Apps

The China apps that actually work: maps, payments, ride-hailing and chat, plus what still needs a VPN.

China Apps That Work Without a VPN (2026): What to Download

Most Western apps are blocked in China, but the Chinese apps that replace them work without a VPN. What to download (Amap, Alipay, WeChat, DiDi, Pleco) and when you still need a VPN.

8 min read· June 29, 2026

Essential Apps to Download Before You Travel to China (2026)

Western apps are blocked in China and local apps can be hard to install once you arrive. The essential China travel apps to download before you fly in 2026.

9 min read· June 14, 2026