China in 5 apps ! The Must-Have for a Smooth Experience

5 Must-Have Apps in China for a Smooth Experience

Arriving in China for the first time can feel a bit overwhelming—internet restrictions mean you won’t have access to familiar apps like Google Maps, Instagram, or WhatsApp without a VPN. But don’t worry! We’ve put together a list of the five essential Chinese apps you should download before your trip to make daily life easier.

1. WeChat (微信) – The king of Chinese apps

WeChat is the one app you truly can’t live without in China. It combines messaging, social media, and mobile payments into one powerful platform. Beyond texting and voice calls, WeChat’s "Moments" feature lets you share photos and updates with friends, you can see it as a mix of Instagram, WhatsApp and payment apps like Venmo, CashApp or ApplePay!

Indeed, WeChat really shines with its payment system—simply store money in the app and pay via QR codes everywhere, from street food stalls to luxury malls! The app also hosts "mini-programs," lightweight versions of other apps like Meituan for food delivery or 去哪儿 for booking travel tickets, all accessible without leaving WeChat.

Little tip: Even if you don't plan on using WeChat to pay, you should still have it as everyone uses it in China. Without WeChat, your life in China might be a little hard, so make yourself a favour and download and register on WeChat before coming to China!

2. Alipay (支付宝) – An expat favourite

Alipay is WeChat Pay’s biggest competitor and another must-have for digital transactions. One major advantage is its ability to link with international cards like Revolut, making it more foreigner-friendly for those without a Chinese bank account.

Beyond payments, Alipay also offers public transportation payments, taxi bookings, food delivery. Many expats prefer Alipay for its smoother integration with overseas financial services. I personnaly find that, as a foreigner, using Alipay and Revolut for payment is way more practical than WeChat!

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3. Gaode Maps (高德地图) – Google Maps? I don't know her

Since Google Maps doesn’t work reliably in China, Gaode Maps (also called Amap) is the go-to navigation app. It provides accurate public transport routes, real-time traffic updates, and even offline maps for areas with poor signal.

One of its best features is seamless integration with ride-hailing services—once linked to WeChat or Alipay, you can book and pay for taxis directly within the app. Whether you’re taking the subway, catching a bus, or hailing a Didi, Gaode Maps ensures you’ll never get lost.

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4. Taobao (淘宝) – The shopaholic heaven

Taobao is China’s answer to Amazon, but with even more variety and unbeatable prices. From fashion and electronics to niche hobbies and daily necessities, you’ll find almost anything here—often at a fraction of Western prices.

The platform is famous for its frequent promotions, especially during mega-sales like Singles’ Day (November 11). If you’re struggling to search in Chinese, use the app’s image recognition feature to snap a photo and find matching products instantly.

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5. Xiaohongshu (小红书) – The Underrated

You might've heard about this app recently with the surge of the "TikTok Refugees" phenomenon. On Xiaohongshu, litteraly 'little red book', also called REDNOTE, users share their daily life, honest reviews about various places, travel guides and lifestyle inspiration! It’s particularly useful for discovering hidden cafes, scenic spots, and trendy restaurants, with posts often packed with high-quality photos!

Search tip : [Name of a city] + Citywalk !

Don't worry if you don't speak Chinese : most of the time the pictures speak for themselves ! I'd also suggest using Xiaohongshu outside of China, as the number of users keeps increasing!

And... you can also do some shopping on there too! As you scroll through the app, you will start to get recommandation based on the content you enjoy, so you're sure to find something you like. I personnaly got one of my favourite ring one Xiaohongshu!

We hope this little guide helps you settle smoothly into the wonderful and dynamic China! With these five essential apps, you’ll be ready to navigate, connect, and explore the country in the most efficient way! If you’re looking to dive even deeper into the Chinese experience, why not consider an internship here? Check out our latest opportunities and make the most of your time in this incredible country!

Happy exploring—and don’t forget to download those apps before you go!

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China in 5 apps ! The Must-Have for a Smooth Experience

Jimmy

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