China’s tourist numbers are estimated to increase rapidly in the coming years with the World Trade Organization (WTO) estimating that by 2020 the country will rank number one in the worldwide tourism sector.Â
The land of the Great Wall of China, the Five Sacred Mountains, the Shaolin Temple, the Huangguoshu Waterfall, the Forbidden City, the Three Gorges, and other naturally, culturally and historically important sites, China is indeed one of the most coveted tourist destinations in the world.
China – 60.7 million visitors. And You.Â
Currency: Yuan * Capital: Beijing * Population: 1,439,323,776 * Calling code: +86
Must-Have Apps for China Visitors
China has rapidly embraced technology, and having the right apps can significantly enhance your travel experience. Here are some essential ones:
Payment and Transportation
- Alipay or WeChat Pay: These are the dominant payment methods in China. You can use them for almost everything, from buying food to taking taxis.
- Didi Chuxing: The Chinese equivalent of Uber, it’s widely used for booking rides.
- MetroMan: This app provides subway maps and navigation for major cities.
Travel and Information
- Trip.com: A comprehensive travel app for booking flights, trains, hotels, and tours
- Baidu Maps: While Google Maps is restricted in China, Baidu Maps offers detailed maps and navigation.
- 12306: The official app for booking high-speed train tickets.
Communication and Language
- WeChat: Beyond payments, WeChat is a popular messaging app with social media features. It’s also used for business interactions.
- Google Translate: While not as accessible as in other countries, it can be helpful for basic translations.
- Waygo: This app translates text from images, useful for menus and signs.
Additional Recommendations
- VPN: Due to internet restrictions, a VPN can be essential for accessing blocked websites and apps.
- Air Matters: This app provides real-time air quality information, especially useful in major cities.
Important Note: While these apps are generally helpful, it’s worth noting that China’s internet environment is different from many other countries. Some apps might experience limitations or be inaccessible.