PAYMENT + SERVICE ENTRYAlipay
Use it as the first mobile wallet and as an entry point to services such as DiDi. Complete the requested setup before departure.
Open the payment guide →BASICS
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← MASTER CHECKLISTAPPS · SELECTION GUIDE
Essential apps for travelling in China.
Build a small working stack for payment, navigation, translation and transport, then add tools only when your itinerary needs them.
QUICK APP PLANNER
Match the apps to the trip.
This recommends a practical starting stack, not a permanent ranking of brands.
1Which phone do you use?
2Will you use WeChat to communicate during this trip?
3Will you book intercity trains?
4Do you want local food discovery or delivery?
5How do you prefer to use apps?
THE CORE STACK
Start with abilities, not app count.
One app can cover several tasks. What matters is whether the complete journey still works.
PAYMENT + SERVICE ENTRY
NAVIGATIONAmap Global first
Use it as the primary map for local routes, transit and place information on both iPhone and Android.
Keep Apple Maps as a familiar backup.
TRANSLATIONOne tested translator
Choose a translator with offline Simplified Chinese, camera translation and voice or conversation mode. Before departure, download the relevant offline language packs over Wi-Fi. Then turn on airplane mode and test the text or camera flow you plan to use. Offline features vary by app.
Open the translation tutorial →
RIDE-HAILINGDiDi access
Begin through Alipay if you want fewer installs. Use the standalone app for frequent rides, fuller order controls and direct support access.
Open the DiDi tutorial →ESSENTIAL DOES NOT ALWAYS MEAN A SEPARATE APP
Ride-hailing is an essential travel ability for many visitors. A standalone DiDi installation is optional when the Alipay service entry meets the need.
ADD BY TRIP
Install the next app for a reason.
These tools become useful when a particular itinerary, contact or local task makes them worth the extra setup.
COMMUNICATION + SECOND WALLETAdd it if you already use WeChat or a hotel, guide, restaurant or local contact specifically expects to reach you there.
Recommended for local coordination
INTERCITY BOOKINGSTrip.com or Railway 12306
Trip.com prioritises English-language convenience. Railway 12306 is the official rail channel. Choose based on ease, fees and booking frequency.
Open the train ticket tutorial →
LOCAL FOOD DISCOVERYDianping
Useful for finding restaurants and local reviews when you are willing to work with a mostly Chinese interface.
Optional for most short trips
FOOD DELIVERYMeituan
Add it only if delivery matters and you can manage the phone-number, address and language requirements that may appear.
Better for longer or repeat staysMINI PROGRAM OR STANDALONE APP?
Use the lighter path until it limits you.
Mini programs reduce downloads and may reuse an existing wallet account. Standalone apps usually provide fuller controls, notifications and support.
Use a mini program
- Occasional use
- Fewer registrations
- One shared payment entry
Install the full app
- Frequent or critical use
- Fuller order history
- More complete support tools
BEFORE YOU FLY
Installed is not the same as ready.
Finish the setup while you still have familiar internet access, payment verification and time to recover.
Get the official apps
Use the official app store listing and confirm the publisher before signing in or entering payment details.
Complete the account
Register, finish any identity checks, link the required card and enable the permissions needed for the task.
Save what works offline
Download the translation pack and keep hotel, station and destination names in Chinese with screenshots.
Open the full journey
Check maps, location, payment entry, ride-hailing and booking records. Test the translator without data.
YOU ARE APP-READY WHENYou can payYou can find your destinationYou can translate offlineYou can request a ride
COMMON QUESTIONS
Essential apps FAQ
Account requirements and optional tools stay here so the main recommendation remains easy to scan.
Do I need every app in this guide?
No. Most visitors can begin with Alipay, one map and one offline-capable translator. Ride-hailing can be reached through Alipay, and the rest should be added only when the itinerary creates a real need.
Is WeChat essential for a short trip?
Not for every traveller. Add it when you already use WeChat, when a hotel, guide, restaurant or local contact specifically expects to reach you there, or when you want its mini programs and second payment route. Having a local contact does not automatically mean you need WeChat.
Should I install DiDi or use it inside Alipay?
The Alipay entry is a practical low-clutter starting point. Install the standalone DiDi app if you expect to use it often or want fuller order management, bilingual messaging and customer-support access.
Do I need a Chinese phone number?
The core stack normally does not require a +86 number for every task. Some local services, especially delivery and certain account flows, may ask for one. Treat that as a reason to add a local SIM only when the service matters to your trip.
Trip.com or Railway 12306?
Trip.com is often easier for English-language planning and keeping several bookings together. Railway 12306 is the official railway channel and avoids relying on an intermediary. Choose based on ease, fees and how much rail travel you expect to book.
Can I rely on Google Maps in Mainland China?
Do not make it your only prepared map. Amap Global is the primary recommendation because it provides a consistent cross-platform route into local navigation and place information. On iPhone, keep Apple Maps as a familiar backup when a search or interface is easier there.
Which translation app should I choose?
Choose one that supports Simplified Chinese offline, camera translation and voice or conversation mode. Download the language pack before flying and test it without a network connection. A dictionary such as Pleco can be a useful extra, but it does not replace a general translator for most visitors.
Are Meituan and Dianping must-have apps?
No. Dianping is useful for deeper local restaurant discovery. Meituan is useful for delivery, but local-number, address and Chinese-language friction can make it a poor first-day essential. Add them only when those tasks matter.
Connect the apps to your arrival plan.
Save your accommodation in Chinese and decide how you will leave the airport before the first travel day begins.
Open the transport guide →