We spent a week in Shanghai last summer and absolutely loved it. My husband visits a few times a year for work, so between the two of us, we’ve learned which apps are essential for traveling around China – especially if you’re going to places like Beijing or Shanghai.
When I explored Shanghai on my own, these apps made my trip so much smoother. I was able to get around, order food, pay for things – all without feeling totally lost.
If you ever need help setting something up (like calling a car), don’t be afraid to ask for assistance where you are. At our hotel, the staff helped me several times, and at Shanghai Disneyland, Cast Members were super kind and happy to help me use a local app or service.
Here are the apps that helped me the most – and the ones my husband swears by when he travels for work.
Must-Have Apps for Visiting China
1. Didi (滴滴出行) – Like Uber or Lyft
Didi is the local version of Uber/Lyft and works almost the same way. You can book rides across most major cities, and the interface now supports English. It’s incredibly reliable – just make sure your pickup location is set correctly.
If you ever get stuck, ask your hotel staff or concierge to help you request a ride. Many people use it daily, so they’ll know exactly what to do.
2. Alipay (支付宝)
Alipay is the app to have in China. Most places don’t accept foreign credit cards, and cash isn’t always convenient. You can link Alipay to an international card or use its tourist-friendly options to make mobile payments everywhere – from coffee shops to metro stations.
We used Alipay daily – it made everything so easy. I even used it to buy our Disneyland Shanghai tickets.
3. WeChat (微信)
WeChat is a must. It’s more than a messaging app – it’s how people in China communicate, pay, share locations, and more. You can even add your hotel or tour contacts to stay in touch.
It’s also great for messaging friends or contacts who live in China, since WhatsApp and other apps may not work properly.
4. Baidu Maps (百度地图)
Since Google Maps doesn’t fully work in China, Baidu Maps is your go-to. It’s super detailed, accurate, and works offline. You can translate key phrases or use landmarks to get around.
Tip: Use Google Translate’s camera feature to translate locations or signs inside the app if you’re not sure where to go.
5. Dianping (大众点评) – Like Yelp
This app is amazing for finding restaurants, cafes, and local shops. Think of it like Yelp, but much more detailed. Locals use it to rate everything – from street food stalls to luxury dining.
If you’re planning a foodie day, this app will be your best friend.
6. Meituan (美团) – Food Delivery App
Meituan is like DoorDash or UberEats. You’ll need a Chinese phone number to set it up, so I recommend asking your hotel for help if you’re staying in one place for a few days.
That’s what we did – the hotel staff were so helpful and even let us use a number from the front desk so we could order dinner one night. Just use Google Translate alongside it for easy navigation.
7. Google Translate (or Another Translation App)
Even though some global apps are limited in China, Google Translate still works, and it’s essential for navigating menus, signs, and conversations. The camera translation feature is a game-changer.
If you prefer alternatives, Microsoft Translator and Papago are also great options.
If you’re worried it wont work on your trip, download the language to use offline.
Traveling to China
China is one of the best places I’ve visited, but it can be difficult to navigate at times. Download these apps before you go (and make sure they’re updated while you’re on Wi-Fi).
With these on your phone, you’ll be ready to explore, eat, and adventure through China like a pro.
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- What to Pack for Shanghai in the Summer
- Tips for Visiting Shanghai Disneyland
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About the author: Hey there! I’m Julia, a passionate theme park and travel writer. My love for theme parks has fueled my obsession with sharing tips and adventures for years. Join me as I uncover the magic of visiting China and beyond!
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