Navigation: Gaode Maps (Amap) or Baidu Maps - Chinese UI with pinyin, live bus and metro routing; ride-hailing via Didi (English available).
Translation: Apple's built-in translator, Google Translate (download offline packs before departure) or Youdao Translator - photo translation works on menus and signs.
Payment: Alipay plus WeChat (bind cards as described); both power metro and bus QR codes.
Tickets and stays: 12306 (high-speed rail), Trip.com international (flights and hotels), Meituan (delivery, group deals, attraction tickets).
Social and tools: WeChat is the "super app" (chat, pay, mini-programs); Xiaohongshu has travel guides in English; use the built-in weather app or Muji Tianqi.
Note: installing apps inside China needs a local App Store/Android account; download everything on the overseas store before you fly. Some apps need a Chinese number to register - finish after buying a SIM at the airport.
