Many familiar apps from back home cannot be used in Mainland China. Whether it’s navigation, communication tools, or search engines, they are often restricted. The region predominantly uses its own developed app ecosystems—well-known ones include Baidu, WeChat, and Alipay. Cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou even offer more comprehensive travel information than Google. Therefore, to truly understand local life, downloading these local apps is a must. Today, I’ve compiled a list of essential apps for traveling in Mainland China, helping you quickly plan your trip around the must-see highlights of the region.
Baidu Maps
This is absolutely an essential map and navigation app for independent travel in Mainland China. Google Maps often suffers from location inaccuracies in the country, so locals mainly use Baidu Maps or Amap. Both apps are highly rated, but today we’re introducing Baidu Maps.
In addition to basic mapping features, Baidu Maps offers multiple transportation options for trip planning, including subways, buses, walking, and cycling. For added convenience, you can also check taxi fares and book rides directly through the app using location services. Baidu Maps’ “Smart Travel” function integrates various transport routes, durations, costs, and even compares the number of traffic lights you’ll encounter—how thoughtful is that?
While exploring a scenic area, you can also use Baidu Maps’ Smart Guide and “Search Nearby” functions to discover attractions close by. The Smart Guide not only marks points of interest, photo spots, shops, and more within the scenic area, but also provides audio guides and route suggestions, offering real-time commentary based on your current location. “Search Nearby,” on the other hand, recommends nearby restaurants or other attractions after you’ve finished visiting a site—perfect for those wanting to casually stroll or grab a bite near the attraction.
Download Links
?Android Download
?iOS Download
Dianping (DianPing)
Dianping is an absolute must-have app for food, fun, and entertainment in Mainland China. It includes recommendations for food, movies, shopping malls, as well as hair salons, bars, and pretty much any other leisure activity you can think of. But my personal favorite is its food recommendations. Without this app while traveling in Mainland China, you could easily miss out on tons of delicious eats. Every time I plan a trip, the first thing I do is open Dianping to see if there are any well-known or must-try restaurants in the area—such as those featured on the “Must-Eat List” or “Popular Food Rankings.” Dining at places with high ratings (four or five stars) recommended by Dianping will truly leave you satisfied.
Download Links
?Android Download
?iOS Download
Qunar (Qunar.com)
Qunar is a travel search and comparison app that lists details for hotels, flights, train tickets, and attraction tickets across various times, allowing you to quickly find the most affordable options. Another app with similar functionality isCtripThe app also receives high praise, and we highly recommend it to everyone~
?Hotel Booking Tip: Some hotels only accept domestic guests (mainland Chinese), while Taiwanese are considered foreign guests and may not be allowed to stay. It's recommended to inquire with the hotel’s customer service via the website before booking, or when using the Qunar app (pictured far right in the top row), filter under —> Facilities & Services and check the box for “Accepts Foreign Guests”!
Download Links
?Android Download
?iOS Download
8684 Bus
8684 Bus is akin to Taiwan’s bus inquiry app, providing bus route and stop information for 448 cities across mainland China including Hong Kong. Simply enter your starting and ending stations to find bus transfer options—great for budget travelers who want an easy trip~
Download Links
?Android Download
?iOS Download
Didi Chuxing
Didi Chuxing is a well-known ride-hailing app in mainland China, offering not just taxi services but also a variety of options like Express Cars, Luxury Cars, and Carpooling, making travel very convenient. Using the app’s location service, you can find the nearest available vehicle—no more worrying about flagging down a cab in busy areas~
Download Links
?Android Download
?iOS Download
Original article from:[Essential Apps for Traveling in Mainland China] Recommended Navigation, Food, and Attractions Guide Apps for Mainland Travel