Travel Notes
China Knowledge

Mobile Apps You Need in China

· #生活技巧#旅行建议#省钱攻略#travel tips#packing#budget#safety#local etiquette#中英双语#Travel Notes

Install Before You Arrive

Some apps are harder to download inside China — install before departure: WeChat, Alipay, Baidu Maps, DiDi, 12306, Baidu Translate. If you need Google services, also install and test a VPN.

Core Apps Explained

WeChat: Far more than messaging — it contains payments, mini-programs (apps within the app), and official accounts. Attraction reservations, restaurant ordering, and bike-sharing all run through WeChat mini-programs.

Amap (Gaode Maps): High navigation accuracy, real-time traffic, detailed transit directions. Updates faster than Baidu Maps — recommended as your primary navigation tool.

Offline Preparation

Download offline maps for your destination cities (both Baidu Maps and Amap support this) — navigation works without signal. Baidu Translate’s offline pack supports photo translation without internet, invaluable in remote areas.

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