The 6 apps to download before China

Google Maps doesn't really work in China, Uber isn't there, and English menus are rare. The fix is six apps, all available with English interfaces. Download them at home — some are harder to get once you land.

1. Amap — your map

Google Maps' data for China is poor and its live features are limited. Amap (高德地图) is the local standard: accurate maps, public transit, driving directions and offline areas.

• English support is partial — pair it with a translator app.
• Download the offline map for your first city before you fly.
• Apple Maps also works in China and has a cleaner English interface — worth having as a second option.

2. DiDi — your Uber

DiDi is China's ride-hailing app and accepts foreign cards. It's the simplest way to get around without wrestling with cash and addresses.

• English interface built in.
• Message your driver through an in-app translator.
• Set up payment before your first ride.

3. 12306 — your trains

The official railway app is the only reliable way to book China's high-speed trains, which you'll likely take between cities.

• Register with your passport number, not a Chinese ID.
• Book in advance — popular routes sell out fast.
• Has an English interface; Trip.com can book trains too if you prefer.

4. Baidu Translate — your menus

Google Translate needs a VPN to work in China. Baidu Translate is the local alternative and it's excellent for the thing you'll actually use: camera translation of menus and signs.

• Offline Chinese pack available — download it at home.
• Point the camera at a menu, get English on screen.
• Also does voice and text translation.

5. Trip.com — your hotels & more

Trip.com (Ctrip's international brand) is the best single place for a foreigner to book hotels, flights, trains and attraction tickets in English.

• Filter hotels by "foreign guests" — not every hotel can host non-Chinese nationals.
• Accepts foreign cards natively.
• Books trains and museum tickets without a separate account.

6. Alipay — your everything app

Covered in the payment guide, but it belongs on this list too: Alipay isn't just for paying. It does translation, ride-hailing, and mini-programs for nearly every service you'd otherwise download an app for.

Before you fly

• Download all six and register while you're at home.
• Grab Amap's offline map and Baidu Translate's offline Chinese pack.
• Register 12306 with your passport.
• Save your hotel's name and address in Chinese characters.

The bottom line

These six apps replace the map, the taxi, the train office, the phrasebook, the travel agency and the wallet. Download them at home, register before you fly, and you'll move through China the way locals do.