10 Must-Have Apps for Traveling to China

Lately, BigBull has noticed that many Thai students, as well as people planning a trip to China, have been searching for information on how to prepare before traveling. This is especially true for first-time visitors who may not know which apps they should install before departure.

China’s internet ecosystem is quite different from what many people are used to in Thailand. Several popular online services may not work normally once you arrive, so preparing the right apps in advance can make daily life, studying, and traveling in China much easier.

Today, BigBull has put together a list of 10 must-have apps to install before traveling to China. These include apps for transportation, communication, payments, and even VPNs that work in China, which are highly recommended before your trip.

1. BullVPN

Many travelers are surprised to learn that popular services such as Google Search, Gmail, Google Maps, Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and YouTube may not be accessible in China due to internet restrictions.

For this reason, many tourists, students, and professionals choose to install VPNs that work in China before traveling. This helps them access essential online services more conveniently during their stay.

If you're looking for VPNs that work in China, BigBull recommends BullVPN, a popular VPN among Thai users living and studying in China. The app is designed to be easy to use across multiple devices, including PCs (Windows, macOS, Chrome Extension) and mobile devices (Android and iOS). It also offers dedicated Server VPN for China options specifically optimized for users in China.

It is recommended to sign up, install the application, and test your connection before leaving Thailand. Once you arrive in China, downloading certain services or creating new accounts may be more difficult than usual.

2. WeChat

WeChat is China's most popular messaging application and can be used without connecting to a VPN. Parents and family members who want to stay in touch with students or travelers in China should install WeChat before departure and add contacts while still in Thailand.

Beyond messaging and video calls, WeChat functions as a "Super App" in China. Users can make payments, book rides, follow news updates, and access Mini Programs without leaving the app. It is one of the most widely used applications in the country.

3. Didi

Didi is China's leading ride-hailing application. Arriving at a busy airport and finding a taxi can sometimes be challenging, but Didi makes it easy to book a ride directly from your smartphone.

4. Baidu Maps / Gaode Maps (Amap)

Both Baidu Maps and Gaode Maps function similarly to Google Maps. They can be used to search for locations, plan routes, navigate public transportation systems, and get driving directions.

Although many travelers are familiar with Google Maps, Baidu Maps and Gaode Maps generally provide more accurate and up-to-date information within China. This includes local businesses, restaurants, public transportation networks, and real-time traffic updates.

For first-time visitors, having one of these map applications installed can make getting around major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen much easier. Both apps offer English-language features in many areas.

5. Alipay / WeChat Pay

Alipay and WeChat Pay are the two most popular payment platforms in China. The country has become largely cashless, with QR code payments accepted almost everywhere, from restaurants and convenience stores to public transportation and retail shops.

WeChat Pay is built directly into the WeChat application, so there is no need to download a separate app. However, users should complete the setup process before traveling.

Alipay can also be installed before departure. International travelers can often link supported credit or debit cards, making payments throughout China more convenient.

6. Line Dictionary / Pleco

Line Dictionary and Pleco are dictionary apps that make learning and communicating in Chinese much easier. They are especially useful for Thai students preparing to study in China or travelers who need help understanding unfamiliar vocabulary.

These apps allow users to search for words, view example sentences, and better understand Chinese phrases commonly encountered in daily life.

Pleco is particularly popular among Chinese language learners worldwide. It supports handwriting recognition, pronunciation lookup, camera-based character scanning, and advanced dictionary functions.

If you plan to use Google Translate while in China, you may need one of the VPNs that work in China, as Google services may have limited accessibility on certain Chinese networks.

7. MetroMan China

Many major Chinese cities have extensive and sometimes complex subway systems. MetroMan China helps users plan routes, calculate travel times, estimate fares, and identify the best transfer points.

The app is especially useful in cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Shenzhen.

One of its key advantages is offline map support, making it helpful when internet access is limited or unstable.

8. Trip.com

Whether you're booking high-speed rail tickets, flights, or hotels, Trip.com is one of the most useful travel apps for China.

Students and travelers moving between cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Hangzhou, and Guangzhou can use Trip.com to manage bookings and plan trips conveniently. The app also offers a user-friendly English interface.

9. Meituan (美团)

Meituan is one of China's most popular lifestyle apps, offering food delivery, restaurant reservations, movie tickets, local deals, and many other services.

For students, expats, and long-term visitors, Meituan can make daily life significantly easier since many businesses throughout China integrate directly with the platform.

Many locals consider Meituan an essential app for everyday living.

10. Xiaohongshu (RED)

Xiaohongshu, also known as RED, is a popular Chinese social media platform focused on lifestyle content, product reviews, restaurants, cafés, and travel recommendations.

A simple way to describe it is as a combination of Instagram, TikTok, and community review platforms.

Many travelers use Xiaohongshu to discover hidden restaurants, scenic photo spots, and recommendations from local residents, making it another great app to install before traveling to China.

Apps That May Have Restrictions in China

Before traveling, many people wonder whether their favorite apps will still work. Some services may have limited accessibility in China, including:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• X (Twitter)
• YouTube
• Google Search
• Gmail
• Google Maps
• Netflix (in some situations)

If you need access to these services, it is recommended to prepare one of the VPNs that work in China before your trip.

These are 10 apps that BigBull recommends installing before traveling to China. Whether you're visiting, studying, or working there, they can help make daily life and travel much more convenient.

If you want to stay connected with family, access familiar content, or use services that may have restrictions in China, consider preparing BullVPN in advance. BullVPN offers dedicated Server VPN for China options designed specifically for users in China and is among the VPNs that work in China for many Thai travelers and students.

It is recommended to sign up, install the app, and test your connection before leaving Thailand so you'll be ready to connect once you arrive.

FAQ

Do I need a VPN before traveling to China?

If you plan to use Google, Facebook, Instagram, Gmail, or YouTube, installing one of the VPNs that work in China before departure is highly recommended.

When should I install a VPN that works in China?

You should install and test it while still in Thailand to ensure everything is working properly before your trip.

Can I use LINE in China?

LINE may have limited functionality on certain networks. Many users prepare a VPN for accessing apps they regularly use.

What payment apps are most popular in China?

Alipay and WeChat Pay are the two most widely used digital payment platforms in China.

Can I use Google Maps in China?

Google Maps may work in some situations, but for navigation within China, Baidu Maps and Gaode Maps generally provide more accurate local information.