We Tried and Tested all the China Apps so you don't have to
Planning a trip to China? Whether you're exploring the futuristic skyline of Shanghai or getting lost in Beijing’s historic hutongs, there’s one thing you’ll quickly realize — everything runs on apps.
From ordering food to paying for a cup of coffee, QR codes and mobile apps are a way of life in China, and if you’re not prepared, simple things like buying a train ticket or getting a taxi can become way more complicated than they need to be.
I recently spent 10 days traveling around Beijing and Shanghai, and as someone who doesn’t speak much Mandarin (beyond “ni hao” and “xie xie”), I was honestly worried about how I’d get around.
But the good news? With the right apps, you don’t need to be fluent in Chinese to survive — and even thrive — in the country. These apps made it easy for me to pay like a local, navigate huge cities, and even order food when no one spoke English.
So if you're feeling a little anxious about traveling to China — especially for the first time — this guide is for you. Here are 10 essential apps that I used (and loved) during my trip — and trust me, they’ll save you a ton of time and stress!
1) Navigate China with WeChat (微信)
Credit: WeChat
If you could only download one travel app to visit China, it's got to be WeChat (App Store | Google Play Store). Not only is it China's main messaging app (you'll need this to communicate with tour operators), but you can also order and pay for your meals and shopping as well as book taxis!
How to order food with WeChat
Most restaurants in China have fully adopted contactless ordering and payment, making the entire dining experience seamless — even if you don’t speak the language. Simply scan the QR code on your table using WeChat to pull up the digital menu. From there, you can browse dishes (usually with pictures), place your order, and pay instantly — all within the app.
Klook Tip: Don't scan the QR code using your regular camera app, it doesn't work — we tried. There's also an in-built translation function in WeChat! It's not 100% accurate, but at least you have an idea of what you're ordering.
How to make payment with WeChat Pay
WeChat Pay is one of the easiest and most widely accepted ways to pay for anything in China. Once you’ve set up WeChat Pay by linking your credit card or using the WeChat Tourist Wallet, making a payment is super simple.
At checkout, just open WeChat, tap on the “+” icon, and select “Money” to display your personal QR code. The cashier will scan your code, and just like that, the payment is done — no need for cash or cards!
Some places may also show you a QR code to scan, in which case you use WeChat’s “Scan” feature, enter the amount, and pay directly through the app. During my trip, I used WeChat Pay for everything — from street food in Beijing to taxi rides in Shanghai,
Klook Tip: Set up your WeChat account and link it to your credit/debit card before arriving in China, to ensure that you have it ready once you arrive!
How to book DiDi (Taxis) with WeChat
If you’re worried about hailing a taxi in China or explaining your destination in Mandarin, booking a ride with DiDi (滴滴出行) via WeChat is a total game-changer. DiDi is China’s version of Uber, and the best part is — you don’t even need to download a separate app if you already have WeChat!
To book a DiDi through WeChat, simply open WeChat, head to the “Pay and Services” search for DiDi. From there, you can enter your pickup and drop-off locations (in English or Chinese), choose the type of ride (from basic taxis to premium cars), and confirm your booking.
2) Find the best food in town with Da Zhong Dian Ping (大众点评)
If you’re serious about eating like a local, Da Zhong Dian Ping (App Store | Google Play Store) is hands down the best app to have on your phone. Think of it as China’s version of Yelp, but way more detailed — with tons of reviews, real customer photos, and rankings for everything from restaurants and cafes to bubble tea and street snacks.
During my trip, Dianping quickly became my go-to whenever I wanted to find the best restaurant or a trendy café nearby. You can search by cuisine, price range, distance, or even popularity — super helpful when you’re in a new city and have no idea where to start.
One of my favorite things about Dianping is the photo reviews — very handy when menus are only in Chinese! Another great feature is the average price per person, so you'll roughly know the damage.
Although the app is mostly in Chinese, it’s pretty easy to navigate with some basic translation tools or built-in auto-translate functions. And trust me, the effort is worth it — thanks to Dianping, I found some incredible local spots in Shanghai and Beijing that I would’ve totally missed otherwise. Locals leave reviews on Dianping, while tourists leave reviews on Google!
Another great feature is that you can also make reservations directly through the app, which is perfect for popular restaurants that tend to get crowded. Note that some restaurants require a local number for reservations.
3) Order food delivery with Meituan (美团)
Credit: Meituan
After a long day of exploring — or if you’re simply too tired to head out — Meituan (App Store | Google Play Store)is a lifesaver for ordering food delivery in China.
Meituan is one of the most popular apps locals use daily, and it’s not just for food — you can also book hotels and find local attractions. But what it's really famous for is on-demand food delivery!
After a full day of sightseeing and adjusting to jet lag, I used Meituan to order dinner right to my hotel. The app lets you browse a huge variety of restaurants — from local dumpling shops to bubble tea — all based on your preferred cuisine or how close they are to you.
You can even check photos of the food and read reviews (though most are in Chinese, you can use auto-translate to get a good sense). Once I placed my order, I could track my order in real time — from food preparation to estimated time of arrival.
Klook Tip: You'll need a local number to order delivery in China. To get around this (we were using eSIMs), we ordered our food at the lobby and asked our hotel reception to help us key in a number! They're very used to this, and most hotels have a separate phone number for guests to arrange Meituan or Taobao deliveries.
Fun fact: While our Meituan order in Beijing got dropped off at a designated food delivery pick-up area in the hotel lobby, our food in Shanghai got delivered straight to our room via robot!
4) Get around with Didi Chuxing (滴滴出行)
Credit: DiDi
When it comes to getting around in China, Didi Chuxing (App Store | Google Play Store) is an absolute must-have. Didi is China’s answer to Uber and Grab, and it’s the easiest way to book a ride — whether you’re heading to a tourist attraction, the airport, or just back to your hotel after a long day.
The app is available in English, and you can input your destination in English or Chinese — super helpful when you don’t know how to pronounce the place in Mandarin. You can also choose the type of car you want, from regular taxis to premium rides, depending on your budget.
Payment is done directly in the app via WeChat Pay or Alipay, so there’s no need to handle cash. One of my favorite features was the in-app chat with auto-translate, which made communicating with drivers easy — especially when I needed to explain where to pick me up.
Klook Tip: If you face issues signing up for a DiDi account, fret not. DiDi is integrated into AliPay and WeChat, and you can simply book your DiDi ride on those apps instead. We found that easier than having yet another app!
5) Never lose your way with Baidu Maps (百度地图)
Credit: Baidu Maps
If there’s one app that saved me countless times while navigating China’s busy streets, it’s Baidu Maps (App Store | Google Play Store). Since Google Maps doesn’t work properly in China, Baidu Maps is the go-to app for directions, whether you’re walking, taking public transport, or hailing a ride.
I used Baidu Maps daily in Shanghai and Beijing. The app gives real-time transit information, accurate walking routes, and detailed bus and metro schedules, making it super easy to get around like a local.
Although Baidu Maps is mostly in Chinese, don’t worry! The icons and interface are very intuitive, and you can use translation apps like Pleco or Google Translate’s camera feature to help with tricky parts. Plus, once you pin your destination, the map guides you turn by turn — no guesswork needed.
6) Book your activities and attractions with Klook
Asia’s largest in-destination booking platform carries a wide range of activities and services for travelers. You can get all your holiday essentials like attraction tickets, hotels, eSIMs, airport transfers, and dining deals!
The Klook app is available in 15 languages, which means you don't have to worry about navigating language barriers when booking attractions for your trip to China.
Klook also offers discounted tickets to key attractions like Shanghai Disneyland and Universal Studios Beijing. You’ll even get to skip the queues with mobile e-tickets sent directly to your app or email after a successful checkout!
7) Discover Hidden Gems with Xiaohongshu (小红书)
Credit: Xiaohongshu
If you want to explore China beyond the typical tourist spots, Xiaohongshu (小红书), also known as “Little Red Book”, is the perfect app to have.
Think of it as a mix of Instagram and TripAdvisor, but way more focused on lifestyle, travel, and local experiences. Locals use Xiaohongshu to share photo reviews, tips, and recommendations for everything — from trendy cafes and rooftop bars to unique shopping spots and off-the-beaten-path attractions.
Before and during my trip, I used Xiaohongshu to find cool places I wouldn’t have discovered on Google — like photo spots in Shanghai and restaurants in Beijing. The app is image-heavy, with an in-built translation feature, so you can get a good idea just by browsing photos and locations.
Plus, you can search by keywords and hashtags (in English or Chinese), making it super easy to tailor your search to what you're interested in — whether that's food, fashion, or nature.
8) Seamless payment with Alipay (支付宝)
Credit: Alipay
Alipay (App Store | Google Play Store) is a must-have app for tourists in China, making cashless transactions effortless across the country. With Alipay, international travelers can easily link their Visa or Mastercard — no need for a local bank account — so paying for everything from meals to transport is a breeze.
The app’s simple QR code payment feature, widely used in China, eliminates the need for cash or cards, letting you focus on enjoying your trip. Plus, Alipay often includes exclusive discounts and promotions at popular spots. This app not only enhances your travel experience but also keeps your spending organized with a digital transaction record.
Klook Tip: Both Alipay and WeChat offer similar payment functions and are widely accepted across China.
9) Stay digitally connected with ExpressVPN
Credit: ExpressVPN
If you’re traveling to China, one thing you’ll quickly realize is that many popular websites and apps — like Google, Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook, and even Gmail — are blocked. That’s where ExpressVPN comes in.
All you have to do is download and set up the app before arriving in China (important because VPN sites are blocked once you're there!). Once it’s installed, just tap to connect, and you’ll be able to use the internet like you normally would back home.
Alternatively, if you want to skip downloading a VPN altogether, Klook’s China eSIM lets you access Instagram, WhatsApp, Google, and more without needing a VPN — perfect for travelers who just want a simple, plug-and-play option to stay connected.
10) Speak like a local with Waygo
Credit: Waygo
This isn’t your average translator! Waygo is an award-winning visual translation app that lets you translate Chinese text instantly using your phone’s camera — even without an internet connection! This is a lifesaver when you're trying to read menus, street signs, or product labels and no English translation is available.
What’s great about Waygo is that it works offline, so even if you don’t have mobile data or Wi-Fi, you can still translate on the go. While it’s not perfect for full conversations (apps like Pleco or Google Translate might be better for that), Waygo is perfect for quick translations of written Chinese, helping you navigate daily situations like a pro.
Our Favorite Apps for China Travel
After spending 10 days navigating China, these are the apps we couldn’t live without — and the ones we’d recommend downloading first:
- WeChat — The ultimate all-in-one app for messaging, payments, and booking taxis. If you only get one app, make it WeChat.
- Dianping — A lifesaver for finding the best local restaurants, cafes, and hidden food gems. Perfect when you want to eat where the locals eat.
- Baidu Maps — A must for getting around, since Google Maps doesn’t work well in China. Whether you’re figuring out the metro or walking to your next spot, Baidu Maps has you covered.
- Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book) — Great for discovering cool places, trendy cafes, and unique things to do. Think of it as a mix between Instagram and TripAdvisor — but way more aesthetic and up-to-date for China.
If you’re heading to China soon, downloading these apps in advance will make your trip so much easier. With these on your phone, you’ll be ready to explore confidently — even if you don’t speak the language.
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Klook is Asia’s leading platform for experiences and travel services. We curate quality experiences ranging from attractions and tours to local transport and experiential stays, in over 2,700 destinations globally. Klook’s mission is to empower travelers around the world to discover, book, and experience the best things to do anywhere, anytime - including attractions, activities, car rental, tours, local transfers, wifi, and SIM cards.
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