App Checklist
Please download and register these apps before arriving in China.
Alipay
The almighty super app. You will use it to pay for everything, take the subway, hail cabs (DiDi), and scan QR codes to translate. Bind your foreign Visa/Mastercard here.
The messaging app everyone uses. It's also the backup payment method (WeChat Pay) and essential for scanning restaurant menus to order.
Amap (高德地图)
Google Maps is offset and outdated in China. Apple Maps works, but Amap is the local favorite. It's in Chinese, but you can paste English or Pinyin addresses directly.
Offline Translator
Apple Translate is available for iOS users. Android users can download other translation apps like Google Translate or Microsoft Translator. CRITICAL: Make sure to download the "Simplified Chinese" offline language pack before your flight.
Xiaohongshu (RED)
China's Instagram + Pinterest. The best place to find niche cafes, photo spots, and real-time travel advice. Search in English, and you'll find lots of expat tips.
Bilibili
China's YouTube. Perfect for killing time on high-speed trains watching long-form travel vlogs or hotel reviews.