Welcome to China! Once you arrive, you'll realize that daily life here is incredibly digitized — from ordering food and paying rent to booking train tickets and navigating your way across the city.
To make your transition smoother, here's a curated list of must-have Chinese apps that international students swear by.
WeChat
Purpose: Messaging/Social/Payments/Mini-Programs
China's all-in-one app. You'll use it to chat with classmates, join university groups, pay at stores, scan QR codes, book a taxi, and even access campus services.
Alipay
Purpose: Mobile payments/Utility bills/Campus card recharge
A powerful alternative to WeChat Pay, often used for online purchases and managing finances. Many universities also use Alipay for tuition and dorm fees.
Baidu Maps/ Amap
Purpose: Navigation/Bus & subway routes/Walking directions
Your best bet for finding your way around. They can show real-time subway and bus arrivals.
Meituan/ Ele.me
Purpose: Food delivery/Grocery/Local services
Don't feel like going out? Use these apps to order everything from bubble tea to hotpot. You can also use them for laundry, house cleaning, and even haircuts.
12306 / Ctrip
Purpose: Train & flight ticket booking
12306 is the official railway app (requires Chinese ID or passport registration). Ctrip offers a more user-friendly interface for foreign users.
Taobao / JD.com
Purpose: Online shopping
From electronics to dorm supplies, these are China's biggest e-commerce platforms. JD.com is known for fast delivery, while Taobao has more variety.
Most apps are in Chinese — don't worry! Many now offer basic English, and your Chinese will improve faster than you think. Try exploring with a positive attitude!
