Best Travel Apps & Websites in Beijing, China

Beijing, China, Beijing, Travel Planning & Tips Pages, Best Travel Apps & Websites

Best Travel Apps & Websites in Beijing, China

1. DiDi Chuxing

This is the most popular ride-hailing app in Beijing, making it easy to book taxis or private cars. The app addresses the challenge of language barriers with its simplified interface and in-app translation. It also offers convenient payment options using WeChat or Alipay.
  • Ease of Use: Intuitive interface catered to non-native speakers.
  • Payment Options: Offers multiple digital payment methods.
  • Real-time Tracking: Provides live tracking of your ride for safety.

2. Baidu Maps

Baidu Maps offers comprehensive mapping services for Beijing, providing directions, public transportation schedules, and traffic updates. The map data is more detailed than international alternatives and is locally optimized. This app helps overcome navigation challenges for visitors unfamiliar with the city.
  • Detail Level: Highly detailed maps of Beijing.
  • Language Support: Primarily in Chinese; translations might be needed.
  • Public Transport Integration: Includes detailed bus and subway routes.

3. WeChat

While a messaging app primarily, WeChat serves many functions such as payments, hotel bookings, and ticket reservations in Beijing. Its popularity among locals makes it a vital tool for communication and transactions. The app helps travelers integrate into the local lifestyle.
  • Multi-functionality: Combines messaging, payments, and reservations.
  • Popularity: Widely used and accepted across Beijing.
  • Language Support: Initially in Chinese, with some English options.

4. Airpocalypse

This app provides real-time air quality information in Beijing, alerting users about smog levels. As air quality can vary greatly in the city, it helps travelers plan their outdoor activities. The app addresses health precautions related to air pollution.
  • Data Accuracy: Provides comprehensive real-time air quality data.
  • Health Alerts: Offers notifications for poor air quality days.
  • User Interface: Simple, easy-to-understand design.

5. Ctrip

Ctrip, also known as Trip.com, is a one-stop travel service provider that offers hotel bookings, tickets, and tours specifically tailored for traveling in Beijing. It simplifies the travel planning process by consolidating all bookings in one place. Its comprehensive options help travelers save time.
  • Comprehensive Offerings: Includes flights, hotels, and local tours.
  • Language Support: Available in multiple languages.
  • Customer Service: Provides real-time assistance for customers.

6. The Great Wall of China Tour App

This app is specifically designed for exploring various sections of the Great Wall surrounding Beijing. It offers guides, entry information, and historical context. This app aids in planning a personalized Great Wall adventure.
  • Historical Context: Offers detailed information about each section.
  • Navigation Tips: Provides maps and travel advice for visiting different areas.
  • Booking Features: Allows for advance ticket purchases.

7. Dianping

Often described as the Yelp of China, Dianping offers detailed reviews and ratings for restaurants, shops, and attractions in Beijing. It solves the challenge of finding quality food and experiences in an unfamiliar city. The app helps users discover popular and hidden gems alike.
  • User Reviews: High volume, detailed reviews from locals.
  • Search Filters: Offers various criteria to refine searches.
  • Language Barrier: Primarily in Chinese, limiting for non-speakers.

8. China Metro

China Metro is specifically designed to help navigate Beijing's extensive subway system with maps, schedules, and fare information. It assists travelers in getting around efficiently without needing to rely on taxis or buses. The app mitigates the complexities of public transportation.
  • Offline Capability: Maps and schedules available offline.
  • User-Friendly Design: Guides users through complex paths.
  • Language Options: Interface available in English.

9. Pleco

Pleco is a highly regarded Chinese-English dictionary app that aids in communication and translations while visiting Beijing. It offers features like character recognition and audio pronunciation. The app is essential for overcoming language barriers.
  • Versatility: Features like OCR and audio help translations.
  • Extensive Database: Large dictionary with idiomatic expressions.
  • Offline Use: Many features do not require an internet connection.

10. Ele.me

Ele.me is one of Beijing's top food delivery apps, allowing travelers to order their favorite meals from local eateries. It solves the challenge of getting food without language worries or dining out. Its extensive network serves a variety of culinary preferences.
  • Wide Selection: Access to countless restaurants and cuisines.
  • Timely Delivery: Quick and efficient delivery services.
  • Language Barrier: App is primarily in Chinese, limited English options.

11. Meituan

Meituan offers discounts and deals on various services like dining, hotels, and entertainment in Beijing. It helps travelers find affordable options and save money while exploring the city. This app is ideal for budget-conscious tourists.
  • Discount Variety: Wide range of local service discounts.
  • Payment Integration: Accepts digital payments via WeChat and Alipay.
  • Language Support: Mainly in Chinese; English usage is limited.

12. Weibo

Considered the Twitter of China, Weibo functions as a social media platform providing insights and events in Beijing. The app allows travelers to stay updated on local trends, events, and culture. It fosters cultural understanding and awareness.
  • Real-Time Updates: Live news and cultural trends.
  • Popularity: Widely used by locals, offering authentic insights.
  • Language Barrier: Main content in Chinese, with minimal translations.

13. Koubei

Koubei is an app for discovering local dining deals and events in Beijing, offering user reviews and promotions. It addresses issues of finding reliable, budget-friendly dining options quickly. The app serves as a local guide for eateries.
  • User Reviews: Reliable and extensive local insights.
  • Promotions: Exclusive local dining offer.
  • Language: Primarily in Chinese, making navigation challenging for non-speakers.

14. SmartShanghai

Though originally targeting another city, this app provides valuable travel information about Beijing, especially for long-term travelers. It offers city guides, event updates, and food reviews in English. It overcomes informational gaps for English-speaking visitors.
  • English Content: Entire app available in English.
  • Expat Focus: Tailored advice for longer stays.
  • Event Listings: Comprehensive calendar of city events.

15. Alipay

As a digital wallet popular in Beijing, Alipay offers convenient payment options for travelers across services like shopping, dining, and attractions. It solves the challenge of handling cash and currency conversions. The app facilitates seamless financial transactions.
  • Integration: Widely accepted across Beijing establishments.
  • Convenience: Simplifies cashless payments.
  • Multi-functional: Beyond payments, offers services like utility bills.

16. Panda Guide

This app is a tour guide in your pocket, providing audio guides for Beijing's landmarks and museums, helping visitors understand the history and culture without needing a human guide. It solves the challenge of language and cultural knowledge barriers.
  • Self-Guided Tours: Independence in exploration.
  • Accurate Information: Professionally curated content.
  • Language Support: Multiple languages available, including English.

17. Smart Beijing

Smart Beijing offers event listings, restaurant reviews, and the latest happenings in Beijing geared towards an international audience. It focuses on providing clear, bilingual information for non-Chinese speakers. This app is vital for cultural and social integration into city life.
  • Bilingual Content: Available in both English and Chinese.
  • Cultural Focus: Emphasis on art and cultural events.
  • Dining Guide: Reviews and recommendations for eateries.

18. Lazhu Beijing

Lazhu Beijing offers real-time information about local art shows, indie music, and underground events, mostly inaccessible to non-locals. As a digital insider's guide, it allows tourists to delve into Beijing's alternate scenes. It resolves the issue of finding unique cultural events.
  • Indie Scene Focus: Specializes in niche events.
  • Exclusivity: Access to less-publicized gatherings.
  • Language Limitation: Primarily in Chinese, necessitating translation.

19. Discover Beijing

This app is dedicated to offering virtual and interactive tours of Beijing's top landmarks, allowing travelers to explore when physical access is limited. It ensures tourists do not miss out on cultural experiences due to time or weather constraints. The app helps overcome accessibility issues.
  • Virtual Tours: Engaging and educative experiences.
  • Interactive Features: Allows virtual exploration of landmarks.
  • Accessibility: Offers travel experiences irrespective of physical barriers.

20. Chinarundreisen App

Specifically targeted towards German tourists, this app offers detailed guides and travel plans for exploring Beijing and surrounding areas. It handles language and logistical challenges for German speakers. It is an important tool in arranging an organized and informed visit.
  • Language Specificity: Tailored contents for German-speaking travelers.
  • Comprehensive Guide: Detailed cultural and historical insights.
  • Logistics Support: Simplified travel arrangements.