Must-Have Apps Overview
| App | Chinese Name | Main Uses | Priority |
|---|---|---|---|
| 微信 | Chat, group chats, voice calls, payment, mini programs | Must install | |
| Alipay | 支付宝 | Payment, transit codes, life services, mini programs | Must install |
| Amap / Gaode Map | 高德地图 | Navigation, public transit, ride-hailing, location search | Must install |
| Meituan | 美团 | Food delivery, restaurants, local services, hotels | Very common |
| Taobao | 淘宝 | Online shopping, daily goods, clothes, small items | Very common |
| JD | 京东 | Online shopping, electronics, branded goods, fast delivery | Common |
| Railway 12306 | 铁路12306 | Train and high-speed rail tickets | Common for travel |
| Didi | 滴滴出行 | Ride-hailing and taxis | Common |
| Xiaohongshu | 小红书 | Life tips, local recommendations, guide searches | Optional |
| Youdao / Baidu Translate | 有道翻译 / 百度翻译 | Translation, photo recognition, voice translation | Optional |
| CaiNiao | 菜鸟 | Parcel and delivery tracking | Very common |
WeChat should be one of the first apps you install. Chinese classmates, teachers, school offices, shops, food delivery workers, and couriers may contact you on WeChat before email.
Common WeChat features:
- Text, voice, and video chats.
- Class groups, course groups, college or school announcement groups.
- QR code scanning.
- WeChat Pay.
- Mini programs, such as school systems, food ordering, ticket booking, and local services. Swipe down on the main page to search.
- Official accounts, such as school announcements, city services, and hospital registration information.
Suggestions:
- Add one trusted Chinese contact in advance; this may help with account recovery.
- If you do not understand a Chinese message, long-press it and use the translation function.
Alipay
Alipay is very important for international students in China. In many situations, you should prepare both Alipay and WeChat Pay, because if one fails, the other may still work.
Common Alipay features:
- Payments at shops, restaurants, and supermarkets.
- Metro and bus transit codes.
- Shared bikes.
- City life services.
- Some campus services.
- Travel services such as hotels, flights, and train tickets.
Suggestions:
- Try binding an international bank card before coming to China.
- If real-name verification is required, use a name that matches your passport as closely as possible.
- Do not rely only on Alipay when you first arrive. Prepare a small amount of cash.
- If payment fails, try WeChat Pay, cash, or ask a classmate for help.
Amap / Gaode Map
In mainland China, Amap/Gaode Map is usually better for daily navigation than Google Maps. It supports buses, metro routes, small roads, business locations, and ride-hailing pickup points more accurately.
Common features:
- Walking navigation.
- Cycling navigation.
- Bus and metro route planning.
- Ride-hailing.
- Searching for supermarkets, pharmacies, hospitals, banks, print shops, canteens, and dormitories.
Useful search terms:
| Chinese | English | Use |
|---|---|---|
| 超市 | Supermarket | Daily goods and food |
| 药店 | Pharmacy | Common medicine |
| 医院 | Hospital | Medical care |
| 银行 | Bank | Bank cards or cash withdrawal |
| 派出所 | Police station | Accommodation registration and related tasks |
| 打印店 | Print shop | Printing documents |
| 食堂 | Canteen | Eating on campus |
| 宿舍 | Dormitory | Accommodation |
Meituan
Meituan is used for food delivery and local life services. It can also help you find restaurants, buy group-discount vouchers, book hotels, buy movie tickets, and find services such as haircuts and laundry.
Common features:
- Ordering food delivery.
- Searching nearby restaurants. Sometimes it is more useful than a map app.
- Buying group-discount coupons.
- Finding local services such as haircuts, laundry, and repairs.
- Booking hotels or homestays.
Taobao and JD
Taobao has a huge range of products and usually low prices, but you need to judge quality yourself. JD is better for electronics, branded goods, and items that need fast delivery.
Address suggestion:
Use Chinese for your delivery address whenever possible. Include province, city, district, school, dormitory building, room number, name, and phone number.
Translation Apps
Install at least one translation app and download the Chinese offline language pack in advance. Do not rely completely on real-time online translation.
Useful features:
- Photo translation for menus and signs.
- Voice translation.
- Offline Chinese-English translation.
- Saved common phrases.
- Emergency phrases for hospitals, dormitories, ride-hailing, and similar situations.
Suggested Installation Order
- Alipay
- Amap / Gaode Map
- Translation app
- Meituan
- Taobao or JD
- Railway 12306