Traveling to China is an adventure of a lifetime, offering a dazzling blend of ancient history and hyper-modern innovation. However, for the uninitiated, daily life can present unique challenges. The digital ecosystem in China is vastly different, and the apps you rely on at home—like Google, WhatsApp, or Uber—are often unavailable.
Don't worry! With a handful of locally developed apps installed on your phone, you can navigate around China with ease and confidence. Here is your essential guide to the digital toolkit that will transform your Chinese travel experience.
If there's only one app you need to download for travelling to China, it is definitely WeChat. It's an all-encompassing "super app" that permeates every aspect of daily life in China
- Communication: Message your tour guide, hotel, or new friends with text, voice, and video calls.
- Payments: You can link your foreign credit card directly within the app to enable payments. You can pay for everything from street food and taxis to museum tickets by simply scanning a QR code.
- Mini-Programs: These are lightweight apps-within-the-app. You can use these mini programs to order food, book rides, buy movie tickets, and more, all without downloading separate applications.
Alipay
- Payments: Like WeChat Pay, you can link your international credit card to Alipay.
- Public Transport: You can scan the QR code in Alipay to pay for subway rides and buses in most major Chinese cities.
Didi
Didi is the dominant ride-hailing app and is essential for getting around cities comfortably.
- English Interface: The app features a comprehensive English-language interface, making it easily accessible to foreign tourists.
Meituan
Meituan is a one-stop shop for all your daily needs. It combines the features of Yelp, OpenTable, DoorDash, and Groupon.
- Delivery: You can use the app to deliver all the things you want to your place. From daily groceries to delicious food, medicines, and beauty tools, you just need to order them on Meituan.
- Restaurant Discover & Reviews: Find highly-rated places to eat near you.
- Services & Deals: Buy discounted movie tickets, find deals on local attractions, and even book beauty appointments.
RedNote
Affectionately known as "Little Red Book," this app is a hybrid of Instagram and Pinterest, filled with user-generated content and reviews. You can discover hidden gems, trendy cafes, and photogenic spots on this app. People also use it as Google and ask everything on it.
(Editor: Ella Qu)
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