Essential Apps
Maps, translation, and the Super App rule you must know.
👑 The “Super App” Rule
Yes, you must download 
Alipay and 
WeChat before arriving in China. They’re not just payment apps—they’re their own App Stores. Skip the standalone apps for 
DiDi , 
12306 , food delivery, and metros—they’ll make you re-verify your phone and passport. Use the Integrated Services(Mini-programs) instead: your Alipay identity and card are already set up, so everything works instantly.
This rule applies everywhere — especially Transport and Payment. We’ll remind you when it matters.
Maps & Navigation
Navigating China is fundamentally different. Your usual go-to apps will either fail completely or lead you into a wall.
Apple Maps
If you have an iPhone, Apple Maps is a lifesaver in China.
- Works perfectly without a VPN
- UI and map labels are in English
- Surprisingly accurate public transit data for major Chinese cities
Amap (高德地图)
China’s most popular navigation app. Insanely accurate down to the lane you should be driving in.
- Interface is mostly in Chinese, but you can switch to English in Settings (设置 → 语言). The English translation is partial — main menus are translated, but most POI names and street labels remain in Chinese
- Search works reasonably well with English hotel/landmark names
Download Amap even if you primarily use Apple Maps. It is extremely useful for showing a taxi driver exactly where you want to go — they won’t be able to read your English Apple Maps screen.
❌ DO NOT USE: 
Google Maps
Do not try to navigate with Google Maps in China. Because of Chinese geospatial regulations, Google Maps data is shifted by about 500 meters in random directions. The GPS dot showing your location will look like you are walking through buildings or swimming in rivers. Plus, it requires a VPN to load.
Translation
Google Translate
Download the Offline Chinese language pack before you fly. The offline version works flawlessly without a VPN and features a fantastic camera translation mode for menus.
DeepL / 
Baidu Translate
DeepL often provides much more natural-sounding Chinese translations than Google. Baidu Translate is the local heavyweight if you want local accuracy.
Booking & Flights
Trip.com
This is the only standalone travel app you absolutely need.
- The Hotel Problem: Many hotels in China are legally not allowed to host foreigners. Trip.com automatically filters these out, saving you from getting turned away at midnight
- Trains & Flights: The easiest way to book high-speed rail and domestic flights with a foreign credit card and full English support