Best Apps for Traveling in China 2025: Stay Connected and Travel Smart

China, the Land of the Dragon, spans a vast territory and is the world’s most populous country. It’s a highly popular destination for travelers from around the globe, thanks to its beautifully preserved culture and natural landscapes that blend seamlessly with modern life, making it an ideal spot for a long holiday escape.   Another standout feature of China is the range of apps that people worldwide can normally use freely yet some of your everyday apps won’t work here. First-time visitors may be surprised when their usual apps become unavailable. To help you prepare, Gother provides a selection of essential apps for traveling in China, so you can navigate with ease, stay connected comfortably, and fully enjoy your vacation experience.   For the Chinese apps you should download before departure, Gother has categorized them as follows:

 

• Travel and map apps in China
• Payment apps in China
• Social apps available in China
• Other apps to have when traveling in China

 

  Let’s kick things off with the essential China travel apps you should have on your device to ensure you reach your destinations without wasting time getting lost. These travel and map apps in China help you set your destination or stops at various points you want to visit with pinpoint accuracy, so you never stray off course and let frustration ruin your day.

 

• Baidu Map: This is the most popular and most downloaded navigation app in China. It provides comprehensive travel information and highly detailed maps that highlight what makes each location special. You’ll get meticulously organized trip details, including estimated arrival times whether you’re using public transport or walking.
• Gaode Ditu: Think of this as China’s version of Google Maps. It has the same interface and features, but only supports Chinese. If you’re fluent in the language, this app is a perfect fit.
• Apple Maps: The native iOS maps app works in China and supports English. It offers real-time travel estimates so you can plan your day’s adventures before you head out.
• DiDi Travel: This all-in-one app covers private and public transport services. You can hail private cars, taxis, and buses, rent bicycles available around the city, or even order food delivery—all within one convenient app.

  The recommended app is Gaode Ditu because it’s easy to use and available on both iOS and Android. If you’re traveling with friends who know Chinese, your trip will be twice as smooth. And for long-distance journeys, only DiDi Travel can meet all your transportation needs.

  Of course, when traveling, another essential necessity is money. Nowadays, it’s essentially a cashless society because you can make payments 24/7 with just an app, making everything more convenient and flexible. Since Thai banking apps won’t work, we need apps specifically for payments in China. So when traveling to China, which apps can you use for seamless transactions?

 

• Alipay: The payment app developed by Alibaba Group to make mobile payments effortless. Simply scan the merchant’s QR code or enter a phone number to pay. It supports both online and offline payments, as well as deposits and transfers. It also offers a points system and various perks, and its robust security measures let you use it with confidence.
• WeChat Pay: Another payment solution from Tencent, familiar to Thai users. It’s easy to use for QR code payments, supports installment plans, and covers a wide range of financial transactions. Its effective data protection ensures your information stays secure.

  The recommended app depends on the length of your stay in China. For short trips, use WeChat Pay for its convenience and integration with daily life. If you plan to stay longer than six months, we suggest Alipay for its rewarding points system and valuable benefits.

  When traveling, social media apps you regularly use back home will be inaccessible once you arrive in China. That’s why it’s essential to download Chinese-compatible apps in advance to keep up with trends, stay in touch with friends, and share your experiences as text, photos, or videos, preserving those memories online. Plus, back at your accommodation, you can catch up on interesting content and listen to your favorite music without worry. To ensure you enjoy your time in China, here are the must-have Chinese social apps:

 

• WeChat: The core messaging app for staying connected with people in Thailand. You can chat, send photos and videos, and make voice and video calls bringing loved ones just a tap away. With a stable internet connection, audio and video quality feel as if they’re right in front of you. Beyond messaging, you can also make payments, making WeChat indispensable in China.
• Weibo: China’s number-one social platform ideal for following news and chatting with local netizens. Everyone in China uses it to share daily observations, and celebrities regularly post updates about their lives and work. If you’re a fan of Chinese stars, this app puts you closer to the idols you love.
• Douyin: The go-to app for short-form videos that won’t eat up your time. It also lets you easily edit and post your own clips. Content creators in China rely on Douyin to share, comment, and remix trending sounds and formats.
• Redbook: A photo-sharing app where you can showcase your personal lifestyle or create a cohesive mood and tone for your images. You can also post short “Reels” to share dynamic snapshots of your life. Brands use Redbook to sell products directly, making it a paradise for shoppers.
• Bilibili: An all-in-one video app for movies, anime, and music. Channels can live-stream content whether it’s gaming, movie watching, or product demos while viewers chat in real time, creating an interactive community experience.
• iQIYI: Perfect for movie, series, and anime enthusiasts. It offers both free and subscription tiers; subscribing unlocks full-season access and Full HD streaming. It’s also a way to support creators through legitimate copyright channels.
• Baidu: The go-to research app for information from around the world. Simply type your query, and you’ll get comprehensive results. It also bundles maps, translation, music, images, and videos, making it an essential tool for any traveler in China.

  The apps you choose really depend on your personal lifestyle. If you want to chat with people inside and outside China, make sure WeChat is on your device. For global and local searches, download Baidu and Weibo. If entertainment is your priority, opt for Bilibili, iQIYI, and Douyin. And for those who love capturing beautiful moments, Redbook is the perfect choice.

  Traveling in China: what other apps can you use beyond those mentioned above? It depends on what extra features you need throughout your trip in China from the first day you arrive until the last day when you head to the airport back to Thailand. These apps make your journey smoother and easier, so wherever you want to go, you can get there without a hitch.    For instance, there are apps for reviews whether for shops or tourist attractions to ensure you find top-rated spots without getting lost. There are also apps to monitor current air quality and pollution levels so you can travel worry-free and stay healthy. If you’re not fluent in Chinese, you’ll need translation apps to communicate clearly with locals. Here are additional apps that add convenience to your trip:  

• DianPing: An all-in-one review app. Browse reviews of natural attractions, cultural sites, modern landmarks, and both famous and hidden restaurants. Real user feedback helps you choose where to go next perfect for avid explorers.
• XiaoHongShu: A comprehensive review platform covering everything in China from travel spots and eateries to products, services, and even fashion and beauty tips. Scroll through genuine user reviews both good and bad to guide your decisions, and shop directly within the app.
• Baidu Translate: A simple translation app for words and sentences. Just type and translate ideal for converting Thai to Chinese so you can chat fluently with people you meet on your journey.
• Pleco: A dictionary app for translating English into Chinese. Great for English speakers who want to communicate clearly at shops, restaurants, and attractions. It also helps you expand your vocabulary in both languages essential for language learners.
• Blue Map: An app that measures and reports hourly PM2.5 pollution levels, so you can plan your outings around air quality. If pollution spikes, you’ll know to avoid certain areas. It also provides data on water quality, waste levels, and industrial emissions across China.

  These are Gother’s recommended China travel apps for 2025. They won’t be blocked in the Middle Kingdom and will enhance your travel experience helping you navigate, communicate, and share seamlessly throughout your trip.   To get the most out of each app, consider how long you’ll stay in China. Some apps are better for long-term use, while others are ideal for quick fixes when you’re feeling homesick. Whatever your travel style, download these apps before you land so they’re ready to use as soon as you step off the plane.