speak Mandarin, things have come a long way since the days of pocket phrasebooks. These days, Google Translate is arguably the most popular choice, but don’t expect it to work in China unless you have access to a VPN.
[ See more : UM-developed Cantonese-Putonghua translation system now available ]
Baidu Translate is your safest bet for a stable and reliable translation app. The app is in Chinese, but the language options are written in English, with a clear interface that will allow those who have used Google Translate to figure out its basic written translation function. If you have decent Chinese reading skills or are willing to play around with the app, there are other more powerful and useful options, including photo translation and real time voice translation.
12306 China Railway (中国铁路 12306)
In the course of only a few decades, China has built the world’s most comprehensive and widely used high speed railway network. With a total length of 43,700 kilometres as of November 2023, the system is highly recommended for any travellers wishing to travel across the country in a quick, safe and affordable manner.
To book a ticket, it is possible to use third-party apps, including the aforementioned Trip.com. A service fee does apply when using such programs. However, there is an official train service booking app called Railway 12306 , which sells tickets without mark-up.
[ See more : The feasibility of connecting Macao to the high-speed rail network is being studied ]
Originally, Railway 12306 was a source of headache for non-Chinese users, as it was available only in Chinese and featured a restrictive registration process and limited payment options for foreigners. The app has since been optimised, with an English language version that accepts a range of payment methods ranging from credit cards to AliPay and WeChat.
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Travel China the smart way! Expert tips and travel advice for China tourists and expats.
PLANNING A TRIP TO CHINA? Start Here
How to Use Google Maps in China in 2024 (+ the Best Alternatives)
January 27, 2024 By Josh Summers
Is it possible to use Google Maps in China in 2024 to navigate while traveling? Although all Google products are currently blocked within the country, there are still some creative ways to use Google Maps in China. There are also plenty of alternative map apps from which to choose. In this article, I’d like to explain both options for you and let you decide what’s best for your trip.
Being able to navigate around a city and use public transportation can be a huge advantage when traveling around a foreign country like China.
Apps like Google Maps make this possible and allow you as an independent traveler to move around with confidence.
As you’re probably already aware, China’s censorship of the internet we affectionately call “The Great Firewall” means that it’s difficult to access Gmail in China , watch YouTube videos in China or use any other Google app. This includes Google Maps.
Recommended VPN for China
In order to use Google Maps, Gmail, and many other censored services while in China, we recommend using a service like NordVPN . Tourists and business travelers have used NordVPN for more than a decade to access blocked content without any problems.
And before you ask the question: Yes, that also includes Apple Maps , which also doesn’t work well in China (does it really even work anywhere, honestly?).
So what are your options?
Is Google Maps Blocked in China?
- How to Use Google Maps in China
- Best Google Maps Alternatives for China
Below I’m going to first share with you the way that I access Google Maps in China and then provide you with some alternatives to Google Maps that work well in China.
Note : This article contains affiliate links, which means that at no extra cost to you, I will be compensated if you use some of these services I recommend. The good news is that in many cases, such as this link to NordVPN , they offer significant discounts for Travel China Cheaper readers.
Yes, Google Maps is blocked in China along with all other Google service since the early 2000s.
Back in 2010, Google quit China by moving its headquarters from Beijing to Hong Kong. It was a dramatic exit prompted by Google’s refusal to bend to China’s demands to censor their search queries.
As noble as this may be, the end result is that all Google products, including Google Maps, no longer functioned in China.
You can still track your location via GPS on a saved map in the app, but if you try to zoom in or move to a different section of the map, you’ll find that it won’t load.
Using Google Maps in China | Problems & Solutions
It’s funny: I actually remember walking around China with a physical map back in the day. It’s amazing how far we’ve come in just a decade.
I mean, I can’t remember the last time I saw a traveler in China pull out a map! Our phones are just too darn accurate, up-to-date, and convenient.
However, when it comes to using something like Google Maps in China, or even Apple Maps, there are two primary problems that you have to overcome:
- Data Access on Your Phone : Unless you only plan to use Google Maps in China while connected to Wifi, you’ll need to consider the need for data access on your phone. This will allow you to use your phone, and view maps, while you’re out and about.
- Access to Blocked Services : As I’ve already stated, China blocks services like Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, Google Maps and many other blocked websites and apps in China . It sucks, but that’s reality. Once you connect to a network, you’ll need to find a way to circumvent this blocking…or use another service.
Before I run you through the alternative app choices (and why they’re both good and bad options), let me share with you quick solutions to the above problems:
- SOLUTION – Data Access : There are three different ways I recommend to get data access on your phone in China. The easiest is to purchase international roaming on your existing mobile plan. It works well but is usually expensive. The second option is to find and buy the best China SIM card for your own phone or rent a China phone to use. This is cheaper but requires more time and know-how to set up. The final option is to use only WiFi in China , which really only works when you use a global WiFi unit to stay connected.
- SOLUTION – Blocked : As with any blocked websites and applications, the most common solution is something known as a Virtual Private Network or “VPN” for short. Connecting to a VPN on your phone is a legal way to bypass censorship and allow you to use Google Maps in China. Personally, I use and recommend NordVPN .
If you’ve never used a VPN before, it’s basically a cheap piece of software that any expat in China uses on a daily basis (I subscribe to three different services, personally).
I highly recommend you check out NordVPN if you’ll be heading to China – and not just for Google Maps.
Aside from the added privacy and security that a VPN adds (which helps lower your risk of being hacked while on a public Wifi network), using a VPN on your phone allows you to use email, share photos on Instagram and make calls using Skype – all of which are impossible without a VPN.
There are hundreds of VPN options, but frankly not all of them work well in China. If you’re looking for a few different options, I’ve listed out the best VPN options for China .
Best Google Maps Alternatives in China (Pros & Cons)
Of course, there are some people who would rather not mess around with network connections and VPNs.
Instead of trying to find an easy way to access Google Maps in China, you’d rather just download an unblocked maps alternative.
Important Note
Even with these alternatives, unless you plan to only use these map apps while connected to Wi-fi or download offline maps, you’re still going to need to find a way to get data access on your phone.
Below are the best Google Maps alternatives in China along with the pros and cons of each.
Baidu Maps: Best China Maps Alternative
The most reliable and best Google Maps alternative in China is Baidu Maps . This is the app that most Chinese people use.
- Baidu Maps Advantages: Baidu Maps is the most up-to-date maps app for China. It’s also free! Directions are as accurate as possible (for China) and include both walking directions and public transportation options for all cities throughout China.
- Baidu Maps Disadvantages : Baidu Maps only offers maps in Chinese, so this might be a non-starter. You can often search in English, but all streets and POIs will be in Chinese.
OsmAnd Maps: Best Offline Maps App
OsmAnd maps is another viable alternative to Google Maps in China, although it certainly has its limitations.
- OsmAnd Advantages: You can download maps to use offline, eliminating the need for network access while in China. This also includes access to Wikipedia POIs. The entire app is in English, which is also a plus.
- OsmAnd Disadvantages : While the app is free, downloading Asia maps comes at a small price. Also, since the app is natively Chinese, the maps and any traffic information won’t be 100% accurate or up-to-date.
City Specific: China Google Maps Alternative
Another option is to use city-specific apps that allow you to access English subway maps offline.
- Explore Metro Pros : Detailed subway maps in English for the biggest cities in China (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Hong Kong & Shenzhen). These maps can be downloaded and accessed offline.
- Explore Metro Cons : It is only available for limited cities within China. Also, each of the apps costs money and are only able help with subway navigation, not any roads or buses.
There are a number of other alternatives to Google Maps in China, but they all face the same problems: they cost money, they’re in Chinese or they require network access.
It’s for this reason that I prefer to revert to Google Maps through a VPN.
Conclusion | Using Google Maps in China
Hopefully at this point you feel much better equipped to navigate China’s roads and subways during your travels!
In my opinion, the best option is to get access to Google Maps in China through a VPN. I personally use NordVPN but there are plenty of other options out there.
If you’d rather go with something that isn’t blocked, the best alternative is Baidu Maps .
The only problem is that Baidu Maps is only in Chinese, so you either need to know how to read Chinese or choose a lesser alternative that can download offline maps in English.
Further Reading & Resources
Traveling or Moving to China Soon?
Download "44 Tips You MUST Know Before Traveling to China". These simple but often overlooked tips could make or break your trip !
Download the Tips Here
About Josh Summers
Josh is the founder of TravelChinaCheaper.com who has been living in China with his family since 2006. Over that period of time he has traveled by plane, train, car, motorcycle and even camel to explore almost every corner of the country.
Reader Interactions
June 9, 2019 at 8:27 am
I’m using one called lost LAOWAI. It is in English and Chinese but you can search for English phrases and it will translate, example you can type in supermarket and it will find you all the local places, it gives directions in english for walking and public transport but not driving, considering most foreigners can’t drive in China and get around by walking or public transport it’s pretty good. I’ve used it to find all sorts of BUSINESSes, tourist places, and heaps of other destinations.
July 10, 2019 at 12:46 am
google maps doesn’t have accurate public transit data though, and because google isn’t in china, i don’t think its china data is up to date or accurate.
i use gaode maps but it’s all in chinese.
July 22, 2019 at 7:48 am
I use mAPs.me. Comple free. At the first use It starts downloading the world map. If you zoom in on a provinCe, it downlouds automatically thar area. Afterwards The mAp is ready for offline use. Really cOnvinient
October 6, 2019 at 7:54 pm
Amap 高德地图 is a string alternative. Unlike Baidu, it won’t disable your GPS for other apps. After installing Baidu, Strava and other apps will say “no GPS signal” in Android devices.
May 29, 2020 at 10:06 pm
Apple Maps work in china as of May 2020. Could change, of course.
May 31, 2020 at 8:17 pm
Thanks for the update, Morry!
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The Best Travel Apps for China
Unless you’re fluent in Mandarin, traveling in China can sometimes be a daunting thought. But thanks to the wonders of modern technology, there are now apps to help foreign visitors with almost every aspect of their trip to the Middle Kingdom. Download the best travel apps for China from this useful guide and you’ll be ready to go. If you’re looking for somewhere to stay, don’t forget to check out our great range of Hotels in China .
Stay Connected with Express VPN
You may have heard of the Great Firewall of China. Inside China, much of the wider global internet is blocked. To explain, only government-approved websites and apps can be accessed via the normal internet in China. There is, however, a way around this problem for foreign travelers. Before you land in China, download the Express VPN app. VPN’s work by setting the user’s location to another country, like the United States or Singapore. This allows you to continue using the internet as normal, thereby avoiding the Great Firewall blocks.
Easily Book Trains in China with the Trip App
China has one of the most modern, efficient, and fast rail networks in the world. But booking train tickets in China as a foreign visitor can often be difficult. Most stations have few or no English signs and even place names can be hard to decipher from Chinese characters. However, the Trip.com app makes the entire process incredibly simple. Search for Chinese train tickets in English, book the service you want, pay by card and the app will provide you with a handy on-screen sign to show at the ticket collection window. In addition, many of the larger stations and bullet train services now have e-tickets, allowing you to skip the ticket collection stage altogether. Simply book your ticket on the Trip.com app and scan the e-ticket QR Code at the platform’s gate. You can experience the excitement of traveling onboard one of China’s bullet trains with our Leshan Giant Buddha and Luocheng Ancient Town Tour from Chengdu by Train .
Explore with Metro China Subway App
If you’re planning on doing a lot of sightseeing in China’s main cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Chengdu, the Metro China Subway is one app you need to download. China’s Metro systems are a fantastic way to explore. They’re generally very clean, run on time and have stops at all of the major tourist attractions. With the Metro China Subway app, you can plan your travel around the city with maps, schedules, and recommendations for what to see and do nearby.
Grab a Cab with Didi Chuxing
China’s answer to Uber, the Didi Chuxing app is the best way for foreign visitors to book a taxi in China. Many Chinese taxi drivers will speak no English, even in the big cities. With Didi Chuxing, you can easily book a pickup and drop-off point in English, with a built-in translator for messages between yourself and the driver. Use Didi Chuxing to get to all the best tourist attractions or to start a tour, like our Best of Shanghai Private Day Tour .
Explore China’s Cities with Maps.me
You’ve landed in China. You’re ready to start exploring. But your Google Maps app won’t work. As one of the victims of the Great Firewall of China, no Google app will work in China. But you can still explore with Maps.me, the easy-to-use and user-customizable offline map app. Maps.me has the advantage of being usable worldwide without the internet – simply download the country and city you are visiting before you go. Previous travelers can also pin places on the map and leave recommendations, meaning you’ll discover some fantastic hidden gems as you use them.
Try the Best Food in Town with Da Zhong Dian Ping
Want to eat where the locals eat? Or discover the best-kept secret in town? Da Zhong Dian Ping is a community platform with reviews on over a million different places to eat across 300 cities and towns. The app provides addresses, opening hours, contact information, and online bookings, as well as filters to search by popularity and budget. If you’re interested in discovering more of the best-kept secrets in Chinese cuisine, join us on a Beijing Evening Hutong Food Tour.
Stay Healthy with the AirVisual App
It’s no secret that China’s air quality isn’t the healthiest in the world. For travelers sensitive to air pollution, including those suffering from asthma, it’s worth downloading an air quality app before you travel. One of the best apps for this is AirVisual. The app provides a seven-day forecast, allowing you to safely plan outdoor activities.
Do Everything in China with WeChat
The best travel apps in China list wouldn’t be complete with China’s number one app – WeChat. Known as Weixin within China, the app has more than 300 million registered users. Primarily a messaging app, WeChat has grown to include a huge list of functions. It can be used for booking trains, flights, and events, for health services and to pay for almost anything, anywhere with WeChat Pay. Depending on which country you are in when you download WeChat, you’ll have access to different features. You may also need an app invitation from a Chinese friend for some elements.
Say What You Mean with Waygo
Award-winning Waygo is one of the best travel apps for China. The easy-to-use app translates signs, food menus, and characters with just a click. Moreover, Waygo doesn’t even require a connection to the internet. The app can be a lifesaver when eating in China, where English menus and translations are few and far between.
With your phone packed with the best travel apps for China, you’re almost ready to go! Check out our great range of Tours in China and read our Chinese Culture Guide before setting off. If you’re looking for inspiration on the best places to visit, don’t forget to take a look at our Insider Travel Food Guide .
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Prefectural-level subdivisions, sergei shpygar, designed for ipad.
- 4.8 • 4 Ratings
- Offers In-App Purchases
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Description.
Create your own travel map marking provinces & prefectures of China where you've been! The app is user friendly and allows you to: - mark visited provinces & prefectures - create categories: visited, wish to visit, etc - track world heritage - keep the travel stats - pin pictures and notes for visited places - sync with the iCloud and Dropbox to restore and access the data from new devices - share your own travel map via different social media Send your feedback to e-mail: [email protected]
Version 1.5.2
- We fixed the crash on iPad - Other bugs fixed
Ratings and Reviews
In-app purchases, app privacy.
The developer, Sergei Shpygar , indicated that the app’s privacy practices may include handling of data as described below. For more information, see the developer’s privacy policy .
Data Not Linked to You
The following data may be collected but it is not linked to your identity:
- Diagnostics
Privacy practices may vary based on, for example, the features you use or your age. Learn More
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English, Simplified Chinese
- World Heritage £0.00
- Traveler Pro £9.99
- Map of the Chongqing £0.99
- Map of the Tianjin £0.99
- Map of the Beijing £0.99
- Map of the Shanghai £0.99
- Map of the Taiwan £0.99
- Map of the Macau £0.99
- Map of the Hong Kong £0.99
- Map of the Shaanxi £0.99
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Game Center
Challenge friends and check leaderboards and achievements..
Family Sharing
Some in‑app purchases, including subscriptions, may be shareable with your family group when family sharing is enabled., more by this developer.
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10 Essential Apps You Must Have for Travelling in China
There’s no Google, WhatsApp or Uber in China, but there’s Baidu, WeChat and DiDi.
Visiting China, especially for the first time, can be daunting when you realise most of the apps you use on a daily basis, i.e. Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and YouTube, are blocked . But in a country of 1.3 billion, can there really not be a single soul who uses any of the aforementioned apps? It’s impossible .
To get around the “Great Firewall” of China, you’ll need a Virtual Private Network (VPN) either in the form of an app, or WiFi device. More details below!
When The Travel Intern sent the four of us to China for two whole weeks , we didn’t realise the stumbling blocks we’d face.
It wasn’t just about planning the itinerary and booking the accommodation like we do on regular trips. For this one in particular, after figuring out how to get around the banned websites, we faced another hurdle — credit cards.
Without a credit card from a local bank, we couldn’t use e-payment at all — the most common mode of payment in China! We found ourselves hunting for ATMs (that would take our card) all over the city when our credit card transactions couldn’t go through. So take a lesson from our book and bring lots of cash.
Read also: Out of Luck in China: 12 Cock-Ups Everyone Faces While Travelling and How to Overcome Them
Despite these challenges, we’ve definitely learnt more about travelling in China and how to ensure we’re better equipped for our next rodeo! Here are our top 10 apps that will make your trip to China a helluva lot smoother:
1) VPN Proxy Master
VPN Proxy Master allows you access to blocked sites while protecting your IP and location. The VIP plan (S$12.98/week or S$16.48/month) allows you to choose the country’s server you want to connect to, while the free version automatically links you up to the fastest one.
The VIP plan is suitable for those who need access to sites that are only available in certain countries. For the average traveller, the free version does the job!
You can switch your VPN on easily via phone settings.
2) Baidu Maps (百度地图)
Find your way around the city with ease using Baidu Maps ! Between Baidu and Google Maps, we found it much easier to refer to Baidu especially when we took taxis.
Local drivers recognise road names better when they’re in Chinese and the Baidu app uses Chinese by default. Alternatively, you can set the language for Google Maps under your phone settings. However, we found Baidu to be more accurate than Google Maps in China anyway.
3) Pleco – Translation App
Pleco is a translation tool that we used very often in China, mostly during meal times when there weren’t English translations for the menu.
It’s also handy for those who want to hone their understanding of the Chinese language!
WeChat is one of the most widely used and versatile apps in China. It functions as a messaging, social media and mobile payment app, and is one of the main modes of communication between locals.
People here don’t exchange numbers; they exchange WeChat IDs by scanning their unique user QR codes. Unfortunately for us travellers, our international credit/debit cards aren’t compatible with the app so we’ve only got two out of the three functions to enjoy 😅
We found this app very useful in communicating with our Airbnb hosts because it doesn’t require you to get a SIM card!
Read also: 19 Reasons to Visit China’s Most Underrated Cities — Wuhan, Changsha & Zhangjiajie
5) Air Matters
Pollution in China, especially in the more populated cities like Beijing, Guangzhou, Xi’an and Shanghai, can reach levels that are detrimental to our health.
Air Matters provides real-time information about the air quality in cities around the world. It also warns you of high levels of pollen in the air, whether wearing a mask is necessary and whether outdoor activities are recommended.
Add-ons include functions like being able to connect to air purifiers at home or in the office, operate them remotely, and receive an alert when the filter is due for a change.
Miss the convenience of ride-hailing services like Grab/Uber when you’re overseas? DiDi is the most widely used ride-booking app in China.
It also comes in an English version which makes it user-friendly for tourists! It’s still possible to hail a taxi from the side of the road, though during peak hours it becomes nearly impossible to get a ride the traditional way.
7) China Train Booking App
The China Train Booking App is very useful in planning your route from one city to the next. It tells you exact departure and arrival times, as well as seat availability right down to the different tiers — soft sleeper, hard sleeper, hard seat etc.
8) MetroMan
Download the metro map of the cities you’re visiting before your trip and have easy access to it on the go. With maps of over 35 cities throughout China, receive information such as fare prices, travelling times, train departure and arrival times, as well as the number of transfers and which lines to take.
9) Da Zhong Dian Ping (大众点评)
Find yourself in a pickle deciding what to eat? Da Zhong Dian Ping tells you what’s good near you! Get reviews, photos of the place, information on how to get there and opening hours. But it’s not all about food, it also has recommendations for places to stay, shopping malls, massage parlours and other attractions in the same app.
Read also: 18 Things to Eat in Central China Under S$20 — Wuhan, Zhangjiajie & Changsha
Waygo is the perfect translation tool with a camera function that translates Chinese, Japanese and Korean on the go! The free trial version allows 10 free translations per day but there are purchase options: S$9.98 for unlimited translations in any one of the languages and S$16.98 for unlimited translations in all three languages.
You can also unlock three days of unlimited translations for free by completing a short survey (three questions)!
Bonus: WiFi Device or 4G SIM Card
The choice between a WiFi Device (VPN already included) or 4G SIM Card (used with VPN app) rests mostly on: (1) the number of people/devices connected and (2) nature of internet usage.
Our Review: WiFi Device — While we managed to obtain information on the go, the internet speed was slow (we had two to three devices connected). Telegram and WhatsApp worked most of the time, but there were several instances where we had trouble establishing an internet connection. Social media sites like Instagram took much longer to load and upload.
4G SIM Card (with VPN Proxy Master app) — Ideal for those travelling alone, and for more than a week. Browsing speeds were noticeably quicker for those of us using the 4G SIM Card as compared to the rest who were connected to the WiFi device. Renald (on the SIM card) even managed to stream a soccer match live while some of us struggled to load messages on Telegram…
Read also: 12D Central China Itinerary to Ancient Gems & Undiscovered Sights
Know of other life-changing travel apps? Let us know in the comments below!
Like what you see? Follow us on Facebook , Instagram , and YouTube for more travel updates!
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Best Phone Apps for Traveling in China
Life in China gets easier and easier and much of this new-found convenience has to do with the apps on your smartphones.
Here are a few of the essential apps you need on your devices if you're going to be in China.
If you’re going to be using your smartphone in China and you’re going to be here for more than just a few days, we highly recommend downloading WeChat. This app is ubiquitous in China. While it is mostly used for social media among friends, it is also a great communication tool. You can use it to communicate to your tailor (each of you has a “translate” button so you can message in English and your tailor can message back in Chinese…and you’ll understand 90%).
If you’re planning to be in China for a longer period of time, WeChat is essential. And if you’re living here, get your bank account set up and then link it to the wallet function within WeChat. More and more things can be paid for by this app making cash seem obsolete.
CityWeekend
This great app is available for Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Suzhou and Shenzhen – and you don’t need multiple apps, you can change the city within the app. This is great for figuring out where to eat and drink as well as other venues like “swimming pool” or “antique market”. The listing gives you a function to show the taxi driver in Chinese so you won’t be stumped once you sit down in a cab.
Note: the information on this app can be outdated (things change fast in China). If you can call ahead, it’s advisable.
China Air Quality Index
Those of us who live here are addicted to this app. It gives you the Air Quality Index (AQI) for wherever you are in China or the nearest big city. You’ve heard about it: the air pollution is bad in most of China. Use the AQI index to help you gauge whether or not to take that morning run outside or hit the gym.
The app works similar to weather apps by showing you the local AQI for wherever you are. But you can add cities to your listing so you can follow the AQI of other places you may be traveling.
By now, everybody is pretty familiar with Uber, the car service. While taxi apps are plentiful in Chinese cities, if you don’t read and write Mandarin, they can be really difficult to manage. Uber has an English interface and you can use your international credit card for payment. (You'll want to warn your card company in advance if you plan to use Uber abroad.)
Notice when you use it that there are several car choices at the bottom of the app. “People’s Uber” is the least expensive option. “Uber Black” is the most expensive.
As of the writing of this article, Uber’s network in China covers the following cities, making it very convenient to visitors, especially business travelers who are more likely to be in big cities: Chengdu, Foshan, Guangzhou, Hangzhou, Hong Kong, Jinan, Macau, Qingdao, Shenzhen, Guiyang, Tianjin, Wuhan, Yantai, Beijing, Chongqing, Dalian, Nanjing, Ningbo, Shanghai, Suzhou and Xi’an.
You won’t be able to use Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Google or YouTube and you won’t be able to read the New York Times or the Wall Street Journal online without employing a VPN on your devices. If you’re going to be in China long-term, we advise paying for a service such as StrongVPN or Astrill. However, Betternet is a free VPN that works reasonably well and there’s no reason for a service if you’ll only be in China for a short time.
If you’re going to be trying to decipher Mandarin, you’ll need a good dictionary. We like Pleco. You can look up words in English for the translation and you can also look up words by inputting pinyin or Chinese characters. It also has a function that pronounces the word or phrase.
There are a lot of currency converters out there but the one we like best is called Currency. The app’s interface is very easy and you can input multiple currencies. For ease in China, just input your home currency and the RMB and you’ll be able to decipher prices quite easily.
Waygo uses the camera on your phone to capture Chinese words and translate them into English. The translations can be a little wonky but at least you’ll know if what you’re ordering is pork or donkey.
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Best Apps for Traveling in China in 2023
China Travel Experts
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China boasts its own unique internet application ecosystem. Many international apps and websites aren't accessible in China, making it crucial for any traveler coming here to be well-versed in China's mainstream apps.
I've compiled a list of top-notch Chinese travel apps based on the common needs and challenges faced by foreign tourists.
I'm confident these apps will undoubtedly smoothen your journey across China.
So, let's dive in!
A mainland China SIM(+86) card could be your savior!
Registering for Chinese apps and booking tickets for attractions often necessitate a Chinese phone number to receive verification codes. I recommend having a Chinese phone number ready in advance to avoid any last-minute rush or confusion.
China SIM Card
Easily register for various services in China
Receiving SMS Free
One-time payment
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Note: I recommend you be sure to keep your Chinese phone number if you expect to travel to China many times.
Apps to Download Before Going to China
1. astrill vpn — to bypass china's great firewall.
Why must you install and configure a VPN before arriving in China?
This is because in China, without a VPN you will not be able to access sites like Google, Gmail, Facebook, and most VPN company websites can't be reached either.
Astrill VPN is a top choice that has reliably worked in China for years. You can see my best VPN reviews here.
Again, if you don't want to lose contact with loved ones abroad while in China, you need a VPN!
Plus, Data roaming with a SIM card is another option for accessing foreign networks, but it often tends to be much pricier than using a VPN.
You can get in touch with your data service provider to get more information.
Apps Must-Have for Cashless Payment
1. wechat — for contacting friends and cashless payments.
WeChat is China's most beloved all-in-one app, practically a must-have for anyone in China.
It bundles social networking, payment, wallet, mapping, and more into a single package, even offering a range of mini-programs for various functionalities.
You can use it to stay in touch with your tour guide or friends. It supports online translation, making conversations a breeze.
Sending your location through it can be incredibly handy if you find yourself lost.
Furthermore, many of China's attractions require advance ticket booking, and WeChat is the primary channel for that.
Lastly, and most importantly, WeChat Pay will be one of your vital payment methods during your trip in China.
How to Use WeChat in China?
- Register and complete real-name verification using your passport and phone number.
- Link your international card, whether it's Visa, MasterCard, or others.
- When making a payment, display your payment code or scan the merchant's QR code.
- If you want to book tickets for tourist attractions, WeChat is essential.
I've provided a comprehensive guide to help you learn how to set up and use WeChat Pay .
Get WeChat Here: iOS | Android
2. alipay — for subways, taxis, train tickets and cashless payments.
Aside from WeChat Pay, Alipay is the second essential payment app in China. Alipay is particularly foreigner-friendly, as it doesn't require strict account verification.
Alipay and WeChat Pay now supports linking international cards .
For foreign tourists, you only need to submit your passport information to complete the process.
When you're immersing yourself in China's transportation system, Alipay is undoubtedly your best ally.
It effortlessly navigates the payment systems of major city subways, and you can even use it to buy train tickets and summon taxis.
How to Use Alipay in China ?
- Using Alipay to ride the subway is incredibly convenient, and I 100% recommend it.
Here, you can learn how to set up and use Alipay to ride the subway .
Get AliPay here: iOS | Android
Other recommended apps, 1. maps.me — more suitable for foreigners.
Maps.me is the most suitable map application for foreigners to use in China.
It provides offline maps in both Chinese and English versions, allowing you to use it without the need for an internet connection and VPN.
Moreover, it maintains a satisfactory level of accuracy within China. You can input both Chinese or English place names for searches.
Unless you're venturing into extremely remote areas, you can wholeheartedly rely on it.
You might be wondering about Google Maps. Well, do not use Google Maps in China!
Google Maps requires a VPN to function, and most importantly, its accuracy within China is riddled with errors and omissions.
How to Use Maps.me in China ?
- After installation, you need to download offline maps first.
- You can input place names in English or Chinese to view maps or search for routes.
- The calling-taxi feature cannot be used in China, but you can use DiDi instead.
Get Maps.me here: iOS | Android
2. baidu maps — the ‘google maps' of china.
Baidu Maps doesn't have an English version, but it's the most accurate and rapidly updated map application in China.
I recommend keeping Baidu Maps as a backup. If Maps.me doesn't work, you can trust Baidu Maps because it's almost equivalent to China's Google Maps.
Although it's displayed in Chinese, you can show it to passersby or taxi drivers to seek help.
There have been times when I've ventured into unfamiliar places, knowing nothing about the transportation or routes, yet Baidu Maps has always managed to guide me in the right direction.
How to Use Baidu Maps in China ?
- You need to register first to use it, but it's limited to Mainland China phone numbers only. You can get it here .
- It only displays in Chinese, but you can input pinyin to search for addresses.
Get Baidu Maps here: iOS | Android
3. pleco — the best english-chinese dictionary.
Do you want to learn some useful Chinese phrases for your trip to China?
Pleco is your best bet.
It offers a handwriting translation feature. When you come across characters you don't recognize in China, you can draw them on the screen, and Pleco will display their correct meanings and pronunciations.
How to Use Pleco in China ?
- It has a flashcard learning feature that you can use to learn Chinese characters.
- Its handwriting input feature not only helps you recognize unfamiliar Chinese characters but also teaches you how to write them with the correct stroke order.
- Dictionary and basic features are free, while advanced features like camera translation require purchasing.
Get Pleco here: iOS | Android
4. waygo — the best pointing and translating app.
Can't understand Chinese restaurant menus and street signs?
Well, with Waygo, you can bid farewell to your worries.
This app lets you use your phone camera to point at any unfamiliar Chinese characters and instantly displays their English translations.
Moreover, Waygo can work offline, so you don't need to be connected to data or Wi-Fi to understand Chinese signage.
How to Use Waygo in China ?
- You can use Waygo for free up to 10 times per day, or you can purchase lifetime access for $6.99.
- It's very easy to use. Just open the app, point your phone at the characters, and you'll get the translation.
Get Waygo here: iOS | Android
5. didi — the ‘uber' or ‘lyft' in china..
Getting around during travels is also very important, right?
DiDi is the best ride-hailing app in China, and I would definitely recommend it to you.
Its advantages include the fact that it offers an English version. You just need to input the correct address, and the DiDi driver will take you to your destination.
However, most DiDi drivers don't speak English, so you need to be prepared for that.
How to Use DiDi in China ?
- You can register for DiDi using your phone number and international card.
- Chinese DiDi drivers generally don't speak English, but you can add them as WeChat friends and communicate using WeChat's conversation translation feature (a handy trick!).
Get DiDi here: website
6. metroman china — for planning your subway trip.
The subway systems in big cities in China are highly developed and very modern, with signs in both Chinese and English, making them very foreigner-friendly for travelers.
It's also the preferred mode of transportation for most city residents in China (though you might find it a bit crowded, lol).
And with MetroMan, you have maps for all cities, available offline, to easily help you plan subway trips, plot routes, and calculate fares.
For short-distance travel within the city, taking the subway is your best option.
How to Use MetroMan in China ?
- Install MetroMan and select your language.
- Enter your destination, and it will display the complete route map for you.
- It will also show your real-time location on the route and the station timetable.
Get MetroMan here: iOS | Android
7. trip.com — the best vacation booking websites in china.
If you're planning an independent trip to China, then Trip.com is an essential website.
It offers all booking services, including hotels, flights, trains, tours, and more, covering everything you need.
But what's most popular among foreign travelers is its hotel booking service. It has the most comprehensive list of hotels, and you can always find the most suitable and affordable options for you.
How to Use Trip.com in China ?
- For the first time using, you'll need to provide your passport information.
- And when you're taking a train or a flight, you only need to scan your passport to pass through. (Trip.com automatically submits your ticket and passport information, so you don't need to print paper tickets; it's very convenient.)
Go to Trip.com
What about google maps and google translate.
Sure, many people prefer using Google's apps.
However, unfortunately, any Google apps cannot be accessed in China, including Google.com.
If you plan to use them, you'll need to subscribe to a VPN service. Astrill VPN is the best choice.
Don't worry, VPN use is extremely common in China .
I mean the ban is effectively in name only, and you can enjoy full internet freedom.
How to Download These Chinese Apps?
The apps I recommend generally have corresponding English versions. You can directly click on the links I provided to download them or download them from your app store.
However, some apps don't have English versions, like Baidu Maps . In such cases, you need to change your app store's region to China.
For Apple App Store users, you'll need to register a new ID based in China to download Chinese apps.
What About Wechat Mini Program?
This is a new trend – WeChat is integrating more and more services. Perhaps in the future, when you travel to China, you won't need to install so many apps. You can complete various services within WeChat.
For instance, Didi also has its own WeChat mini-program. If you've already registered for WeChat Pay, you can use them directly.
Here's a tutorial:
- Enter ‘DiDi' in the search bar at the upper right corner.
- Find the wording for the DiDi mini-program, then click on it. (Please make sure not to click the wrong one.)
- After that, you can use the one-click WeChat login, input your destination, and you're ready to go!
- Lastly, you can use WeChat Pay to complete the payment, super convenient.
What Apps to Use for Transport in China?
1. For purchasing airplane and train tickets, use Trip.com . 2. For taking the subway and bus, use MetroMan and Alipay . 3. For calling a taxi, use DiDi .
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VPN Not Working in China? Do This!
Is VPN Illegal in China? (Banned Yet Tolerated)
[2023 Update] Best VPN for China (That Actually Work)
Find your way in China without language barriers!
LingoMap is a map app for foreigners who cannot read Chinese to use in China. It is a translation of Alibaba Maps (known as AMap and 高德地图). It shows place, transit route, and street names in the original Chinese, Mandarin Pinyin, and English.
Find Places.
Get Directions.
See Translations.
Anywhere in china., and many other features.
- Share any place with friends: they can get directions to your place in just a couple clicks!
- Bookmark/save places
- Long-press to translate anything on the map
- Get directions by train between cities
- Get a taxi card with translations for showing to cab drivers
- Browse search categories to discover something new
- Different map types including satellite imagery and the Chinese language Alibaba map
Click here to read more about our journey!
Go to our Support Us page to see how you can help out!
Please send us an email at: [email protected]
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Best Map App in China That Works
With a good map app in China, you will never get lost.
Here is a list of best map apps that you can use in China.
Best Map Apps in China
1. apple maps 苹果地图.
Apple Maps in China is becoming solid after IOS 9 released in 2015.
And the map data is licensed from AutoNavi.
It offers a decent level of detail and accuracy for most locations.
The problem is, not everyone has an iPhone.
2. Baidu Maps 百度地图
Since Google (and therefore Google Maps) is blocked in China, this is the best way to properly navigate around town.
However, you need to be able to type in Chinese ! The app works the same like Google Maps, which lets you calculate directions.
If you use Android, you could only use the Chinese version.
But if you use IOS, just set your phone language into English, the App will display in English.
Baidu Maps makes it possible to check accurate bus schedules and even shows you prices for taxis!
3. AMap (Formerly Autonavi Navigation) 高德导航
Amap (Autonavi Navigation) is China’s most popular in-car GPS with maps iPhone app.
Amap is another popular Chinese map app with an English interface. It provides detailed and accurate maps and is widely used by locals.
You can download offline map packs by city and province.
4. Google Maps 谷歌地图
An alternative solution.
Google Maps is widely considered the best English map app in many parts of the world.
However, due to restrictions in China, Google Maps isn't as reliable or accurate there.
It is fully available in English and makes it easy to navigate around even if you don’t speak the language.
So if you don't mind taking it as a reference, you can use it.
The Power Pack: Google Maps + VPN
As for now, this google-powered service is blocked and cannot work in China without VPN. We recommend you to use Google Maps together with a stable VPN service. So you don’t need to bother installing other Map Apps.
Best Value Service
New, Cheaper, Faster, Stable VPN For China.
The speed is super fast most of the time.
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Best VPN For China
I personally tried many other VPNs, and finally decided to stay with ExpressVPN since it is the most reliable one.
- I can use it on up to 3 different devices at the same time.
- One VPN client for all your devices.
- 30-day money back guarantee.
Keep in mind that China's mapping and navigation landscape is constantly changing, so always double-check for the latest information and user reviews to find the best app for your needs.
Now, It's Your Turn.
What's the best china map app in your eyes, related posts.
Top 20 Must Have Apps in China for Travellers and Expats
China reopens for international group tours and “flight + hotel” packages: a new era for travel.
60 Essential Things to Know Before You Visit China for Business
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7 Useful Apps Every Traveler Should Know About
By Harrison Pierce
All products featured on Condé Nast Traveler are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Technology continues to make travel easier for millions of people around the globe. New apps offer travelers fresh ways to research a destination, connect with fellow globetrotters, communicate with locals, and track their flights. As a full-time digital nomad , I’ve learned the importance of having the right tools at your disposal when on the road.
Over the past few years, I’ve visited dozens of countries, flown hundreds of thousands of miles, and tested countless apps to find the ones that prove to be the most helpful. And while tools like Meetup, Google Maps, Google Translate, currency converters, and vacation rental , airline, and hotel–specific apps are in fact indispensable on most trips, I find that many of the best travel apps are still undiscovered by my fellow travelers.
Below, seven travel apps that make life on the go markedly easier (and more fun), from real-time flight trackers to photo-sharing gems—all of these apps are free, but some have paid pro versions worth considering. Don’t think these apps are only for full-time travelers—they prove useful for every type of traveler, whether you're in a brand-new destination or back for a return visit.
Discover the best apps for travelers:
Apps for flying, apps for exploring, apps for photo sharing.
My favorite app on this list is Flighty, a must-have for any frequent flier . The free version is fantastic, but I recommend splurging for the premium version, which gives you even more useful information and comes at a reasonable cost of $48 per year. The functionality it provides more than justifies the price.
The free version allows you to input all future flights plus past journeys you've taken within the last year. It provides updated information if any schedule changes occur to upcoming flights and allows you to track all the miles you’ve flown in one place.
The other main benefit is that it allows you to share your flight information with friends and family members who are also on Flighty. They will receive real-time updates about your flight without you having to text them. My parents love to make sure I’m safe so they appreciate getting detailed information about my travels—even while I’m in the air.
Flightradar24 is a favorite app among fellow aviation geeks. It lets you track almost any aircraft you see in the air throughout the day or night. You can track your own flight, a friend's flight, or any plane you see in real-time. It shares plenty of cool data, like the altitude, speed, arrival and departure airports and times, and tail number.
There are tons of eSIM apps on the market, but Airalo is probably my favorite, with digital SIM cards available for dozens of countries. I find it to be the most reliable and offers the best data packages. It can be a little pricey, but it is the best option if you’re only taking short trips. Holafly is another eSIM app that offers unlimited data and works well, but I find the app to be much more glitchy than Airalo and would recommend using the desktop version.
This one is for the planner of the group. Wanderlog merges the best of a bunch of different apps into one. Imagine an app that lets you plan a trip with ease: collaborate with friends as if you’re on Google Docs, manage expense tracking like Splitwise, and have a central place for your reservations, checklists, and more. Tripit is a similar travel planner app, so you can download both and get a feel for which interface you like better.
Been allows you to track the countries you’ve visited and make a wish list of places you can’t wait to cross off your travel bucket list . It gives you information like the percentage of the globe you’ve been to and shows you a world map of your trips. It’s always fun to add in a new country whenever I reach my destination.
This app was introduced to me by fellow nomads I met at a cafe in Montevideo, Uruguay . It automatically tracks your route across the world, allowing you to quickly upload pictures throughout your travels that can be viewed by anyone who has access to your profile. It’s an excellent way to share important moments with loved ones without needing to send photos to each person individually. Users can also create easily accessible guides filled with up-to-date information to help you plan your own trip.
Steller is another app that a friend recently introduced me to, and I’ve quickly fallen in love with it. It uses a combination of AI and user experiences to help you plan trips around the globe. From recommendations of things to see, like the Recoleta Cemetery in Buenos Aires or the Royal Palace of Naples, to full guidebooks created by users, you can get inspired, book experiences, and discover hidden gems within this app.
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7 Free Travel Planning AI and ChatGPT Apps to Get an Instant Itinerary
These free travel planning apps use AI and machine learning to prepare a holiday itinerary for you in seconds.
Quick Links
- PLAN by ixigo
- Trip Planner AI
- Vacay Chatbot
Key Takeaways
- Layla, Wonderplan, and PLAN by ixigo are AI travel planning apps with customizable itineraries.
- iplan.ai offers detailed itineraries for popular tourist cities based on interests and budget.
- Curiosio plans road trips on all continents, while Trip Planner AI helps with activity selection and cost estimation.
You can tell a travel agent your preferred dates, the place you want to visit, and your budget, and expect a full itinerary of what to do there based on your preferences. But can AI do the same job?
These free travel planning apps use AI and machine-learning tools like ChatGPT to prepare an itinerary for you in a few seconds, and we took them for a spin.
Layla describes itself as an AI trip planner, meaning you can use it to decide your vacation destination, create itineraries, and find suitable hotels and flights.
If you are uncertain about your destination or would like suggestions, you can ask Layla for advice regarding your trip. Otherwise, enter your destination and ask Layla to create your itinerary. Within a few seconds, you'll get a detailed plan for your trip.
As Layla is a chatbot, you can enter a prompt to ask it to change your itinerary. For instance, ask it to focus more on outdoor activities or include local restaurants. If you're unsatisfied with the activities planned on any particular day, you can give instructions and ask Layla to regenerate that part only.
Once you've perfected your itinerary, you can share it with your friends via a URL or add it to your bucket list.
2. Wonderplan
Wonderplan is a wonderful AI tool for planning your trip. To create your itinerary, Wonderplan first asks you to enter your destination country and city, your budget, the number of days you'll be staying, and your interests.
It then creates a travel plan within a few minutes, displaying various places to visit, their descriptions, and the time usually spent at each location. Although Wonderplan doesn't show the trip map, it does provide a link to Google Maps for each place.
It also displays different types of accommodation available (like Airbnb, hotel, or hostel) and their respective costs. Similarly, there are details about transportation, food, and activities. This way, you can estimate the potential cost of your trip.
In addition to your itinerary, Wonderplan also shows essential information about the country you're visiting. These include the currency conversion rate, electricity plug type, languages spoken, weather, and popular conveyances.
3. PLAN by ixigo
PLAN by ixigo starts by asking you about your dream destination. Then, it provides an option to describe the type of experience you want to have. This is just like a ChatGPT prompt, so you can enter anything you wish.
For example, you can specify the duration of your stay, your interests, the kinds of activities you're looking for, whether you have a family with you, and so on.
But if you can't think of any prompts, PLAN by ixigo provides a few trip ideas, so you can always select those. PLAN by ixigo then shows a day-wise plan, showing what you can do in the morning, afternoon, and evening.
However, if the suggested itinerary doesn't sound appealing, you can again enter a prompt to edit it.
4. iplan.ai
While iplan.ai doesn't mention which AI or machine-learning algorithm it uses, the results are fantastic enough to gloss over that. The app works beautifully on phones to give you a full itinerary for any one city at a time, depending on how many days you have there.
The app first asks you to name the destination city. As far as we checked, iplan.ai works best for popular tourist cities, not offbeat or obscure travel. Next, note how many days you will be there, and then choose your free time each day—a cool step to ensure a better itinerary if you already have some plans, but not a whole days worth.
Tell iplan.ai if you're traveling solo, as a couple, with family, or with friends, and then choose your interest among topics like history, art and culture, nature, entertainment, shopping, food, sports, relaxing, etc. Finally, choose between an economy, normal, or luxury budget.
After a few minutes, iplan.ai gives you a day-wise itinerary for your trip. It's plotted on a map so you can see all the locations, and each point of interest has a brief description along with estimated travel time.
The app has both free and paid plans. With a paid account, you can share the trip plan with your friends and access it offline. Another limitation of iplan.ai is that you can't get an itinerary for a multi-city trip. For now, you'll need to make a plan for each city you're visiting, one at a time.
Download: iplan.ai for Android | iOS (Free, Paid)
5. Curiosio
The easiest last-minute travel plan is to get into a car and drive. Curiosio specializes in helping you plan an itinerary for a road trip to several major countries on all continents. It doesn't cover every single place, but the existing collection is impressive enough.
Curiosio uses its own AI engine, Ingeenee, which is trained on several crowdsourced travel-based resources, such as Wikivoyage, Wikipedia, Wikidata, Freebase, DBpedia, GeoNames, OSMNames, and OpenStreetMap. Through this dataset, it can chart an itinerary that meets your requirements across various parameters.
You can set options for a round trip or a one-way trip with starting and finishing points. If there are any places you want to visit on the way, add them in. Then set the number of travelers, dates of the journey, what vehicle you're using, total budget, and whether you want to visit places that spark curiosity or are obscure. The AI will usually give you multiple plans and routes for these options.
The itinerary includes a map of your route and a day-wise breakdown of where you'll be going and what you'll be seeing. Each point of interest is clickable to find more information about it. There are easy ways to share your itinerary with co-travelers, print it out, or even export it to Google Maps. Curiosio is one of the best road trip planners for your next adventure .
6. Trip Planner AI
Trip Planner AI plans a perfect trip to your dream destination. Begin creating your itinerary by entering the city you wish to visit and traveling dates. You can add multiple destinations here.
Then, select the kinds of activities you prefer, the number of people, and whether you're traveling with friends or family. Trip Planner AI asks you about your dietary preferences and budget.
As an optional step, you can specify the place where you'll be staying so that it creates an itinerary accordingly. If you haven't decided on your lodging yet, you can explore hotels suggested by Trip Planner AI.
Finally, Trip Planner AI generates a detailed itinerary, a map, and basic information about the city you're visiting. For each destination, it provides the details of the place, expected traveling time, and cost. Though it provides a complete plan for your trip, you can manually add or remove activities from your itinerary. You can also invite your friends to edit the itinerary and download it as a PDF.
7. Vacay Chatbot
Vacay Chatbot is not a dedicated itinerary maker but an AI chatbot that acts like your travel advisor. So, you can ask it to give travel recommendations, compare different destinations, and, of course, create an itinerary. If you've previously used AI chatbots like ChatGPT, you'll find this trip planner easy to use.
Just enter a prompt specifying your destination and trip details and ask Vacay Chatbot to create an itinerary. You can include details like your trip duration, budget, preferences, number of travelers, etc. The more details you provide, the better your itinerary will be.
One of the downsides of using Vacay Chatbot is that it doesn't provide a map for your trip. However, you can use these apps to plot your itinerary on a map .
All these travel planning AI apps urge you not to use the itinerary as-is and only treat it as a template or guide to begin planning your trip. This is because they currently have several limitations, like databases that aren't recently updated or require specific prompts from the user.
A real human travel agent will still give you a more customized itinerary, but it will cost you a few bucks. If you want a free base guide, more basic travel planning apps are a good starting point.
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Best China Taxi Apps: DiDi, Uber in China&Meituan Dache
March 27, 2024
Source: from didiglobal.com
Best Taxi Apps in China: DiDi,Uber in China & Meituan Dache
Stay Connected in China
What is didi, uber in china.
Types of Car-hailing Services of DiDi, Uber in China
Payment methods for didi, uber in china.
Currently, DiDi support all valid Debit Cards, Credit Cards and PayPal. Please keep in mind that DiDi do not support any cash payments. Here are the various payment methods available:
What is Meituan Dache?
Types of Car-hailing Services of Meituan Dache
Payment methods for meituan dache.
Please note that the availability of these payment methods may vary based on location and other factors. It's always a good idea to check which payment methods are accepted in your area before booking a ride.
How to Use DiDi for Taxi-hailing Service in China?
Use didi for taxi-hailing service by didi chuxing app.
Source: Wikipedia
Use DiDi for Taxi-hailing service by Wechat
How to Use Meituan Dache for Taxi-hailing Service in China?
1. Download the Meituan Dache App:
- For Android users, download the Meituan Dache app from the Google Play Store or any other Android app store that is accessible in China.
- For iOS users, download it from the Apple App Store.
2. Create an Account:
- Open the app and sign up for an account. You'll likely need to provide a phone number that can receive SMS messages in China for verification purposes.
- Complete the registration process by following the prompts, which may include setting up a password and providing additional personal information.
3. Set Up Payment:
- Add a payment method to your account. This could be a debit card, WeChat Pay, Alipay, or any other payment method accepted by Meituan.
- Ensure that your payment method is set up correctly and has sufficient funds for the ride.
4. Request a Ride:
- Open the Meituan Dache app and select the taxi-hailing service.
- Enter your pick-up location and destination. The app may automatically detect your current location for pick-up, but you can adjust it manually if needed.
- Choose the type of vehicle or service you require. There may be options for different levels of service, such as economy, comfort, or luxury.
- Confirm your ride request. The app will then match you with a nearby driver.
5. Wait for Your Driver:
- Once a driver accepts your request, you'll be able to see their information, including name, photo, and vehicle details.
- Track the driver's location in real-time as they approach your pick-up point.
6. Take Your Ride:
- When the driver arrives, verify their identity by checking the information provided in the app.
- Get in the vehicle and enjoy your ride. You can follow the route on the app to ensure you're heading to the correct destination.
7. Rate Your Experience:
- After the ride, you can rate your driver and provide feedback on your experience.
Other Taxi Apps in China
Apart from Didi and Meituan, there are several other taxi apps in China. Here are several taxi-hailing apps:
FAQs about China Taxi Apps
Is there uber in china?, can i use overseas credit card for didi, can i pay for didi with cash.
China Taxi App Guide
- 1. Best Taxi Apps in China: DiDi,Uber in China & Meituan Dache
- 2. What is DiDi, Uber in China?
- 3. What is Meituan Dache?
- 4. How to Use DiDi for Taxi-hailing Service in China?
- 5. How to Use Meituan Dache for Taxi-hailing Service in China?
- 6. Other Taxi Apps in China
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Name in Chinese: 百度地图 (Baidu Ditu) Baidu Maps is a popular choice for map services in China. It is created by Baidu, a leading Chinese search engine company, and offers many features like real-time bus tracking, indoor maps, and voice-guided navigation. The app is predominantly in Chinese but has some English functionality; however, it ...
Navigation Apps. 4. Google Maps (Free) Google Maps is the best comprehensive maps service throughout China, as it is fully available in English and makes it easy to navigate around even if you don't speak the language. Now google, facebook, twitter, youtube, and instgram have been blocked by China firewall.
Here's some advice on getting the best experience with your map apps in China. 1. Use a domestic app for street view. Only the domestic map apps and websites offer street view in mainland China. So, you would need to use Baidu Maps or Tencent Maps for this feature. 2. Download apps before you leave home.
This handy little app is suitable for every Chinese city that has a subway system, from Beijing in the north to Guangzhou in the south. Get the MetroMan China app on Google Play or in the App Store. 6. Google Maps. A map app is a necessity for traveling around China. Image by William Hook on Unsplash.
2. Subway maps: Metro China Subway. Another app that will make things a lot easier for you during your stay in large cities is one that contains subway maps (interactive if possible). For China, I recommend "Metro China Subway, or MetroMan, by Wu Qiuping". It covers all Chinese cities that currently have a subway (and some in South Korea ...
Good apps make you trip easier in China, here are 8 useful apps for China travel, including maps, dictionary, translation, social communication, air quality, etc. ... 8 Useful Travel Apps for Traveling in China 2024. Some people say China is the country where you need apps than other destinations in the world, for there are so many things to ...
Dianping. Dianping is where two big Chinese dining apps, Dazhong Dianping and Meituan, join forces. Dazhong Dianping is all about reviews for food, places, and services, while Meituan is widely used for ordering food. Now called Meituan-Dianping, this combo has become the top spot for nearby restaurants,local lifestyle info and deals in China.
1. ExpressVPN. ExpressVPN is the ultimate app you need for China. Image supplied by ExpressVPN. This is the most important China travel app of all. Without a virtual private network (VPN) app, you won't be able to use all your favorite sites like Instagram, Facebook, Google, Gmail, YouTube and WhatsApp when using Wi-Fi.
Download China Travel Map: I Have Been and enjoy it on your iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch. Create your own travel map marking provinces & prefectures of China where you've been! The app is user friendly and allows you to: - mark visited provinces & prefectures - create categories: visited, wish to visit, etc - track world heritage - keep the ...
Ctrip Travel app (携程旅行) primarily targets the domestic market in China and offers a wide range of travel accommodations, from hostels to five-star hotels, catering to different types of travelers, ranging from budget travel to luxury travel. Additionally, the app supports the purchase of various attractions tickets, flights, train ...
The number one travel app for China is Trip.com. It provides comprehensive travel-related services, such as an interactive map to make finding Chinese attractions and locations easier. With exclusive features such as personalized travel discovery, online check-in, and flight and hotel information, Trip.com puts travel ideas in your fingertips. ...
This article aims to provide detailed guidance for foreigners on how to use the China Maps. Google Maps Before Coming to China. Even though Google Map cannot be directly accessed in China, you can still do some preparatory work before departure to ensure that you can travel easily in China. Offline Maps: Google Maps allows users to download ...
Admittedly, VPN services are not always stable in China, meaning that there will be periods when it will be difficult to establish a connection. Trip (携程) A departure lounge at an airport in Beijing, seen in September 2018 - Photo by Lumi W. Trip is one of the most popular travel service apps in China and has an English version. It allows ...
2. Get around with Didi Chuxing (滴滴出行) Source: amazonaws.com. Say ni hao to Didi Chuxing (or just "Di Di" to the locals) - China's very own version of Uber. The app is available in both Chinese and English with a user interface very similar to Uber's. Like most ride sharing apps, Di Di has several different options ranging ...
China Tourist Guide for places, routes, wildlife, cuisine, map & more!
Baidu Maps Advantages: Baidu Maps is the most up-to-date maps app for China. It's also free! It's also free! Directions are as accurate as possible (for China) and include both walking directions and public transportation options for all cities throughout China.
The best travel apps in China list wouldn't be complete with China's number one app - WeChat. Known as Weixin within China, the app has more than 300 million registered users. Primarily a messaging app, WeChat has grown to include a huge list of functions. It can be used for booking trains, flights, and events, for health services and to ...
Download China Travel Map: I Have Been and enjoy it on your iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Create your own travel map marking provinces & prefectures of China where you've been! The app is user friendly and allows you to: - mark visited provinces & prefectures - create categories: visited, wish to visit, etc - track world heritage - keep the ...
4) WeChat. WeChat is one of the most widely used and versatile apps in China. It functions as a messaging, social media and mobile payment app, and is one of the main modes of communication between locals. People here don't exchange numbers; they exchange WeChat IDs by scanning their unique user QR codes.
WeChat. If you're going to be using your smartphone in China and you're going to be here for more than just a few days, we highly recommend downloading WeChat. This app is ubiquitous in China. While it is mostly used for social media among friends, it is also a great communication tool. You can use it to communicate to your tailor (each of ...
2. AliPay — For Subways, Taxis, Train Tickets and Cashless Payments. No need to buy a ticket, Alipay lets you silkily ride the subway in China. Aside from WeChat Pay, Alipay is the second essential payment app in China. Alipay is particularly foreigner-friendly, as it doesn't require strict account verification.
Find your way in China without language barriers! LingoMap is a map app for foreigners who cannot read Chinese to use in China. It is a translation of Alibaba Maps (known as AMap and 高德地图). It shows place, transit route, and street names in the original Chinese, Mandarin Pinyin, and English. Click to download!
Google Maps is widely considered the best English map app in many parts of the world. However, due to restrictions in China, Google Maps isn't as reliable or accurate there. It is fully available in English and makes it easy to navigate around even if you don't speak the language. So if you don't mind taking it as a reference, you can use it.
Discover the best travel apps to make your next journey smoother and more fun, from real-time flight trackers to photo-sharing gems. ... And while tools like Meetup, Google Maps, Google Translate ...
These free travel planning apps use AI and machine learning to prepare a holiday itinerary for you in seconds. ... Although Wonderplan doesn't show the trip map, it does provide a link to Google Maps for each place. It also displays different types of accommodation available (like Airbnb, hotel, or hostel) and their respective costs. Similarly ...
Meituan Dache is a popular taxi-hailing app in China. Here's how you can use it: 1. Download the Meituan Dache App: For Android users, download the Meituan Dache app from the Google Play Store or any other Android app store that is accessible in China. For iOS users, download it from the Apple App Store. 2. Create an Account: