Guide
Trip.com - Hotels, Flights, and Trains
The easiest booking hub for foreign visitors, with English support and passport-friendly train tickets.
English support and foreign card paymentPassport-friendly train tickets
Essential Apps in China
Local apps are the backbone of travel in China. They power payments, transport, food, and everyday logistics.
Each app deserves its own guide because setup steps and features are different for visitors.
Updated for 2026Short-term visitor focus
Guide
WeChat - Messaging, Payments, and QR Codes
WeChat is the super app for communication, payments, and daily life in China.
Chat, payments, and service QR codesMini programs for transport and tickets
Guide
Alipay - Mobile Payment for Tourists
Alipay is the most accepted mobile payment option and is widely used across cities and tourist areas.
Widely accepted across merchantsTourist-friendly onboarding
Guide
Amap - Navigation and Transit in China
Amap (Gaode) is China’s most reliable maps app for driving, walking, and public transit.
Accurate maps and real-time trafficDetailed transit routes and subway exits
Guide
Didi - Ride-Hailing in China
Didi is the dominant ride-hailing service in China and the easiest way to get a car with cashless payment.
English interface optionsCashless payment
Guide
Meituan - Food Delivery and Local Services
Meituan powers food delivery, grocery runs, and local services in most cities.
Huge coverage in major citiesGreat for late-night food
Guide
Taobao - Online Shopping Guide
Taobao is the largest marketplace in China, but it requires patience and smart filtering.
Huge product selectionLow prices with careful vetting
Guide
Xiaohongshu - Discover and Reviews
Xiaohongshu is a social discovery app used for shopping research and local recommendations.
Real user photos and reviewsGreat for trends and local spots