Pay in China
Use Alipay and WeChat Pay for QR payments, cards, transport, and everyday spending.
China app toolbox
Essential apps for getting things done in China.
Find the app you need, download it from an official source, and jump into the practical guides that show how to use it in real China tasks.
Choose by task
Start with what you need to do.
Each task points to the apps involved and the guide that explains the actual workflow.
Set up WeChat
Register WeChat, understand WeChat Pay, and avoid common account setup problems.
Find places and routes
Use Amap for Chinese addresses, metro exits, ride pickup points, and nearby services.
Call a ride
Compare DiDi, Amap ride-hailing, Alipay ride entry points, taxis, and hotel help.
Buy train tickets
Use 12306 for official schedules and Trip.com when you need a more English-friendly route.
Book hotels and flights
Use Trip.com for hotel booking, passport details, domestic flights, trains, and support.
Order food
Use Meituan, WeChat or Alipay mini programs, and address basics for food delivery.
Shop and receive parcels
Prepare addresses, pickup codes, courier calls, and parcel workflows before ordering.
App manuals
Download the right app, then use the guides for the task.
App pages stay intentionally short. They explain what the app is for, link to official download sources, and collect the best China Life Kit guides that use that app.
MediumCards: Partial
Alipay
China's essential payment and daily services app.
Setup time: 15-30 minutes
MediumCards: No
Amap
A Chinese map app for finding stores, planning metro routes, checking addresses, and navigating daily life.
Setup time: 10-20 minutes
AdvancedCards: Varies
12306
The official China Railway app for checking and booking train tickets.
Setup time: 20-45 minutes
EasyCards: Good
Trip.com
A foreigner-friendly booking app for China hotels, domestic flights, high-speed trains, and travel support.
Setup time: 10-20 minutes
MediumCards: Partial
China’s essential messaging, payments, mini program, and everyday identity app.
Setup time: 20-30 minutes
EasyCards: Varies
DiDi
China’s major ride-hailing app for taxis, private cars, airport transfers, and city movement.
Setup time: 10-15 minutes
MediumCards: Varies
Meituan
A major local-life app for food delivery, restaurants, groceries, deals, and everyday services.
Setup time: 20-30 minutes