China Essentials
City discovery, travel preparation and everyday life in China — with practical guides for the apps, places and moments that matter.
Two apps. One easier way into China.
Discover the places, practical knowledge and language that make China feel more familiar — before you arrive and while you are here.
Meet the appsPractical help for the journey and the language.
Learn Chinese:
New HSK 2026
Scenic spaced-repetition flashcards, clear grammar and focused HSK practice for a learning habit that lasts.
Explore Learn Chinese
Coming to the App Store
Built first for international students.
The current experience prioritizes the preparation, apps and everyday guidance students need before arrival and during their first weeks in China.
Student essentials
Practical preparation, core China apps, packing support, useful language and city guidance.
Traveller features
More dedicated planning and on-the-ground tools for independent trips and shorter stays.
Business features
Focused support for professional visits, work routines and longer business stays.
App essentials, explained clearly.
Step-by-step guidance for the apps foreigners rely on in China — from getting the right version to using key features with confidence.
- Get the appFind the right version and download with confidence.
- Set it upCreate your account and complete the important settings.
- Use it wellUnderstand the essentials for daily life.
- Stay preparedKeep security tips and common fixes close by.
Payments in China
- 1. Choose your payment appUnderstand the main options and what you need to register.
- 2. Set up your accountAdd your details and review security settings.
- 3. Learn the everyday actionsScan, pay, receive and check transactions.
- 4. Keep a backupKnow what to do if a payment method is unavailable.
Prepare before the suitcase closes.
Build a practical plan for the details that are easy to miss and difficult to solve after arrival.
DocumentsPassports, visas where required, copies and emergency contacts.
ConnectivitySIM or eSIM options, offline maps and essential access planning.
PaymentsBring a backup method and prepare mobile payments where possible.
Health and arrivalMedication, insurance, your address in Chinese and first-day transport.
Know where you’re going.
City guides bring together the practical local knowledge that helps a new place feel manageable, from the first journey into town to a free afternoon.
Getting aroundTransport options, station basics and useful routes.
NeighbourhoodsUnderstand the shape and character of the city.
Food and cultureLocal context and ideas for making the most of your time.
Practical detailsUseful knowledge for everyday plans and common situations.
Words for the moments that matter.
Useful Mandarin phrases for arrivals, transport, food, shopping and emergencies — with pronunciation support designed for real situations.
你好
Nǐ hǎoHello
谢谢
XièxieThank you
请帮我
Qǐng bāng wǒPlease help me
Build your China confidence.
China Essentials is now available to beta testers on iPhone and Android. Find community details and share your beta feedback here.