10 Essential Apps for Self-Guided Travel in China

Calendar January 16, 2025
China Travel, Self-Guided Travel, Essential Apps, Mobile Payment, Travel Guide, Payment Methods, Hotel Booking, Map Navigation, Food Recommendations
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10 Essential Apps for Self-Guided Travel in China#

In China, daily life and consumption almost entirely rely on mobile payments. Whether it’s dining, transportation, or shopping, almost everything can be done cashlessly. However, to prevent problems with your phone or network, it’s recommended to exchange some currency and carry a small amount of RMB as a backup. This article recommends essential apps to download for travel in China, making your trip more convenient and smooth!

1. Alipay#

Search and download “Alipay” from the App Store. You can register an account using a Taiwan phone number and complete setup by binding an international credit card.

In Alipay, tap “Receive/Pay” on the home page to display the payment QR code for payment.

<See this guide for binding overseas credit cards: Complete Guide to Binding Credit Cards to Alipay

How to Complete Identity Verification?#

To use Alipay’s various functions normally in mainland China, overseas users need to complete identity verification. Here are the detailed steps:

  1. Enter the Identity Verification Page: After logging into your Alipay account, tap the “Me” tab, then select the “Balance” or “Identity Verification” option.

  2. Select Document Type: On the identity verification page, select “Passport” as your document type (overseas users use passport for identity verification).

  3. Fill in Personal Information: Enter your real name, passport number, date of birth, and other information as prompted. Please ensure that the information entered is completely consistent with the information on your passport.

  4. Upload Passport Photo: Take and upload a photo of your passport information page, ensuring the photo is clear and readable, with all information clearly visible.

  5. Complete Face Recognition Verification: Follow the system prompts to complete facial recognition verification to ensure the authenticity of your identity.

  6. Wait for Review: After submitting all information, Alipay will review your information. The review usually takes 1-3 business days. After the review is passed, you can use Alipay’s various services normally.

Important Notes:

  • During the identity verification process, please ensure that the information provided is true and valid to avoid review failure
  • It is recommended to complete identity verification in advance before departure to avoid payment restrictions during travel
  • Binding an international credit card may have certain restrictions and fees. Please refer to Alipay’s relevant instructions for details

Recommended Features

(1) The “Transportation” function in Alipay allows you to obtain a public transportation card for your city. After obtaining and activating it, you can directly swipe to enter/exit subway stations or take buses, saving time on buying tickets with coins!

(2) Search “Didi Chuxing” in the Alipay search box to call a car. Remember to buy a money-saving package first, which allows you to purchase coupons with a small amount of money - very convenient!

2. WeChat Pay#

The steps are the same as above. First, search and download “WeChat” from the App Store. After registering an account with a Taiwan phone number, enable the payment function and bind an international credit card to use it easily.

In WeChat, tap “Me” - “Services” - “Receive/Pay” to display the payment QR code for payment.

Recommended Features

(1) Use with Meituan/Dianping and other platforms to purchase meal vouchers, group purchase packages, or buy attraction tickets with discounts!

(2) Sometimes when friends come to mainland China for travel and don’t have enough RMB exchanged, I help them out with WeChat small “red envelopes” - the maximum is 200 RMB each time!

(3) Don’t panic if you get separated from your travel companions. Use the “Location” - “Share Real-time Location” function to quickly find each other!

(4) You can also call a taxi from WeChat “Me” - “Services” - “Transportation”

3. Ctrip (Trip) and Fliggy: Hotel and Ticket Booking#

Ctrip and Fliggy are popular platforms in China for booking hotels and purchasing attraction tickets. They are simple and convenient to use, making them great helpers for self-guided travel. Ctrip integrates train, flight, cruise, hotel, and attraction ticket booking functions - super convenient! The discounted prices for the same hotel may differ between the two platforms, so it’s recommended to compare!

Useful Links

4. Amap: Navigation and Route Planning#

Amap and Baidu Maps are known as “China’s Google Maps,” providing detailed map navigation functions and supporting route planning for subways, high-speed trains, and other transportation. If you log in with Alipay, you can also directly call a car - very convenient!

Useful Links

5. Dianping and Meituan: Food, Lifestyle, Dining, Group Purchases, and Reviews#

Don’t know what to eat when traveling in an unfamiliar city? Dianping and Meituan platforms can help you find highly-rated restaurants based on the cuisine you want to try. Some restaurants also offer special combo meal discounts through the platforms, as well as check-in bonuses for drinks/desserts. When paying through the merchant’s platform vouchers, you can usually enjoy 88% or 92% discounts - very cost-effective!

Reminder: Group purchase coupons or check-in activities require connecting to local networks. Please note that using international roaming may have failure risks!

Useful Links

6. Meituan Waimai and Ele.me: Food Delivery Platforms#

Tired after your travel itinerary and don’t want to go out? Meituan Waimai and Ele.me are great choices for solving your meals! After downloading the app, you need to register using a local China phone number so delivery drivers can contact you.

Suggestion: Airport arrival exits in mainland China usually have local phone number sales stalls. Purchasing a SIM card not only makes it convenient to contact others but also allows you to call cars and order delivery!

Useful Links

7. 12306 Official Train/High-Speed Rail Booking#

Besides flights, trains and high-speed rails are also convenient transportation methods for travel in China. If you don’t want to purchase train or high-speed rail tickets through third-party platforms, remember to register with the 12306 app, bind your bank card and Alipay. You don’t need to pick up tickets separately when entering the station - just show your Taiwan Compatriot Resident Certificate at the manual channel and you can board!

Useful Links

Summary#

The above 10 essential apps cover all aspects of travel in China including payments, transportation, accommodation, food, and delivery. They are indispensable tools for self-guided travel. It is recommended to download and complete basic setup before departure to make your journey smoother and more convenient!

Important Reminders:

  • It is recommended to complete identity verification and card binding for Alipay and WeChat Pay in advance to avoid payment issues during travel
  • Some apps require registration with a local China phone number, so it is recommended to purchase a local SIM card at the airport
  • Group purchase coupons and check-in activities usually require connecting to local networks, so it is recommended to use local networks rather than international roaming
  • It is recommended to carry a small amount of cash as a backup in case of phone or network problems

Last updated: January 2025 | This guide is continuously updated