Which apps are essential for a first trip to China?

Alipay (pay + transit), WeChat (chat + mini-programs), Amap or Baidu Maps (navigation), DiDi (rides), Trip.com (hotels/trains/flights), and a translator like Pleco or your phone's offline pack.

Why not just use Google Maps?

Google Maps is unreliable inside China. Amap (高德) or Baidu Maps give accurate local routing, metro lines, and walking directions. Download before you fly.

Do I need a Chinese phone number to use these apps?

Most work with an international number, but some features (certain mini-programs, ride-hailing in small cities) are smoother with a local SIM. A travel eSIM still lets the core apps work.

Which Western apps should I not rely on?

Google, Gmail, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube are blocked without a workaround. Don't plan your daily logistics around them while in mainland China.

The 8 Apps You Actually Need in China (and What to Skip)

Walk into China with the right eight apps and the country feels effortless. Walk in relying on the Western stack you use at home, and you’ll hit a wall on day one. Here’s the shortlist that actually matters — and what to stop depending on.

The must-install shortlist

Alipay (支付宝) — your all-in-one: pay at shops, pull up the metro/bus QR code, and open mini-programs for everything from attractions to hospital registration. Set it up before you fly (passport verification needed).
WeChat (微信) — messaging, WeChat Pay, and a universe of mini-programs (bookings, government services, group chats). If a local sends you a link, it opens here.
Amap / Baidu Maps (高德 / 百度地图) — China’s real navigation. Accurate metro lines, walking routes, and live traffic. Google Maps is unreliable here — don’t count on it.
DiDi (滴滴) — the local ride-hailing app, with an English interface and Alipay/WeChat payment. Safer and cheaper than street hails.
Trip.com (携程) — hotels, trains, flights, and attraction tickets in English, with foreign-card payment. The visitor-friendly alternative to 12306.
Railway 12306 (铁路 12306) — official train ticketing. Use if you want the cheapest fares and don’t mind the strict name matching; otherwise let Trip.com handle it.
Pleco — an offline Chinese–English dictionary with camera lookup. Lifesaver for menus and signs. Your phone’s built-in translator works too.
Meituan / Ele.me (美团 / 饿了么) — food delivery and local deals. Optional, but great for late-night cravings and group dinners.

Install-before-you-fly checklist: Alipay, WeChat, Amap, DiDi, Trip.com, 12306, Pleco. Do the Alipay/WeChat passport verification at home on unrestricted Wi-Fi.

What to stop relying on

Google Maps → use Amap/Baidu.
Gmail / Google services → access depends on your connection (use an international eSIM or roaming to keep them).
WhatsApp / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube / X → blocked without a workaround. WeChat covers chat; for the rest, arrange access before departure.

Nice-to-have

RedNote (Xiaohongshu / 小红书) — China’s lifestyle discovery app; brilliant for restaurant and photo-spot ideas, though it’s Chinese-language heavy. Fun to browse with your translator.
Baidu Translate / Tencent Translate — camera translation for signs and menus when Pleco isn’t enough.
Apple Translate — works offline and handles Mandarin well.

One account to rule them

Most of these hinge on Alipay + WeChat, both set up with your passport. Nail those two at home and the other six are just downloads. You don’t need a Chinese number for the essentials — an international eSIM keeps everything running.

Eight apps. Two set up properly. The rest of China just… works.