Essential China Travel Apps for a First Trip

Build your phone around jobs you need to accomplish, not a giant list of apps.

Last verified: August 17, 2026 · Important provider rules can change; verify current details with primary sources.

Think in jobs

Your setup should cover payment, navigation, transport, translation, train booking and reservations. You do not need every popular Chinese app.

Core categories

• Payment: prepare a primary option plus backup.
• Navigation: choose a map you can actually use during the trip.
• Transport: prepare ride-hailing/taxi and metro information.
• Translation: keep an option useful with weak connectivity.
• Rail: know where you will book if using intercity trains.

Best rule

Install, register, verify and test what you can before departure. Downloading an app is not the same as being ready to use it.