The Essential China Travel Apps for 2026

If you’re heading to China in 2026, no matter whether you’re a backpacker exploring Beijing, Chongqing, or Shanghai as a first-time visitor there are essential apps you will need.

Navigating the big cities and hidden gems in China you will need these essential apps, and without could bring you great difficulty and make for a miserable trip.

Digital rules differ from the West here: cash is fading fast, Google and many familiar services are blocked, and local apps run everything from payments to transport, bookings, food and maps.

Make sure to install and set up these apps and VPN before you arrive, and you’ll save time and avoid frustration!

BudgetBro recently published an article on why China may be the next big stop for backpackers in 2026, so here are some of the apps that I have used whilst travelling and teaching English whilst in China for you:

Alipay:

Essential for all payments via QR code. Cash is obsolete for most transactions. Can integrate with transportation even as foreigner.

WeChat:

Essential for all payments via QR code. Cash is obsolete for most transactions. Built-in apps to WeChat for different services.

MetroMan:

Provides offline subway maps and route planning for navigating city metros easily.

Xiaohongshu:

The key platform for discovering trendy restaurants, cafes, and travel spots through visual reviews.

Dianping:

China’s Yelp. Critical for finding, evaluating, and reserving tables at restaurants.

Trip.com:

The best booking app for hotels and trains in China, with accurate local map integration.

Offline Translator:

For translating menus, signs, and conversations without internet.

LetsVPN:

To access blocked services like Google, WhatsApp, and Instagram. (Recommended you pay for faster more reliable service)

Amap:

Amap offers accurate maps, public-transport/mass-transit routes, and walking directions. Apple Maps does also sync well.

Visited China before? Got any apps I need to try, you can message me on Instagram :) Daniel

Further reading:

China Arrival Card Update November 2025

Is China the next big stop for Southeast Asia backpackers ?

Solo traveller Fabiana's How I Visited the Great Wall of China for Free During a Layover