Top Essential Apps to Know Before Traveling to China (2025 Guide)
Introduction: Why You Need Apps to know before traveling China
Apps to know before traveling China .China is one of the world’s most fascinating travel destinations — filled with rich culture, ancient history, modern cities, and breathtaking landscapes. But if you’re traveling to China for the first time, there’s one thing you must prepare before boarding your flight — your phone apps.
Many popular Western apps such as Google Maps, WhatsApp, Facebook, and Instagram are restricted or limited in China due to the country’s internet regulations (the Great Firewall). That’s why travelers need to know the best apps to use in China for communication, translation, transportation, and payments.
📱 1. VPN Apps — Access the Internet Freely
Before anything else, you’ll need a VPN (Virtual Private Network) to access your favorite international websites and apps. Since many foreign apps are restricted, a VPN lets you connect safely and privately to the global internet.
✅ Best VPN Apps for China 2025
- ExpressVPN – Fast, reliable, and works consistently in China.
- NordVPN – Great security and stable connections.
- Surfshark – Affordable and allows unlimited devices.
- Astrill VPN – A favorite among frequent China travelers.
Pro Tip:
Download and install your VPN before entering China, as VPN websites are often blocked once you’re there.
Google Asked Question:
❓ Can I use a VPN legally in China?
While VPN use is common among travelers and expats, only government-approved VPNs are technically legal. However, tourists generally use VPNs without issue for personal use.
💬 2. Communication Apps — Stay Connected
Since WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Telegram may not work in China, it’s vital to use local messaging apps that everyone uses.
✅ WeChat (微信)
WeChat is the most important app in China — it’s used for messaging, voice and video calls, and even payments. Everyone from hotels to taxi drivers uses it.
Key features:
- Chat with locals and businesses
- Make payments via WeChat Pay
- Translate messages in-app
- Share location and files
Another popular communication app, QQ is great for chatting, sending files, and joining Chinese chat groups.
Google Asked Question:
❓ Is WhatsApp blocked in China in 2025?
Yes, WhatsApp remains blocked in mainland China, so it’s best to use WeChat or QQ for communication.
🗺️ 3. Navigation Apps — Find Your Way
Google Maps doesn’t function accurately in China, so you’ll need local map apps to get around cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.
✅ Baidu Maps (百度地图)
- China’s equivalent of Google Maps.
- Offers turn-by-turn directions, traffic updates, and public transport routes.
- Interface is in Chinese, but you can use Google Translate camera to understand.
✅ Gaode Maps (Amap – 高德地图)
- Very accurate for driving and public transport.
- Available in both Chinese and partial English.
- Integrated with Didi (the Chinese Uber).
Pro Tip:
Download offline maps before arriving in China — in case your VPN connection drops.
Google Asked Question:
❓ Does Google Maps work in China?
Google Maps can load with a VPN, but it’s not reliable. Use Baidu Maps or Amap instead.
🛫 4. Travel and Transport Apps — Move Like a Local
✅ Didi Chuxing (滴滴出行)
This is China’s version of Uber. You can easily book taxis, private cars, and rideshares.
Didi supports English mode and accepts foreign credit cards when linked to WeChat Pay or Alipay.
✅ 12306 China Railway
For booking train tickets across China, 12306 is the official railway app. Use it for checking schedules, seat availability, and ticket booking.
✅ Ctrip (Trip.com)
One of the best apps for travelers to book hotels, flights, and trains in China. It supports English and international payment options.
Google Asked Question:
❓ How do I book a train in China as a foreigner?
You can book via Trip.com or directly on the 12306 app with your passport details.
💰 5. Payment Apps — Go Cashless in China
China is almost a cashless society now. Most locals use their phones for every payment — from street food to taxis.
✅ Alipay (支付宝)
- The most widely used mobile payment app in China.
- Lets foreigners link international credit cards (Visa/Mastercard).
- Also used for hotel bookings, QR payments, and even tourist attractions.
✅ WeChat Pay
- Integrated with your WeChat account.
- Accepts foreign cards in 2025 through updated travel features.
- Quick, safe, and accepted everywhere.
- apps to know before traveling China
Google Asked Question:
❓ Can tourists use Alipay in China?
Yes! Since 2023, Alipay supports foreign cards, making it easier for tourists to make QR payments anywhere in China.
🍜 6. Food and Restaurant Apps — Find and Order Local Cuisine
Chinese cuisine varies by region, and these apps help you discover the best spots.
✅ Meituan (美团)
- Used to find and order food delivery, restaurant bookings, and even tickets.
- Works similar to Uber Eats.
- You can use image translation for menus.
✅ Dianping (大众点评)
- Like Yelp, but for China.
- Offers restaurant reviews, photos, and ratings.
- Essential for finding hidden food gems and local favorites.
Google Asked Question:
❓ What food delivery apps work in China?
Meituan and Ele.me are the top food delivery apps in China, both offering fast service and wide coverage.
🏨 7. Accommodation and Booking Apps
✅ Trip.com
A leading travel platform for hotel and flight bookings in China. It has an English interface, 24/7 support, and accepts foreign payments.
✅ Booking.com
Still works fine with VPN or in some local connections. Good for international travelers looking for verified hotels and reviews.
✅ Airbnb (爱彼迎)
Still available in China for short stays and private homes. However, local apps like Tujia are more common for domestic travelers.
🗣️ 8. Translation Apps — Break the Language Barrier
Most Chinese locals speak Mandarin, and English is not widely used outside big cities. Translation apps are a must!
✅ Google Translate
With a VPN, you can use it for text and voice translation.
The camera translation feature helps read menus and signs instantly.
✅ Baidu Translate
Works offline and doesn’t require VPN access.
Accurate for basic phrases and conversations. apps to know before traveling China
✅ Papago
Excellent for Asian languages — offers smoother pronunciation and better accuracy than some English-based apps.
Google Asked Question:
❓ Is English widely spoken in China?
English is common in tourist areas and big cities, but not in rural or local markets. Translation apps are very useful.
📰 9. News and Information Apps
✅ China Daily
English-language news app offering updates on China’s economy, politics, and travel.
✅ The Paper (澎湃新闻)
Local Chinese news app, great for getting the latest local updates.
Pro Tip:
Turn on VPN if you want to access international news sources like BBC or CNN.
🎟️ 10. Entertainment and Social Apps
✅ Douyin (抖音)
The original Chinese version of TikTok — great for exploring local culture and trends.
✅ Bilibili
A video-sharing app for anime, vlogs, and music.
✅ Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book – 小红书)
A mix of Instagram and Pinterest, used by locals to share reviews, travel photos, and lifestyle tips. apps to know before traveling China
Google Asked Question:
❓ Is TikTok available in China?
TikTok is not available in mainland China, but its local version Douyin offers similar features.
🌐 11. Internet and SIM Card Apps
✅ China Mobile, China Unicom, China Telecom
These are China’s three main telecom companies. You can use their apps to top up your SIM, check balance, or purchase data plans.
Pro Tip:
Get a Chinese SIM card at the airport or major cities — it’s required for activating Alipay, Didi, and other local apps.
🧳 12. Other Useful Apps for Tourists
- Pleco – Best Chinese dictionary app.
- Currency Converter Plus – Converts Chinese Yuan (CNY) instantly.
- Weather China App – Get accurate local weather updates.
- XE Currency – For live exchange rates and conversions.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What apps are banned in China?
Apps like Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube, and Snapchat are blocked in mainland China without a VPN.
2. Which VPN works best in China in 2025?
ExpressVPN and NordVPN are still the most reliable VPNs for travelers in 2025.
3. Can I use my Google account in China?
Only with a VPN connection. Most Google services, including Gmail, Maps, and Drive, are restricted.
4. What’s the best app for paying in China?
Alipay and WeChat Pay are the top payment apps for tourists and locals alike.
5. Do I need a VPN on my iPhone in China?
Yes, iPhones also require VPNs to access Western apps and websites.
🌟 Conclusion: Be App-Smart Before Traveling to China
Traveling to China in 2025 is easier than ever — as long as you prepare your essential apps in advance. With the right tools like WeChat, Alipay, Didi, and VPNs, you can communicate, pay, navigate, and enjoy your trip without hassle.
Before your flight, download and set up all necessary apps, and make sure your VPN is active. Whether you’re exploring the Great Wall, enjoying street food in Chengdu, or shopping in Shanghai, these apps to know before traveling China will ensure a smooth, connected, and memorable experience.
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