Must-have apps for visiting Xi'an. Maps, translation, transportation, and payment apps every China traveler needs.
Must-have apps for visiting Xi'an. Maps, translation, transportation, and payment apps every China traveler needs.
Navigating China without the right apps is challenging. Google services are blocked, so you need local alternatives. Here's your complete app guide for Xi'an travel.
Many apps on this list are unavailable or very hard to download once you're in China. Install everything on this list BEFORE you board your flight!
| App | Purpose | Must Download |
|---|---|---|
| Baidu Maps | Primary navigation | ✓ Essential |
| AMAP (Gaode) | Alternative maps | ✓ Essential |
| Apple Maps | iPhone backup | Recommended |
| MAPS.me | Offline maps | Recommended |
The most comprehensive mapping app in China. Features include:
Excellent for driver navigation. Used by most Didi drivers:
| App | Purpose | Must Download |
|---|---|---|
| Didi | Taxis & rides | ✓ Essential |
| 12306 | Train tickets | ✓ Essential |
| Metro Man | Subway routes | Recommended |
| HelloBike | Bike sharing | Recommended |
China's ride-hailing giant (equivalent to Uber):
Official train ticket booking app:
| App | Purpose | Must Download |
|---|---|---|
| Microsoft Translator | Best offline support | ✓ Essential |
| Google Translate | Camera translation | ✓ Essential |
| Pleco | Chinese dictionary | Recommended |
Best choice for China travel:
Best for reading Chinese:
Download FULL Chinese language packs for offline use. Without internet, cloud-based translation won't work. Do this before your trip!
See our dedicated guides for setting up these apps with foreign credit cards.
| App | Purpose | Must Download |
|---|---|---|
| Meituan | Food delivery | ✓ Essential |
| 大众点评 | Restaurant reviews | Recommended |
| OpenTable | Fancy dining | Optional |
China's largest delivery platform:
WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, and many other Western apps are blocked in China. You'll need a VPN to use them. Download and set up your VPN BEFORE arriving in China!
✓ Alipay
✓ WeChat
✓ Baidu Maps
✓ AMAP (Gaode)
✓ Didi
✓ 12306
✓ Microsoft Translator (+ Chinese offline pack)
✓ Google Translate (+ Chinese offline pack)
✓ Pleco
✓ Meituan
✓ MAPS.me
✓ Your VPN app
✓ Hotel app (if available)
Essential preparation tips for your Xi'an adventure
Complete transportation guide for Xi'an
Where to eat and what to try in Xi'an
Essential apps: Alipay, WeChat, Didi, Amap/Gaode, Meituan, 12306, and Baidu Translate. Download all before arriving as some require Chinese phone numbers.
Google Maps works but is inaccurate due to coordinate offset. Use Amap instead - it has English mode and accurate directions. Apple Maps also works reliably.
Yes, a VPN is essential to access Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, and other blocked services. Download and set up your VPN before arriving in China.
No, Uber does not operate in China. Use Didi Chuxing instead. Didi has an English interface in its mini-program within WeChat or Alipay.
Alipay and WeChat Pay cover virtually everything. Set up Alipay Tour Pass or link your international credit card. Cash is rarely needed.