Last updated: July 8, 2026
China Travel Apps: Download Links
Download key China travel apps before departure, then log in and test the parts that matter: payment, translation, ride-hailing, rail booking, maps, and hotel or itinerary access.
Before you install
- Use official Apple App Store, Google Play, or provider download pages where possible.
- App availability can vary by country, device, account region, and store policy.
- Do not wait until arrival to discover that a login, card binding, or verification step fails.
- For China-specific apps, search by the exact app name if a direct link does not open in your region.
Payment and local services
Alipay
Primary payment app to prepare before departure.
Messaging, mini-programs, local contacts, and WeChat Pay readiness.
Transport and booking
DiDi China
Ride-hailing in China; useful for airport and city transfers.
Trip.com
Common travel app for hotels, flights, train tickets, and booking management.
Dianping
Local restaurant, review, photo, and deal app for finding places to eat in China.
Railway 12306
Official China Railway app; may be less beginner-friendly but useful to know.
Translation and maps
Google Translate
Translation, camera translation, and offline language support where available.
Google Maps
Useful for familiar map reference, but prepare China-specific map backups too.
Baidu Maps
China-focused mapping option. Interface comfort may vary for non-Chinese speakers.
Recommended setup order
- Install Alipay and WeChat first, then attempt card linking or verification prompts.
- Install translation and maps, then save hotel addresses in Chinese and English.
- Install DiDi and booking apps before your arrival day.
- Decide whether Trip.com, 12306, or another booking path is best for your train tickets.
- Keep screenshots of hotel addresses, train bookings, and emergency contacts offline.
FAQ
Which China travel apps should I install before departure?
Prepare payment, translation, maps, ride-hailing, booking access, and rail or hotel apps before departure. You do not need every app, but you need a working plan for each category.
Can app availability vary by country or phone?
Yes. Store links can vary by country, device, account region, and policy. Use official stores or provider pages when possible, and search by the exact app name if a link does not open.
Should I wait until arriving in China to install travel apps?
No. Install key apps before departure so you have time to handle login, card binding, verification, language settings, and backup plans.