Traveling to China in 2025? Great choice.
But before you land in Beijing and start hunting for dumplings and hidden hutongs, do yourself a favor and download these Top 3 Apps You Need to use in China .

There are tons of tools out there, but if you want your trip to be smooth, stress-free, and fun, these are the ones that matter — in this order.

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1️⃣ Alipay – Your Ultimate China Travel Wallet

If you only download one app — make it Alipay.
It’s not just for payments — it’s how locals live.

Why it’s essential:

• 💸 Pay for anything: street food, taxis, shops, restaurants, QR codes everywhere
• 🍜 Scan to order in restaurants (no more awkward menu pointing)
• 🚖 Call a Didi (Chinese Uber) directly through the app
• 🚇 Buy subway tickets and access transport QR codes
• 🧾 Keep track of all your spending in one place

🔗 We even recommend linking Alipay to your international card before arriving — or check out our How to Use Alipay in China blog (link your guide here).

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2️⃣ Amap (高德地图) – The Most Accurate Map App in China

Forget Google Maps — it barely works here.
Amap, now fully available in English, is what locals actually use.

Why it’s better than the rest:

• 🧭 Insanely accurate directions, even inside scenic areas and remote villages
• 🚦 Shows how long you’ll wait at traffic lights
• 🚌 Real-time public transport updates
• 📍 Exact building entrances and walking routes
• 🔗 Syncs with WeChat and ride apps like Didi

🚫 Don’t rely on Google Maps — it’s outdated and often wrong in China.
🗺️ Maps.me is decent for offline use, but again, not accurate.
🍏 Apple Maps is okay, but Amap wins on every level.

🔗 Check out our full Beginner’s Guide to Amap (insert link to future blog)

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3️⃣ WeChat – The App That Does Everything in China

If you’re only using WeChat to text friends… you’re missing out.

Why it matters:

• 💬 Chat and call anyone — locals, guides, new friends
• 📍 Share and open Amap pins directly in WeChat
• 📅 Organize meetups, reservations, and event invites
• 🧾 Many restaurants and venues send confirmations through WeChat

It’s like WhatsApp, Facebook, and Apple Pay rolled into one — and it’s how people actually communicate here.

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✅ TL;DR: These Apps Will Make Your Life in Beijing 10x Easier

App	What it Does	Why You Need It
Alipay	Payments, Didi, travel, restaurants	Makes spending & moving around effortless
Amap	Navigation, traffic, buses, pins	Most accurate map in China — way better than Google
WeChat	Messaging, connecting, sharing	Makes communication and coordination smooth

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🎒 Final Word: Want to Feel Like a Local?

If you have 1 of these apps, you’ll survive.
If you have 2, you’ll thrive.
If you have all 3 — you’re basically local.

Whether you’re joining one of our adventures, hunting down a noodle shop, or navigating the hutongs solo — these are the Top 3 Apps You Need to use in China that unlock it all.

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✈️ Already in Beijing or planning your trip?
Check out our Adventurer’s Guide to Beijing for more practical tips, wild experiences, and real local life.

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