Railway 12306
The official booking service for China Railway. Use it to check train schedules, buy tickets at official fares and manage eligible changes or refunds.
View appESSENTIAL APPS · COMPLETE INDEX
Install the essential apps your trip depends on before takeoff.
Compare essential services, then open the verified store page for your device.
016APPS
Airalo eSIM
A travel eSIM marketplace with data plans for China. Check coverage, routing, device compatibility and current plan terms before purchase.
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Alipay
A widely used payment and everyday-services app in mainland China. Complete setup before departure and carry a backup payment method.
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AMap Global
A local navigation app with maps, public transport and place search for mainland China. English support varies by feature and app version.
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Apple Maps
Apple's navigation app for iPhone and iPad. Availability of maps, transit data and offline features can vary by device, region and software version.
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Baidu Maps
A detailed local mapping and place-search app for mainland China. Much of the interface remains Chinese, so plan for translation support.
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Ctrip
The mainland China service related to Trip.com, with domestic travel inventory and a primarily Chinese interface. Most English-speaking visitors will find Trip.com easier.
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DiDi China
A ride-hailing app for mainland China with several vehicle categories. Confirm the pickup point, destination and selected service before booking.
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ExpressVPN
A commercial VPN service. Availability can change quickly, and travelers should review current local rules and their government's travel advice before use.
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Google Translate
A translation app with downloadable language packs. Online Google services may be restricted on mainland Chinese networks, so prepare offline Chinese before arrival.
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Holafly eSIM
A travel eSIM provider offering China plans. Review current data limits, routing, hotspot rules, coverage and device compatibility before purchase.
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MetroMan China
A metro route-planning app covering many Chinese cities. Download the cities you need and confirm operating hours locally when timing is critical.
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Pleco
A Chinese dictionary with handwriting, character and optional camera tools. It is useful for individual words, names and characters when general translation is unclear.
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Trip.com
An English-language booking app for trains, flights and accommodation. Check ticket conditions, passenger details and whether a property can complete foreign-guest registration.
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A widely used messaging and everyday-services app in mainland China. Travelers may use it for contacts, QR-based services, mini programs and eligible payment features.
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rednote (Xiaohongshu)
A social discovery app known in Chinese as Xiaohongshu. Travelers use it to research places, restaurants and local recommendations; much of the content remains Chinese.
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