Apps
Essential mobile applications for navigation, communication, and daily life in China.
Communication
Essential messaging, payments, and social platform. Everyone in China uses it.
Tencent's classic messaging app, still widely used.
Navigation
Gaode Maps (Amap)
Best mapping service in China. Much more accurate than Google Maps.
Baidu Maps
Alternative navigation with strong POI database.
Transportation
Didi
Uber equivalent for taxis and ride-sharing in China.
Metro Maps
Offline metro maps for major cities.
Payments
Alipay
Digital payments for almost everything in China.
WeChat Pay
Integrated payment in WeChat app.
Translation
Google Translate
Works offline for basic translation.
Pleco
Best Chinese-English dictionary app.
Important Note
Most Chinese apps require a Chinese phone number for registration. Consider getting a local SIM card or using a friend's referral to register. App stores in China may require Alipay or WeChat Pay for purchases.