🚨 Download Before You Land
Many apps are blocked or slow to download inside China. Install everything before departure to avoid frustration at the airport.
Translation Apps
(2)
Google Translate
The essential app for breaking the language barrier. Its camera feature is a lifesaver for menus and signs. The app works in China without a VPN—just be sure to download the offline Chinese pack first

Pleco
The ultimate offline Chinese-English dictionary. While Google Translate handles sentences, Pleco is the expert-level tool for accurately defining individual words, menu items, and characters.
Transport Apps
(8)
12306 (中国铁路)
12306 China Railway is the official online ticketing platform for China's national rail network, offering real-time train schedules, ticket booking, refunds, and endorsements. It supports high-speed a

Beijing Capital International Airport
Beijing Capital International Airport (BCIA) is China's busiest and most advanced international airport, serving as a major global aviation hub. Located in Beijing, it connects travelers to over 100 d
Ctrip (携程)
The Chinese domestic version of Trip.com with more local options and sometimes better prices for hotels and flights within China.

DiDi (滴滴出行)
DiDi (滴滴出行) is China's leading ride-hailing platform, offering convenient and affordable transportation services across the country. It provides multiple options, including taxis, private cars, expres

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN) is China's third busiest airport and a major aviation hub in Southern China. Located in Guangzhou, it connects travelers to over 220 destinations worldwide

MetroMan China (全国地铁)
MetroMan China is a comprehensive metro navigation tool designed for travelers exploring Chinese cities. It provides detailed subway maps, real-time route planning, station information, and transfer g

Shanghai Pudong International Airport
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) is China's premier international aviation hub and one of the busiest airports in the world. Located in Shanghai, it connects travelers to over 200 global de

Trip.com (携程国际版)
The leading Online Travel Agency (OTA) for China. This is the most essential, English-friendly app for booking high-speed train tickets, domestic flights, and hotels with an international credit card.
eSIM Apps
(2)
Airalo eSIM
Get instant, affordable data for your trip to China with an eSIM. This allows you to stay connected the moment you land, bypassing expensive roaming fees and the hassle of physical SIM cards.

Holafly eSIM
A premium eSIM provider specializing in unlimited data packages for China. Stay connected without worrying about usage limits, and get unrestricted access to Western apps like Google and WhatsApp.
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Social Apps
(2)WeChat (微信)
China's super-app for messaging, social media, and mobile payments. Essential for daily life - from chatting with locals to paying for everything via WeChat Pay.
Xiaohongshu (小红书)
China's Instagram meets Pinterest. Great for finding travel recommendations, hidden gems, and local tips from Chinese travelers.