You might be familiar with the Mainland’s technological advancements — everything runs on QR codes, and even facial recognition payment systems.

1. WeChat

The first, and arguably, most important app to download before your visit to the People’s Republic of China would be WeChat. This multi-purpose app serves as the country’s main messaging app. You can also use it to book taxis, order food, and make payment.

Many restaurants in China have fully adopted contactless ordering, and payment. Even if you can’t speak Mandarin, just pull out WeChat to scan the QR code on your table, for the digital menu, and place your order,

To ensure a seamless experience, set up WeChat Pay by linking your credit card, or use the WeChat Tourist Wallet, to make payments via WeChat Pay.

2. Alipay

Just like WeChat, Alipay is another must-have app if you’re visiting China. It is an app where you can easily link your Visa or Mastercard, to make everything from paying for your meals and transportation, a breeze. 

3. DiDi

This app is China’s rendition of Grab in Singapore. It is the easiest way to book yourself a ride in a foreign country, whether you’re headed to a tourist attraction, or heading back to your accommodation after a long, tired day.

If you can’t read the country’s national language, fret not, because the app is available in English. What’s the next best thing? You can even input your destination in English. How user-friendly!

A good feature of the app includes being able to choose your type of car. Similar to Grab, you’ll be able to choose between regular taxis, or a more spacious ride to chauffeur your belongings.

4. Baidu Maps

You might know by now that Google Maps doesn’t work well in China. If you want a fool-proof app to navigate through the country, it will be good for you to download Baidu Maps.

The only drawback of the app is that it’s only available in Mandarin, but the good thing is that the icons and interface within the app are rather intuitive. Otherwise, you could always use Google Translate’s camera feature to help you get through.

The app provides real-time updates on transit information, precise walking routes, as well as accurate bus and metro schedules. This is an app you should download if you plan to get around with public transport, or on a free-and-easy tour.

5. RedNote (Xiao Hong Shu)

RedNote is an app heavily focused on lifestyle, travel, and local experiences. Chinese locals typically use it to share tips, and recommendations from photo reviews for trendy cafes, beauty tips, shopping spots, and hidden gems.

If you can’t quite visualise it, this app is similar to our locally used social media platform, Lemon8. 

You can download the app to discover places to plan for your trip, like photo spots in the area you’re visiting, trendy cafes, or shopping districts to have a tea-riffic time.

6. Da Zhong Dian Ping

If you’re all about experiencing the life of locals when you visit a new country, Da Zhong Dian Ping is the app you must download. This app has wan-tons of reviews, and consumer-uploaded photos, so you know they are all real, credible reviews.

7. Waygo

Waygo is an award-winning visual translation app which you can use to translate Chinese texts using your phone’s camera. The best thing out of it? You don’t need an internet connection.

If you’re planning to go somewhere, far away from the city, this is an app you should definitely download. A translation app you can use without an internet connection could come in really handy when you have to read street signs, product labels, or menus.

With the right apps, you’ll have the time of your life in China. Download them in advance to manifest the best China trip ever! Soy-much fun!

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