Essential Apps (Daily Life & Payments)
WeChat (微信)
Not just for chatting—your universal digital key for mobile payments, mini-programs, scanning QR menus, and local reservations.
Alipay (支付宝)
The primary payment gateway for foreigners. Easily links with international Visa/Mastercard for metro passes, taxi hailing, and dining.
MeiTuan (美团)
All-in-one super-app for gourmet food delivery, restaurant discovery, table reservations, spa deals, and daily local life.
RED / Xiaohongshu (小红书)
China's Instagram-meets-Pinterest. The go-to visual lifestyle platform for discovering secret photo spots, chic cafes, and hidden gems.
Hotel & Stay Booking
Trip.com (携程)
The definitive English booking portal for China. Seamlessly books foreigner-authorized hotels, high-speed rail, and local flights with 24/7 care.
Booking.com
Global accommodation platform featuring international chains and verified boutique guesthouses with flexible cancellation options.
Transportation & Navigation
Amap / GaoDe (高德地图)
China's most accurate navigation app with real-time lane-level traffic, precise metro transfers, walking paths, and taxi fare estimates.
DiDi (滴滴出行 - English)
The Uber of China. Offers a native English interface, in-app messaging auto-translation, and direct payment via international credit cards.
Railway 12306 (中国铁路)
Official high-speed rail booking platform. Offers passport verification, first-class seat selection, and e-ticket seat management.
Essential Emergency & In-Country Hotlines
Consular Protection Hotline
Ministry of Foreign Affairs 24/7 global emergency consular assistance for international travelers.
National Immigration Service
Bilingual English/Chinese hotline for real-time visa extension inquiries and border inspection questions.
Police Emergency
Nationwide public security assistance for urgent police intervention, lost passports, or theft reports.
Fire & Rescue
Immediate nationwide emergency response for fire hazard reporting and structural rescue services.
Medical Ambulance Emergency
Nationwide paramedic dispatch and urgent ambulance transport to nearest certified hospitals.