Necessary Apps for China Travel

Railway 12306 Guide

Everything you need to know about using the official Chinese train booking app.

How to Install

Step 1: Download App

Step 2: Install App

Step 3: Open App

Step 4: Register

Step 5: Search Trains

Step 6: Book Tickets

How to Take Train

Step 1: Take Train

Step 2: Check Ticket

Travel Tips

• Document Consistency:
  Carry the original passport used for registration; copies/photos are invalid.
• Refund & Rescheduling:
  Refund fees: Free ≥8 days before departure; 5% (48h8d), 10% (24h48h), 20% (<24h).
  Rescheduling: Allowed once, up to 30 minutes before departure.
• App Service Time:
  Query and ticket refund services: 24 hours a day
  Ticket purchase: Daily 5:00 AM to 1:00 AM (next day) China Standard Time(CST); Every Tuesday: 5:00 AM to 11:30 PM CST
• Limitation of free cabin luggage:
  20 kg for adults and 10 kg for children.
  The maximum dimension of each item is 160cm in total (rod-shaped items 200 cm) for traditional trains, and 130 cm for bullet trains.

Source: Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book)

WeChat Guide

A comprehensive guide to using WeChat in China.

Step 1-2: Register an Account and Verify Identity

Step 3-4: Set Up Profile and Add Friends

Step 5-6: Add Friends and Start Chatting

Step 7-8: Explore Features

WeChat Pay

What is WeChat Pay?

Where to use WeChat Pay?

Where to use WeChat Pay?

How to use WeChat Pay?

Source: Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book)

DiDi Guide

A comprehensive guide to using DiDi for ride-hailing in China.

Step 1-2: Download and Register

Step 3-4: Set Up Profile

Step 5-6: Book a Ride

Source: Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book)

Dianping Guide

A comprehensive guide to using Dianping for local business reviews in China.

Step 1-2: Download and Register

Step 3-4: Set Up Profile

Step 5-6: Explore Restaurants

Step 7-8: Read Reviews

Step 9-10: Make Reservations

Step 11-12: Leave Reviews

Source: Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book)

Alipay Guide

A comprehensive guide to using Alipay for digital payments in China.

How to Install

Step 1: Install and Open

Step 2: Register Account

Step 3: Verify Identity

Step 4: Set Up Password

Step 5: Add Payment Method

Step 6: Complete Setup

Step 7: How to Use Alipay

Step 8: Important Notes

Step 9: Checklist

Source: Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book)

Amap Baidu Maps Guide

A comprehensive guide to using mapping apps in China.

Amap

Step 1: Download and Install

Step 2: Set Up and Use