Planning a trip to China from Malaysia? Whether you’re exploring the skyscrapers of Shanghai, eating your way through Chengdu, or catching cherry blossoms in Hangzhou, one thing is for sure: apps run everything in China.
From paying for street food to booking bullet trains and navigating the metro, your phone is your best travel buddy. As someone who recently explored China with just a few words of Mandarin and a lot of curiosity, here are the must-have apps for China travel — tested and loved by a Malaysian traveller (me!).
✅ China Travel Apps Checklist
| Category | App Name | Purpose |
| Communication | Messaging, mini-programs, QR payments, taxi booking | |
| Navigation | Baidu Maps | Navigation, public transport directions |
| DiDi | Ride-hailing and taxi bookings | |
| Food & Reviews | Dianping | Restaurant reviews, ratings, photos |
| Meituan | Food delivery and local services | |
| Booking | Trip.com | Book trains, hotels, flights, attraction tickets |
| Railway12306 | Book high-speed train, air tickets | |
| Social & Share | Xiaohongshu | Discover local lifestyle tips and photo spots |
| Translation | Google Translate | Translate menus and signs with camera mode |
| Pleco | Chinese-English dictionary, OCR & handwriting input | |
| Internet Access | ExpressVPN | Access Gmail, Instagram, WhatsApp & more in China |
| Payments | Alipay | Mobile wallet for foreigners (link credit/debit cards) |
| WeChat Pay | Pay via QR code in shops, restaurants, taxis |
🌍 Navigation & Transport Apps
China’s version of Google Maps. It offers detailed directions, metro info, and walking routes. The interface is mostly in Chinese, but it’s reliable and accurate. Use Google Translate’s camera feature or Pleco to help.
2. DiDi (滴滴出行)
Think of it as the Grab of China. Book taxis, private cars, and even express rides. The app is available in English, and you can link it with WeChat Pay or Alipay. You can also book DiDi rides directly via WeChat or Alipay.
Another local favourite for driving routes and real-time traffic. Some users find AMAP more foreigner-friendly than Baidu Maps.
🎡Popular Local Attractions & Cheap Tickets
Latest Trip.com Promo Code, Coupons, Flight Deals & Hotel Discounts for Malaysia
🎁Best Flight Deals on Trip.com
Latest Trip.com Flight Deals & Promotions for Malaysia
🍜 Food & Reviews Apps
Use it to discover the best restaurants, bubble tea, cafes, and even spas. Tons of photo reviews, menus, and price guides. You can filter by cuisine, distance, or rating.
3GB/day 3 Days
- Data3GB Daily
- Validity3 Days
- PriceFrom RM17.83
20GB 5 Days
- Data20GB
- Validity5 Days
- PriceFrom RM37.57
20GB 7 Days
- Data20GB
- Validity7 Days
- PriceFrom RM40.72
5. Meituan (美团)
For food delivery when you're too tired to go out. You’ll need a local phone number, but many hotels can help. Great for ordering late-night hotpot or milk tea straight to your hotel.
Flight to China
- Round-trip
- One way
- direct cheapest
KUL18:505h 30mDirectPVG00:20Kuala Lumpur - Shanghai|Tue, Jan 20|AirAsia X
PVG11:005h 55mDirectKUL16:55Shanghai - Kuala Lumpur|Mon, Jan 26|Spring AirlinesRM 864RM 96110% OFF10% OFFRM 961RM 864 - KUL18:505h 30mDirectPVG00:20Kuala Lumpur - Shanghai|Wed, Jan 14|AirAsia XPVG11:005h 55mDirectKUL16:55Shanghai - Kuala Lumpur|Fri, Jan 16|Spring AirlinesRM 884RM 9618% OFF8% OFFRM 961RM 884
KUL20:0018h 15m1 stopPVG14:15Kuala Lumpur - Shanghai|Thu, Mar 5|Vietnam AirlinesPVG15:2527h 25m1 stopKUL18:50Shanghai - Kuala Lumpur|Sat, Mar 7|Vietnam AirlinesRM 791RM 96118% OFF18% OFFRM 961RM 791
KUL1:00 PM3h 5mDirectSHA2:00 PMKuala Lumpur - Shanghai|Fri, Dec 12|AirAsia X
SHA1:00 PM3h 5mDirectKUL2:00 PMShanghai - Kuala Lumpur|Fri, Dec 12|AirAsia XFind More FlightsFind More Flights
Displayed flight fares from ${{departCityName}} to ${{arrivalCityName}} are based on average prices across airlines for the next 3 months, according to the latest Trip.com database.
🚫 No Google? No Problem
6. ExpressVPN
Essential if you want access to Gmail, Google, Facebook, Instagram, or WhatsApp while in China. Download and activate before arrival, since VPN sites are blocked in China.
🌐 Communication & Payment, Translation Apps
7. WeChat (微信)
The most important app in China. It’s not just for messaging — locals use it for payments, booking taxis, ordering food, and more. Set up WeChat Pay in advance using your Malaysian card.
8. Alipay
Alipay is a widely accepted mobile payment app in China. Tourists can link foreign credit cards to pay for meals, shopping, tickets, and transport—quick, secure, and hassle-free.
9. Pleco
Source from Pleco Software – The #1 Chinese dictionary app for iOS and Android
An excellent Chinese-English dictionary with handwriting input and camera translation. Super useful when reading menus, signs, or labels.
10. Google Translate
Use the camera function to translate Chinese text in real time. Not always perfect, but it is no problem to use it when traveling.
📲 Booking, Tickets & Activities
11. Trip.com
Great for booking high-speed train tickets, hotels, and flights within China. The interface is in English and payment with Malaysian cards is smooth.
📸 Discovery & Lifestyle
12. Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book 小红书)
Half Instagram, half TripAdvisor. Locals post beautiful photo reviews and lifestyle tips. Great for finding hidden cafes, photo spots, and trending restaurants.
✨ Final Tips
- ✅Download apps before you land in China.
- ✅Carry a power bank — your phone will be your wallet, map, translator, and more.
- ✅Always use official app stores to avoid fake apps.
With these apps on hand, you’re all set to explore China with confidence and ease — even if you don’t speak a word of Mandarin! Go now and book flights to China and cheap hotels in China! Come to China and create unforgettable memories!
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Common Questions About China Travel Apps
Can I use WeChat without a Chinese phone number?
Yes! You can register with a Malaysian number, but some features like WeChat Pay may require additional verification.How do I set up WeChat Pay as a foreigner?
Link your international credit/debit card under the Wallet section and verify with your passport. Tourist Wallet is also available.Can tourists use Alipay in China?
Absolutely. Use the Alipay International or Tour Pass feature to link foreign credit cards like Visa or Mastercard.Is Alipay safer than carrying cash?
Yes! It’s widely accepted, secure, and used by locals everywhere — from street vendors to high-end malls.What if I don’t have a Chinese bank account?
No problem. Alipay now supports foreign card linking with no local account required.Does Baidu Maps work in English?
Partially. While the interface is in Chinese, locations can be searched in English and the icons are intuitive.Can I pay in MYR (Malaysian Ringgit) in Trip.com?
Yes — Trip.com allows payment in multiple currencies including MYR.Is Xiaohongshu only in Chinese?
Yes, but the visual content is helpful, and you can use auto-translate tools for captions and search terms.Can I pay for DiDi rides with WeChat or Alipay?
Yes, both are accepted. Just link your card to either app before booking.