Useful Resources

Essential apps, websites, and contacts for your China journey

These are the essential apps, websites, and contact numbers you'll need in China. Download key apps before arriving.

Essential Apps

💳 Payment & Money

Alipay

Alipay 支付宝

Payment, metro, everything

China's NO.1 payment app. Use for metro, taxis, shopping, restaurants. Accepts international cards.

WeChat

WeChat/ Weixin 微信支付

Payment + messaging

All-in-one app: messaging, payment, social. Also accepts international cards.

🗺️ Navigation & Maps

Amap

Amap 高德地图

Google Maps alternative

Best navigation app in China. Has English interface. Shows real-time transit, walking directions, POIs.

Amap

Baidu Maps 百度地图

Google Maps alternative

Another popular map app. More detailed in some cities. Chinese interface but functional.

🚗 Transportation

Didi

Didi 滴滴出行

Chinese Uber

Ride-hailing app integrated with Alipay. Cheaper and more reliable than taxis in most cities.

12306

12306 Railway

Official train booking


Official railway app for booking high-speed trains.

🍽️ Food & Discovery

Amap

Dianping 大众点评

Chinese Yelp

Find restaurants, read reviews, see menus with photos. Essential for finding good local food.

Amap

Xiaohongshu/ 小红书

Red Note

Social media for discovering hidden gems, local spots, travel tips. Like Instagram + Pinterest for China.

Amap

Meituan 美团

Food delivery + more

Food delivery, restaurant bookings, movie tickets, activities. Super app for services.

💬 Translation & Communication

Googletranslate

Google Translate

Offline translation

Download Chinese package for offline use. Camera translation very useful for menus and signs(use with VPN).

Amap

Microsoft Translator

Translate 100+ languages

Microsoft Translator allows you to translate text, speech, images, and group conversations directly, no need for VPN.

🏨 Booking & Travel Planning

Trip

Trip.com 携程

All-in-one booking

Book trains, flights, hotels. English interface. Essential for foreign travelers.

Amap

Klook

Travel, Hotels, Leisure

Klook focuses on booking experiences and attractions for independent travelers.

Emergency Contacts

🚨 Emergency Services

Police 110
Ambulance 120
Fire 119
Traffic Accident 122

🏥 International Hospitals

Beijing United Family Hospital

+86 10 5927 7000

Shanghai United Family Hospital

+86 21 2216 3999

Guangzhou Clifford Hospital

+86 20 8733 7330

Useful Websites

🎫 Booking Platforms

ℹ️ Weather Information

💡 Pro Tips