Understanding China’s Many Mobile Apps
Discover the Chinese equivalents of your favourite western apps.
Ever wondered what apps Chinese people use instead of Facebook, WhatsApp, or YouTube?
While Australians can bypass China’s internet restrictions with a VPN, China has an innovative digital ecosystem with popular mobile apps such as WeChat or Weibo that locals use daily to communicate and transact.
This guide uncovers the Chinese equivalents of your favourite western apps, perfect for curious tech-savvy traveler’s looking to adapt to the local digital environment.
TLDR: China has many, many apps — just like in the west:
| Category | Western Platforms | Chinese Platforms |
|---|---|---|
| Messaging | WhatsApp, Messenger, FaceTime | WeChat, QQ |
| E-Commerce | Amazon, eBay, Walmart | Taobao, JD.com, Tmall |
| Social Networking | Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok | WeChat, Weibo, Douyin |
| Search Engine | Google, Bing, Yahoo | Baidu, Sogou, 360 Search |
| Food Delivery | Uber Eats, Menulog, Deliveroo, DoorDash | Meituan, Ele.me |
| Q&A Forums | Quora, Reddit, Stack Overflow | Zhihu, Baidu Tieba |
| Blogging | WordPress, Tumblr, Medium | WeChat Official Accounts, Sina Blog, Douban |
| Photo Sharing | Instagram, Flickr, Snapchat | Xiaohongshu (RED), Meitu |
| Video Entertainment | YouTube, Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, TikTok | iQiyi, Youku, Bilibili, Tencent Video |
| Music Platforms | Spotify, Apple Music | QQ Music, Kugou, Kuwo |
| Lifestyle/Design | Pinterest, Houzz | Xiaohongshu (RED), Qyer |
| Professional Networking | LinkedIn, Glassdoor, Indeed | Maimai, Liepin |
| Encyclopedia | Wikipedia, Britannica | Baidu Baike |
| Film & TV Reviews | Rotten Tomatoes, IMDb, Metacritic | Douban, Maoyan, Taopiaopiao |
Communication Apps
Staying in touch with friends, family, or locals is a priority when traveling. Here are the Chinese alternatives to your go-to messaging and social media apps:
WhatsApp → WeChat (微信)
WeChat is the king of communication in China. It’s more than just a messaging app—it’s a super app that lets you chat, make payments, book taxis, and even order food. Download WeChat before you arrive, as it’s a must-have for staying connected.
X → Weibo (微博)
If you’re used to sharing updates on X, Weibo is China’s equivalent microblogging platform. It’s a great way to follow local trends, news, and influencers.
Messenger → QQQQ
Developed by Tencent, is another popular messaging app in China. It’s widely used for both personal and professional communication and offers features like group chats and file sharing.
Facebook → Qzone (QQ空间)
Qzone is a social networking platform where users can share photos, blogs, and updates. It’s a good alternative if you’re missing Facebook’s social features.
Social Media and Content Platforms
China has a vibrant social media scene, with platforms that cater to a variety of interests, from short videos to lifestyle sharing.
Instagram → Rednote (Little Red Book) (小红书)
Rednote, also known as Xiaohongshu (or Little Red Book), is a mix of Instagram and Pinterest. It’s popular for lifestyle content, travel tips, and product reviews, making it a great app for discovering local recommendations.
Reddit → Tieba (贴吧)
Tieba is a forum-based platform by Baidu where users discuss topics in dedicated communities. It’s a good place to dive into niche interests or ask for local advice.
TikTok → Douyin (抖音)
Fun fact: TikTok’s Chinese version is called Douyin, and it’s even more popular in China. If you love short, creative videos, Douyin will keep you entertained.
Tinder → Tantan (探探)
For those looking to meet new people or date while in China, Tantan is the go-to app. It’s similar to Tinder, with a swipe-based interface for matching with others.
Entertainment and Streaming
Whether you’re looking to binge-watch shows or stream videos, China has its own versions of popular entertainment platforms.
Netflix → iQIYI (爱奇艺)
iQIYI is one of China’s leading streaming platforms, offering a wide range of TV shows, movies, and variety programs. It’s a great way to enjoy Chinese entertainment during your trip.
YouTube → Bilibili
Bilibili is a video-sharing platform popular among younger audiences. It’s known for its anime, gaming, and user-generated content, making it a fun alternative to YouTube.
Navigation and Travel
Getting around in China can be tricky without the right tools. Google maps doesn’t always work (even with VPN), and lacks up-to-date info. These apps will help you navigate and travel with ease.
Google Maps → Amap (高德地图)
Amap (Gaode Ditu) is a reliable mapping app for China. It offers detailed maps, public transportation routes, and driving directions, all in Chinese (though some versions have English support).
Uber → Didi (滴滴出行)
Didi Chuxing is China’s equivalent of Uber. It’s the most popular ride-hailing app in the country, allowing you to book taxis, private cars, and even shared rides. Didi has an English version which isn’t difficult to use. You can also hail a Didi from within the AliPay app.
Yelp → Dianping (大众点评)
Dianping is the go-to app for finding restaurants, attractions, and local services. It’s like Yelp but with a stronger focus on user reviews and ratings, helping you discover the best spots to eat and explore.
Shopping and Payments
China is a leader in fast mobile payments, and cash is rarely used in cities. These apps will help you shop and pay like a local.
PayPal → Alipay (支付宝)
Alipay, developed by Ant Group, is one of China’s most popular mobile payment platforms. You can use it to pay for almost anything, from street food to train tickets. Set it up with your bank card before you go. Remember to choose a bank card without a foreign exchange fee (e.g. Macquarie bank Mastercard debit).
Read our Alipay Guide
Temu → Taobao (淘宝)
Taobao is China’s largest online shopping platform, known for its huge variety of products at competitive prices. It’s a marketplace where small businesses and individuals sell directly to consumers. Whether you’re after everyday essentials or niche items, Taobao has it all!
Search and Browsing
Without access to Google, you’ll need a local search engine to find information online.
Chrome (Google Search) → Baidu (百度)
Baidu is China’s leading search engine. While it’s primarily in Chinese, it’s still useful for looking up local information, businesses, and services.
Have you used any of these apps during your travels?
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