Planning a trip to China and unsure how to configure your phone? I was in the same position just a month ago.
After spending two weeks working and exploring Shenzhen, I gained a solid understanding of the local app ecosystem and mini-apps. Here’s what you need to know to get started.
It’s widely known that many Western apps and services are unavailable in China due to the Great Firewall, which restricts internet access. This includes platforms like Instagram, TikTok (non-Chinese version), WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and the entire Google suite.
While an eSIM or reliable VPN might grant you access to these services, you will still require a completely different set of apps—this is not optional. You cannot manage a single day without them.
Over a decade ago, I visited China unprepared for the firewall and went completely offline for a week. Today, that is not a viable option, primarily because phone-based payments are mandatory for virtually all transactions. I did not carry a physical credit card during my two-week stay, which would be unthinkable elsewhere, but necessary in China.
WeChat and Alipay: The Super Apps
WeChat and Alipay are super apps that offer a multitude of functions, though their primary use is for payments. I strongly recommend downloading both and linking them to multiple credit cards before arriving, as setup can be more difficult once you’re in the country.
Payments typically involve scanning a QR code with your phone or allowing the vendor to scan yours. I suggest having both apps, as one occasionally fails when the other works seamlessly—a stressful situation, especially mid-meal.
These platforms host thousands of mini-apps, ranging from beverage brands like Hey Tea and Luckin to transit apps that let you order KFC to your seat on a high-speed train.
Apps like Meituan for food delivery and Didi for ride-hailing functioned best as mini-apps within WeChat and Alipay for me. While not all mini-apps focus on payments, that was my primary use for the super apps.
I preferred Alipay due to its more intuitive interface. Upon opening, the home screen displays three prominent buttons—”Scan,” “Pay/Receive,” and “Transport”—providing immediate access to public transit tickets and passes for your current city.
Alipay also made it easier to find the translation option for mini-app content, which appears as a tab on the left side of the screen.
The key difference between the two is that WeChat is fundamentally a messaging app, opening directly to your chat history. Hotels in China often require you to add them on WeChat for easy communication and translation, which I found invaluable for arranging transfers and breakfast.
WeChat also excelled at translating mini-app content consistently; simply tap the three dots in the top right corner to access the hidden translation menu.
Amap: The Google Maps Alternative
The most significant digital challenge in China was the sudden uselessness of Google Maps. Overnight, it transformed from a reliable navigation tool into the least helpful app on my phone.
Although my eSIM allowed me to access Google Maps, it lacked crucial local location data. Apple Maps offered little improvement.
Instead, adopt local practice and download Amap. It can be slow to load and lacks the depth of restaurant information found on Google Maps, such as menus, but it is indispensable for locating local businesses and navigating without getting lost.
A useful feature is its route planning based on tree cover and building shade relative to the time of day. With temperatures frequently exceeding 100°F and high humidity, this guidance was highly appreciated.
Didi: The Uber Alternative
You might assume public transit will be your primary mode of transport, but seeing Didi’s prices will make you reconsider.
Didi operates similarly to Uber—available, affordable, and convenient. While you can download it separately, I used it as a mini-app within Alipay for seamless payment.
One drawback is that it does not automatically charge your card after a trip; you must manually pay upon exiting the vehicle. Forgetting this prevents you from booking another ride. The app also required upfront payment for my airport trip, which I appreciated to avoid leaving without settling the fare.
Drivers confirm your identity by asking for the last four digits of your phone number. To bypass language barriers, I saved these digits in my notes app and displayed them to the driver upon entering the car.
Trip.com: The Only Booking App You’ll Need
Loyal to Expedia or Booking.com? Forget them. For booking hotels in China, you need only Trip.com.
Trip.com offers the largest accommodation portfolio in China, along with significantly more reviews than any other platform.
The app also serves as a hub for booking other essentials, such as high-speed train tickets, attraction entries, and theater excursions. I understood none of the performance, but the experience was memorable.
While some recommend Klook, I cannot personally endorse it as I did not use it. I appreciated Trip.com’s chronological itinerary displaying all bookings and tickets.
Rednote: For Inspiration
With the decline of travel blogs, many turn to Instagram and TikTok for travel inspiration. While China recommendations exist on these platforms, they are largely from foreign visitors.
For authentic local insights beyond typical tourist traps, download Rednote.
The app has a unique feel—users frequently post “live” pictures for unclear reasons—but its recommendation algorithm is powerful. It quickly showed me content matching my interests in visited destinations.
This led me to discover excellent coffee shops and restaurants I would have otherwise missed, often with no other foreign visitors in sight.
While not essential like the other apps listed, Rednote was invaluable for curating my itinerary.
Do I Need a Chinese Phone Number?
Many travelers wonder if a Chinese SIM card and number are necessary. In my experience, it is not essential, and an eSIM should be your priority.
However, if you have a spare phone, a Chinese SIM card can be useful. I obtained a free SIM at a China Mobile store by presenting my passport, receiving enough data for my trip within thirty minutes.
I needed a local number for specific services like ordering food on the train and using Shenzhen’s drone delivery. I also used the SIM for tethering in rural areas when my eSIM failed to connect payment apps.
Most visitors will not need a Chinese number, so do not stress about acquiring a local SIM, especially for short stays.
