Essential China Travel Apps
Download these apps BEFORE arriving in China for the best experience:
๐ฌ WeChat (ๅพฎไฟก)
All-in-one app for payments, messaging, and mini-programs. Essential for daily life in China. Set up WeChat Pay with your international card before traveling.
Download WeChat
๐ณ Alipay (ๆฏไปๅฎ)
Payment app widely accepted everywhere. Often more reliable than WeChat Pay for foreign cards. Includes transport features and translation tools.
Download Alipay
๐ Didi (ๆปดๆปดๅบ่ก)
China's Uber - essential for taxis and rides. Available as mini-program in WeChat/Alipay or standalone app. English interface available.
Download Didi
๐จ Trip.com
Best platform for booking hotels, train tickets, and attractions in China. English support and international cards accepted.
Visit Trip.com
๐ MetroMan
Offline metro maps for all major Chinese cities. Essential for navigating subway systems efficiently.
Download MetroMan
๐บ๏ธ Baidu Maps
Most accurate navigation in China. Interface mostly in Chinese but very reliable for finding locations and directions.
Visit Baidu Maps
๐ฝ๏ธ Dianping (ๅคงไผ็น่ฏ)
China's Yelp - find the best local restaurants, read reviews, and discover hidden gems with ratings and photos.
Visit Dianping
๐ VPN Service
Download before arrival! Needed to access Google, Facebook, Instagram, and other blocked sites. Research current working VPNs.
ExpressVPN Option
Transportation in China
๐ High-Speed Rail (ๆไฝณ้ๆฉ)
Speed: Up to 350 km/h (217 mph)
Popular Routes:
- Beijing-Shanghai: 4.5 hours, $120 per person
- Beijing-Xi'an: 4.5 hours, $100 per person
- Shanghai-Hangzhou: 1 hour, $25 per person
- Xi'an-Chengdu: 3 hours, $80 per person
Booking: Trip.com (English), 12306.cn (Chinese), 15-day advance booking
Classes: Second Class (comfortable), First Class (spacious), Business Class (luxury)
โ๏ธ Domestic Flights
When to Use: Long distances (>1500km), Tibet, remote areas
Popular Routes:
- Beijing-Lhasa: 4 hours, $400 per person
- Shanghai-Chengdu: 2.5 hours, $250 per person
- Beijing-Dunhuang: 3 hours, $280 per person
- Any city-Lhasa: Flight required (high altitude)
Booking: Trip.com, Ctrip, airline websites
Note: Some destinations like Tibet require flights due to geography
๐ Metro Systems
Coverage: All major cities have extensive metro networks
Cost: $0.40-1.10 per ride
Payment: WeChat Pay, Alipay, transportation cards
Peak Hours: 7-9 AM, 5:30-7:30 PM (very crowded)
๐ Didi (Ride-hailing)
Cost: Generally 10-30% cheaper than traditional taxis
Languages: English interface available
Payment: WeChat Pay, Alipay (linked to international cards)
Types: Express, Premier, Luxe options
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to visit China?
As of 2025, citizens from 43 countries (including US, UK, Australia, Germany, France, Japan) can visit China visa-free for up to 30 days for tourism. Check current visa policies as they change frequently. US citizens can apply for 10-year multiple-entry visas.
How much should I budget for China travel?
Budget travelers: $50-80/day, Mid-range: $100-200/day, Luxury: $300+/day. This includes accommodation, food, transport, and attractions. Flight costs vary significantly based on departure location ($500-1500 roundtrip).
Is it safe to travel in China?
China is very safe for tourists with low crime rates. Exercise normal precautions, avoid political discussions, and be aware of cultural differences. Natural disasters like typhoons can occur in coastal areas during summer.
What's the best way to get around China?
High-speed rail is excellent for intercity travel (world's largest network). Use metro systems in cities (clean, cheap, efficient). Didi for taxis. Domestic flights for very long distances. Download MetroMan app for offline subway maps.
Do people speak English in China?
English proficiency varies. Major hotels, tourist areas, and international businesses have English speakers. Young people in cities often speak some English. Download translation apps (Google Translate, Pleco) and learn basic Mandarin phrases.
Can I use my credit card in China?
International cards work at hotels and major stores, but China is largely cashless using mobile payments. Set up WeChat Pay or Alipay with your international card before traveling. Many places don't accept cash anymore.
What should I download before going to China?
Essential: VPN app, WeChat, Alipay, Trip.com, Google Translate, Didi, MetroMan. Download before arrival as Google Play Store is blocked. Set up accounts and link payment methods in advance.
When is the best time to visit China?
Spring (March-May) and Fall (September-November) offer the best weather. Avoid Chinese New Year (January/February) and Golden Weeks (May 1, October 1) due to massive crowds and higher prices.