5 Must-Have Apps for Traveling in China (2025 Update)

If you're planning a trip to China, here's the first thing you need to know: your usual go-to apps (like Google Maps, Uber, or even Instagram) might not work the way you're used to. But don’t panic. China has its own set of tools—and once you get familiar with them, everything from getting around to ordering late-night snacks becomes incredibly easy.

Here are the must-have apps you need to download before landing in China:

1. Didi (滴滴出行) – For Getting Around

🚗 The Chinese Uber You can call taxis or private cars using Didi, and it's available directly inside WeChat (just search for the mini-program). It supports English and international cards, making it a tourist-friendly way to get around when hailing a cab becomes difficult—especially after midnight or in less touristy areas.

2. Gaode Maps (高德地图 / Amap) – For Navigation

🗺 Because Google Maps doesn’t work in China This is your go-to app for public transport, walking routes, and even bike paths. Gaode (also known as Amap) is widely used by locals, and while it’s mostly in Chinese, the interface is intuitive. You can also switch it to English in settings.

3. Alipay (支付宝) – For Everything, Literally

💸 China’s version of Apple Pay meets Grab meets your metro card In most parts of China, cash is basically extinct. With Alipay, you can:

• Link your international credit/debit card

• Scan to pay at shops, restaurants, street vendors

• Activate and top-up your metro and bus cards

• Access mini programs for everything from hotel bookings to bill splitting

4. Meituan (美团) – For Food Delivery (Even at Midnight)

🍜 Your midnight cravings will thank you Meituan is the ultimate food delivery app in China. Want hotpot at 11PM? Dumplings at 2AM? No problem. In Shanghai, our hotel (Ji Hotel) even had AI robots deliver food from Meituan right to our room. It’s fast, efficient, and offers hundreds of local food options you might never find otherwise.

5. Dianping (大众点评) – For Reviews & Restaurant Deals

🥢 Think Yelp + Groupon + Google Reviews Dianping is another must-have, especially if you're into restaurant hunting, café hopping, or spa deals. It shows user ratings, real photos, and even lets you book tables or pay in advance for discounts. You can use it alongside Meituan to cross-check reviews and prices for the best dining experience.

Some store, like Sijiminfu in Beijing even displays their waiting times & how many tables are queueing in-line.

Final Tips Before You Land

• Download these apps before your trip while still connected to Google Play / App Store in your region.

• Set up WeChat too — it’s China’s super-app for messaging, payments, bookings, and more.

• Consider getting an Hong Kong eSIM with Chinese data to stay connected without needing a VPN. (Access Whatsapp/ IG/ FB)

TL;DR: The China App Survival Kit