Updated May 2025
With the introduction of visa-free travel to China for a whole host of countries including Malaysia (note: the policy has since been extended to 2030!), there has been an explosion of tourists eager to explore this vast nation.
However, visitors connecting to the Chinese internet for the first time will find their smartphone’s usual suite of Google-dominated applications and various social networks inaccessible.
Welcome to the Great Firewall.
Due to security and political concerns, most popular western apps, social networks and news sites are banned in China.
Though some might call this a blessing in disguise, it’s not all that fun getting lost or being ordering blind from a Chinese menu!
Plus, with China’s recent drive to web-based payments and services, smartphones and apps have become necessary for buying, ordering and simply surviving in China.
The good news is that China has their own entire ecosystem of apps and websites that are just as, if not more useful than their western counterparts.
Better yet, some of them even come in English and are downloadable from both Google and Apple app stores!
So, to make your China trip smoother, here’s a crash course on the essential applications and websites you’ll NEED in China.
Roaming, Where Art Thou?
First off, if you really can’t be bothered with all these newfangled apps, then the ease of international roaming is for you.
Though often pricier and with worse data quotas, international roaming can usually get you past the censorship with just a few taps.
In this writer’s personal experience in June 2024, most Google apps and news sites were accessible by roaming in China.
However, access to social media sites like Facebook or X (formerly Twitter) and apps like Google Maps proved to be spotty.
The relative lack of local adoption for foreign payment apps like Google Pay or Apple Pay also means there’s not much incentive to use them in China.
In my opinion, although roaming can save you some headache at the start, it also comes with awful, overpriced quotas along with questionable reliability at times. That’s why I highly recommend getting a SIM card.
When in Beijing…
So, first thing’s first, get a SIM or eSIM card!
Not only do they have more generous data quotas, they are much more reliable with Google apps when paired with a VPN.
If you’re in Malaysia, there’s plenty of vendors selling both on Shopee and Lazada. Make sure to find out whether the seller is offering physical SIM cards or eSIMs before buying! And check your smartphone’s compatibility!
Once you’ve sorted that out, then it’s time to start downloading. There might be hiccups with Google’s Play Store due to the Firewall, but you can always download these apps before flying into China or rely on international roaming.
Mini Programs
Most Chinese apps come bundled with slimmed down versions of third-party apps called mini programs, particularly “super-apps” like WeChat or Alipay.
These mini programs allow users to access features not native to the main app like booking taxis using the Didi mini program or ordering food with the Meituan mini program.
This means that you only really need to download one or two major apps that you’ll use frequently before relying on mini-programs for more occasional activities. Payment apps like Alipay are particularly recommended due to their large suite of mini programs.
So, without further ado, let’s get started:
Alipay
Chinese Name: 支付宝 (zhifubao)
Main Features: Cashless payments
English: Yes, with machine translation for user-generated content
Must Download: ★★★★★
Links: Google Play | Apple App Store
As the king of cashless payments in China – with more than 50% of market share in 2022 – Alipay also has an international version geared towards overseas travellers that accepts both Mastercard and Visa credit cards.
Once you’ve linked your credit card with Alipay (guide here), simply walk into any store, look for the blue-framed Alipay QR code and use the Scan feature. Or simply let the cashier scan your phone with the Pay feature.
Note: There is a 3% transaction fee for payments above 200RMB, in addition to charges from your credit card provider.
Besides the branding, Alipay works pretty much the same as the Touch ‘n Go (TnG) app we Malaysians are used to. You can also use use Alipay+ through TnG, but there’s a 1-3% fee depending on the transaction.
Still, what sets Alipay apart from most cashless apps is the sheer convenience of its mini programs. From hailing taxis and renting bikes to booking tours and tickets, almost everything you need as a traveller in China is stuffed into this one handy app!
The one thing that Alipay can’t do is to instant messaging. Well, about that…
Chinese Name: 微信 (weixin)
Main Features: Instant messaging, social media, ordering from restaurants
English: Yes, mini programs only in Chinese
Must Download: ★★★☆☆
Links: Google Play | Apple App Store
Although a rival super-app to Alipay in China, WeChat is mostly geared towards instant messaging between Chinese locals or long-term residents.
WeChat also boasts social networking features such as Channels and searching for nearby users, but you’re not really missing out if you’re just travelling around for a week or two.
Most of WeChat’s robust mini program selection is also available only in Chinese, adding a hurdle to tourists not versed in the language.
Malaysians not fluent in Chinese have even less of a reason to use WeChat, as developers Tencent have phased out WeChat Pay since September 2024.
However, despite phasing out their WeChat Pay service in Malaysia, you’re still able to use their Weixin Pay service (similar to Alipay+) to pay for transactions within China by scanning QR codes. It’s actually a pretty convoluted process, so here’s a brief guide:
Enabling Weixin Pay on WeChat
- Search for “Weixin Pay” using the top-right search button. Do not search “Mini Programs” under “Discover” as it only returns Chinese-language results.
- Tap “Weixin Pay” and enable it.
- Navigate back to “Chats” and tap on “Weixin Pay”.
- Tap on “Activate Now”.
- Enter your credit card details .
- Enjoy your shopping!
And that’s not all, because many restaurants in China have fully transitioned to app-based ordering mostly through WeChat, eating out here practically requires that you download it.
In fact, speaking from personal experience, I actually found myself unable to order a drink from a store in central Chengdu without installing WeChat first!
Read More: Five Places to See in Chengdu
Plus, according to this excellent article on app-based ordering by Sixth Tone, there are privacy concerns and dubious marketing tactics like requiring you follow the restaurant’s account before ordering.
Still, these are mostly minor concern compared to actually being able to order something!
Overall, WeChat is a must-have just for the ordering feature alone, but don’t expect to spend too much time on it.
Didi
Chinese Name: 嘀嘀 (didi)
Main Features: E-Hailing, Taxis
English: Yes
Must Download: ★★★★★
Links: Google Play | Apple App Store
Almost every major city in China – whether they be prosperous tech hubs or far-flung inland capitals – has a robust metro system that can help you get around quickly.
But for those times when it’s simply too far or you can’t be bothered, then Didi’s fleet of taxis has your back.
Thankfully, Didi makes the e-hailing experience as painless as possible by offering one of the most thoroughly translated user interfaces and pleasant user experiences among the apps we’ve covered here.
Easily accessible services, clear and readable text and transparent pricing help make it a joy to book a ride to your destination. English speakers have nothing to worry too, as almost every major landmark and attraction is properly translated.
Its diverse offerings are also very impressive – with scheduled rides, specialized airport taxis and being able to book for others, not to mention a diverse selection of vehicles for every budget.
The only real downside with Didi is the lack of mini programs in the international version and some unfortunate formatting with the names of subway stations.
That’s right, Didi even provides you with detailed subway station maps alongside estimated travel times and fares for every major Chinese city!
Get Didi, it’s worth it! And make sure to download the version for China, not the global version (see above)!
Flying into China soon? Make sure your passport is up-to-date or you’ll have to follow our Pain-Free Guide to Renewing Your Malaysian Passport!
Meituan
Chinese Name: 美团 (meituan)
Main Features: Food, Shopping, Booking Tickets
English: No
Must Download: ★★★☆☆
Links: Google Play | Apple App Store
So, you’ve eaten your way through Sichuan pepper, Peking duck and dozens of other Chinese dishes, only to find yourself craving something nasty, something compact and something fast – fast food.
Here’s where Meituan comes in.
Basically China’s turbocharged version of GrabFood or Foodpanda, Meituan boasts an entire shopping mall’s worth of dining, grocery shopping and even entertainment rolled into one convenient app.
Dinner, medicine, games, even loans and car repairs are just a tap away with this app, not to mention tickets for trains and events. Not shopping? No problem, there’s even videos to keep you entertained!
Anime and manga fans! Shop till you drop in our Ultimate Otaku’s Shopping Guide to Akihabara (2025)!
There’s just one catch – it’s all in Chinese!
Unfortunately, Meituan is left completely untranslated, leaving English-only users in the lurch. Although there are a few guides on how to order food through Meituan, you’ll have to rely on screenshots and translation apps to get the most out of the app.
Plus, according to this Youtube guide by Gibbon Travelogue, it also requires a domestic phone number for deliveries (you can ask your hotel for their phone number though).
Still, if you’re curious and want to try out a genuine Chinese takeaway experience, why not give Meituan a try?
Smoky kebabs, crispy naan flatbreads and flavourful pilafs – in China?! Read more about Xinjiang’s unique fusion of Kazakh-Uyghur-Chinese cuisine in our guide to the 5 Must-Try Foods in Xinjiang!
Baidu Maps
Chinese Name: 百度地图 (baidu ditu)
Main Features: Maps, Navigation
English: No
Must Download: ★★★★★
Links: Google Play | Apple App Store
Getting lost is almost a rite of passage for any tourist, but the difference between a whimsical detour and having to call for help is often a good map app.
Bad news, your trusty Google Maps will be pretty much useless when you’re in China because of inaccurate maps and a lack of info on local attractions.
Good news, there’s Baidu Maps!
Baidu Maps helps travellers navigate the vastness of China, whether you’re driving, taking public transport or hitting the streets on foot!
Unique bells and whistles include 3D map views that show buildings, markers for road crossings and even traffic light timings. And, if that isn’t enough, there’s even user-generated guides and reviews for local attractions!
Read More: Mount Nokogiri: A Tokyo Daytrip for the Adventurous
But, once again, it’s all in Chinese…
Fret not, there’s still hope for English-onlys.
Apple Maps, in cooperation with Amap or Gaode Maps (高德地图), has relatively accurate maps that can get you from A to B without too much hassle. Just don’t expect much in the way of detail, discovery or features though. Another more metro-focused map option is MetroMan China, which is fully translated into English.
Still, with the sheer usefulness of both Baidu and Gaode, I still highly recommend you give them both a try. Using screenshots with translation apps can help with most of the language barrier here.
Speaking of which…
Translation Apps
Sick and tired of having to play Russian roulette with the menu at dinner? Then a translation app is a must during your China travels!
There’s a whole bunch of them out there with mostly similar features (document translation, OCR, etc), so this will just be a brief overview:
Baidu Translate
Search engine Baidu’s homegrown translation tool that’s available as a website or as an app on the Apple App Store (it’s not on Google Play, but there’s an .apk on the website).
It might look intimidating being entirely in Chinese, but its layout is basically one-to-one with Google Translate. Just make sure to flip the language selection to English (英文) and Chinese (中文).
Not the best due to a lack of Android app support, but it’s accessible within the Great Firewall so it can be helpful in a pinch.
Alipay/WeChat
Alipay and WeChat both have mini programs or features that help translate text, image and speech inputs.
Here, WeChat’s more modern, user-friendly interface wins out over Alipay’s admittedly dated chat design.
Papago
Links: Google Play | Apple App Store
This app by South Korean company Naver is primarily marketed as a language studying tool, but its suite of tools, spacious interface and large font help rank it pretty highly in our list.
However, perhaps due to its AI-assisted technology, translations can come off a little awkward.
Google Translate
Links: Google Play | Apple App Store
If you manage to set up a VPN, then Google Translate is a solid choice to get your point across.
Still, its laggy performance and patchy offline functionality make it hard to recommend especially with so many other decent options.
VPNs
If you simply MUST brag on Facebook and WhatsApp about your vacation, then VPNs will be the only solution.
There are countless options out there, but with gray area legality plus constantly changing regulations, a VPN that works for one year might not work the next.
Still, having one around will be quite useful when you need to look up English-language content.
Most of the options below work on paid subscriptions, though there are usually free trials to let you test things out.
LetsVPN
Links: Google Play | Apple App Store (Mac Only)
One tap and that’s it, what more do you need?
LetsVPN automatically routes your traffic through the fastest VPN servers available without any configuration or tech knowhow needed.
Plus, with their pricing based on time used instead of data, you don’t have to worry about burning through your precious data. Just make sure to turn it off when you’re not using it.
On top of that, they offer pretty short subscription periods, with the one-week package being perfect for most travellers.
But more importantly – it’s dirt cheap! 1.99 USD for the base 1-week plan is almost negligible for most users. The premium tier also grants you extra features such as selecting server locations and automatic IP-switching.
However, there are reports out there that LetsVPN only works with two devices and has been known to ban users for torrenting or online gaming, so make sure you have a backup VPN just in case.
Also, VPN tunnelling – a feature that properly allocates VPN usage between Chinese and foreign apps – does not seem to be available.
As of June 2024, I found that LetsVPN was functional in the areas around Chengdu. On the other hand, it was quite patchy in and around northern Xinjiang in October 2024. Again, your mileage may vary depending on city and province.
Looking for gargantuan mountain ranges, meandering rivers of jade and giant alpine lakes? Then check out The Top 5 Natural Wonders of Northern Xinjiang. We also have an highly in-depth 10-day Northern Xinjiang travelogue that tells you all you need to know about this underrated region of China!
Mullvad
Links: Google Play | Apple App Store
Mullvad is another frequently cited option for VPNs in China. Being more privacy-focused, it boasts independent audits, no IP logging and most of all – ease-of-use!
It’s somewhat pricier at 5 Euros for a month of VPN time but the upside is that it’s an entirely flat rate, whether you’re signing up for a month or year.
Although we have not tested Mullvad, reports on Reddit suggest that it still works as of July 2024.
Honourable Mentions
Although not essential to the travel experience and only available in Chinese, these websites or apps give you a glimpse into life in China. Feel free to browse and explore them at your own leisure!
Baidu – China’s answer to Google. Provides brief wiki-style information on topics with the usual search engine offerings.
Weibo – Microblogging platform akin to Twitter.
Douyin – The OG version of TikTok.
Youku / Bilibili – Video-hosting sites. Youku focuses on more traditional media like movies and series while Bilibili caters more to viewers interested in ACG (animation, comics and games).
So, now that you’re all kitted out to take full advantage of the Chinese internet, how about brushing up on your knowledge on some of China’s countless attractions? Take a look at some of China’s most gorgeous peaks and canyons, the coolest places in Chengdu or, if you’re going further – must-try Hong Kong foods!
Sources
Gibbon Travelogue – Five essential apps for your trip to China; WeChat, Alipay, Meituan, Baidu, Hello, Didi
https://youtu.be/cRFnQKLHV3Y?si=Z9p_lD_FpqFL68gD
Digital Creative Asia – The Mini Program Multiverse: Explore China’s Super App Ecosystems
https://digitalcreative.cn/blog/china-mini-programs-ecosystems-wechat-alipay-douyin
