
Best Travel Apps & Websites in Shenzhen, China
1. DiDi Chuxing
DiDi is a popular ride-hailing app in Shenzhen, making it easy to get around the city. It’s great for hailing taxis or private cars, even if you don’t speak Mandarin. It offers real-time tracking and cashless payment options.
- Language Support: Offers an English interface for non-Mandarin speakers.
- Payment Flexibility: Accepts multiple payment methods, including international bank cards.
- Safety Features: Includes safety features like ride tracking and emergency contact sharing.
2. China Metro
Shenzhen: This app provides current subway maps and schedules, which is essential for navigating Shenzhen's extensive metro system. It's particularly helpful for visitors new to the city. You can plan your route and see train arrival times.
- Real-Time Updates: Offers live train schedules and updates.
- User-Friendly Interface: Easy to read subway maps and train times.
- Offline Access: Maps are available offline to save data.
3. Baidu Maps
Although primarily in Mandarin, Baidu Maps offers detailed maps and directions for Shenzhen. This app provides a wide range of navigation options, including public transport, driving, walking, and biking. It’s widely used by locals for accurate directional guidance.
- Comprehensive Mapping: Has extensive coverage of Shenzhen, including less-trodden areas.
- Multiple Transport Options: Supports navigation for various transport modes.
- Local Popularity: Trusted and widely used by locals, ensuring updated data.
4. Ctrip (Trip.com)
Ctrip is a travel app that assists with booking hotels, flights, and train tickets within Shenzhen and beyond. It often has discounts and special local deals. The multilingual support makes it accessible to international travelers.
- Booking Versatility: Books flights, hotels, and train tickets.
- Exclusive Discounts: Offers special deals and promotions.
- Multilingual Support: Available in multiple languages including English.
5. SmartShanghai
Although Shanghai-focused, this app offers user reviews and recommendations for restaurants and attractions including Shenzhen. It's useful for discovering dining spots and events. The community-based ratings provide trustworthy insights.
- Authentic Reviews: Community reviews offer credible advice.
- Event Listings: Lists current events and happenings.
- Dining Suggestions: Recommends popular local dining spots.
6. Meituan-Dianping
Meituan-Dianping is ideal for finding Shenzhen's best dining spots, shops, and entertainment. The app provides user reviews and can also facilitate discount bookings. It’s essential for sampling local cuisine and enjoying nightlife.
- Discounts and Deals: Offers significant savings on meals and activities.
- Comprehensive Listings: Extensive list of restaurants and shops.
- User Reviews: Real-user feedback helps in decision-making.
7. Pleco
For travelers needing help with translation, Pleco is a powerful Chinese dictionary app. It includes text recognition and audio pronunciations to make communicating in Shenzhen easier. The app works offline, ensuring usefulness in all areas.
- Translation Accuracy: Provides accurate dictionary translations.
- Text Recognition: Can translate written characters.
- Offline Usability: Works without internet for on-the-go assistance.
8. Klook
Klook offers booking options for local attractions and tours in Shenzhen. It provides convenience through mobile tickets and exclusive package deals. This is helpful for planning activities and avoiding long lines.
- Mobile Tickets: Purchase and use tickets directly from your phone.
- Exclusive Packages: Access to bundled deals for cost-effectiveness.
- User Reviews: Check experiences of fellow travelers.
9. WeChat
Essential for involvement in the local lifestyle, WeChat combines messaging, social media, and payment services. It is China's most popular social app, widely used for paying, chatting, and staying in touch. Visitors can also use it to follow Shenzhen-specific channels for tips and alerts.
- Multifunctional Use: Integrated chatting, payment, and social media.
- Local Engagement: Connects with local WeChat channels for news.
- Payment System: Commonly used for payments everywhere in Shenzhen.
10. Air Visual
Offers real-time air quality updates and weather forecasts for Shenzhen. As air quality can fluctuate, this app helps travelers plan their day. It provides alerts on severe pollution days.
- Real-Time Data: Constantly updated air quality index.
- Weather Forecasts: Includes weather conditions and forecasts.
- Health Suggestions: Provides health advice based on air conditions.
11. Google Translate
Useful for travelers needing quick translations, this app can translate text, voice, and even images. While not Shenzhen-specific, the translation covers many dialects. It enables better communication with locals.
- Multi-Format Translation: Supports text, voice, and image translations.
- Language Variety: Encompasses a broad range of Chinese dialects.
- Interactive Use: Enhances real-time communication with locals.
12. Booking.com
Helps travelers find and book accommodations in Shenzhen. It’s valuable for comparing prices and amenities at various hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Reviews from past guests aid decision-making.
- Extensive Options: Numerous lodging options available.
- Customer Reviews: Offers reliable feedback from other travelers.
- Price Comparison: Allows for checking and comparing rates.
13. Air China App
Provides booking and flight management for trips to or within China, including Shenzhen. It allows travelers to check-in, select seats, and monitor flight schedules. It’s useful for managing flight itineraries seamlessly.
- Booking Efficiency: Facilitates easy flight bookings.
- Flight Management: Includes check-in and seat selection features.
- Real-Time Notifications: Updates users on flight status changes.
14. QQ Music
A popular music streaming app in China useful for setting the mood during travel. Access extensive music libraries, playlists, and radio stations that adapt to your taste. It’s perfect for enjoying local and popular music.
- Expansive Library: Offers a vast selection of songs and genres.
- Custom Playlists: Curates personalized music experiences.
- Offline Listening: Supports downloading for offline enjoyment.
15. Dianping English Version
An English version of the popular Meituan-Dianping app, focusing on reviews for restaurants and nightlife in Shenzhen. This app is perfect for foreign visitors who want to enjoy the local scene. You can filter options based on location and preferences.
- Language Support: English interface simplifies searching.
- Local Insights: Provides valuable insights into dining and activities.
- Custom Filters: Allows preference-based filtering for targeted results.
16. OpenRice
Initially launched in Hong Kong, OpenRice is now used in Shenzhen for finding great places to eat. It offers user-generated reviews, ratings, and photos of dishes. Efficient for discovering new dining experiences.
- Detailed Info: User reviews include detailed, helpful feedback.
- Visual Content: Dish photos give a preview of meals.
- Cross-Border Reach: Connections to both Hong Kong and Shenzhen dining.
17. CTRIP Train Booking
Specializes in booking train tickets across China, essential for regional travel. With comprehensive search options, it provides routes and ticket availability for Shenzhen. The app is convenient for planning day trips or further exploration.
- Ticket Availability: Updates on ticket status for routes.
- Route Versatility: Supports multiple route searches.
- User Convenience: User-friendly interface for easy bookings.
18. Uber VPN
Provides secure internet access, which is beneficial due to China's internet restrictions. It ensures travelers can access blocked apps or services during their stay. Useful for maintaining online connectivity.
- Security Assurance: Provides a secure online connection.
- Freedom of Access: Allows access to restricted apps/services.
- Ease of Setup: Simple installation and use for travelers.
19. MTR Mobile
Focuses on the regional rail networks connecting Shenzhen and Hong Kong. It helps users check train schedules, service updates, and purchase tickets. Essential for seamless cross-border train travel.
- Cross-Regional Utility: Integrates services across Hong Kong and Shenzhen.
- Timely Updates: Provides the latest service notifications.
- Ticketing Services: Purchases tickets directly through the app.
20. Alipay
A comprehensive mobile payment platform, Alipay is crucial in Shenzhen for shopping, dining, and transport services. It supports various transactions and ensures smooth financial dealings without cash. The app also offers English navigation for easier use by foreigners.
- Integration Capabilities: Used widely for all types of payments.
- Language Accessibility: Offers an English interface for global users.
- Convenient Transactions: Facilitates quick and cashless transactions.