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China Visit Apps for Overseas Buyers

Essential payment, communication, maps, ride-hailing, train, travel and translation apps for buyers visiting China.

Payment in China

Set up payment apps before arriving when possible. Payment support, verification, card binding and availability may change.

Alipay

External resource
Category
Payment in China
Best for
Local payments and China travel services during sourcing trips
When to use it
Before arriving in China and during factory visits, Yiwu trips or fair visits
Buyer warning
Overseas card binding, verification and service availability may change.
Related internal tool
service need finder
Visit WebsiteUse related toolService support

WeChat Pay

External resource
Category
Payment in China
Best for
Local payments connected to WeChat communication and services
When to use it
Before or during China travel when local payment options are needed
Buyer warning
Payment access, account verification and card support may vary by user.
Related internal tool
service need finder
Visit WebsiteUse related toolService support

Communication

WeChat is commonly used for supplier communication, local contacts, group chats and business communication in China.

WeChat

External resource
Category
Communication
Best for
Supplier messages, local contacts, group chats and meeting coordination
When to use it
Before supplier meetings, factory visits, market visits and fair follow-up
Buyer warning
Important order terms should still be confirmed in written RFQs, PIs or contracts.
Related internal tool
rfq email generator
Visit WebsiteUse related toolService support

Maps & Navigation

Useful for navigation, factory visits, hotel-to-supplier routes, market visits and local transport planning.

AMap

External resource
Category
Maps & Navigation
Best for
China local navigation, routes and address checks
When to use it
When planning factory visits, supplier routes, market visits and hotel transfers
Buyer warning
Always verify supplier addresses before visiting.
Related internal tool
industrial belts
Visit WebsiteUse related toolService support

Baidu Maps

External resource
Category
Maps & Navigation
Best for
Chinese address search and local route planning
When to use it
When checking local factory, market, hotel or fair venue locations
Buyer warning
Chinese map results may still need local confirmation.
Related internal tool
industrial belts
Visit WebsiteUse related toolService support

Ride-hailing

Useful for getting around during factory visits, market visits, trade fair trips and city travel.

DiDi

External resource
Category
Ride-hailing
Best for
City transport between hotels, suppliers, markets and fair venues
When to use it
When arranging local transport during a sourcing trip
Buyer warning
Payment, language and service availability can vary by city and account.
Related internal tool
service need finder
Visit WebsiteUse related toolService support

Train & Travel Booking

Useful for booking trains, hotels, flights and intercity travel during China sourcing trips.

12306

External resource
Category
Train & Travel Booking
Best for
China train ticketing and intercity travel planning
When to use it
When visiting factories or markets across multiple cities
Buyer warning
Passport, account and payment requirements may change.
Related internal tool
service need finder
Visit WebsiteUse related toolService support

Trip.com

External resource
Category
Train & Travel Booking
Best for
Hotels, flights, trains and travel planning for China visits
When to use it
When arranging sourcing-trip logistics before or during travel
Buyer warning
Confirm cancellation rules, passport requirements and Chinese addresses.
Related internal tool
service need finder
Visit WebsiteUse related toolService support

Translation

Useful for basic communication, product terms, supplier messages and travel situations.

Google Translate

External resource
Category
Translation
Best for
Basic translation for supplier messages and travel situations
When to use it
When checking product terms, short messages or signs
Buyer warning
Do not rely on machine translation for contracts, specs or payment terms.
Related internal tool
1688 chinese keyword generator
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DeepL

External resource
Category
Translation
Best for
Supplier message and sourcing note translation
When to use it
When comparing translated RFQs, replies or inspection notes
Buyer warning
Confirm important technical or legal language with a person.
Related internal tool
rfq email generator
Visit WebsiteUse related toolService support

Local Services

Useful for finding restaurants, local services, business meals and nearby places.

Meituan

External resource
Category
Local Services
Best for
Restaurants, nearby services and local place research
When to use it
When planning business meals or checking places around hotels and markets
Buyer warning
Language support and account features may vary.
Related internal tool
service need finder
Visit WebsiteUse related toolService support

Dianping

External resource
Category
Local Services
Best for
Local reviews, restaurants and nearby place discovery
When to use it
When checking local places around suppliers, hotels or market areas
Buyer warning
Verify opening times, addresses and local details before going.
Related internal tool
service need finder
Visit WebsiteUse related toolService support

Trade Fair Support

Useful for Canton Fair preparation, exhibitor search, appointments, booth planning and trade fair visits.

Canton Fair App

External resource
Category
Trade Fair Support
Best for
Canton Fair buyer visit preparation and app support
When to use it
Before planning booth routes, exhibitor notes and supplier meetings
Buyer warning
App access, account rules and language support may change.
Related internal tool
canton fair visit planner
Visit WebsiteUse related toolService support

Canton Fair Online

External resource
Category
Trade Fair Support
Best for
Exhibitor and product research before or after Canton Fair
When to use it
When building a shortlist or preparing trade fair follow-up
Buyer warning
Verify supplier identity, product details and terms before ordering.
Related internal tool
rfq email generator
Visit WebsiteUse related toolService support

Trip preparation

Download before arrival

Prepare key apps and addresses before your sourcing trip, especially before factory visits, Yiwu market visits or Canton Fair appointments.

  • Download key apps before arriving in China
  • Register accounts in advance where possible
  • Prepare passport information if required
  • Set up payment methods before the trip
  • Save hotel and supplier addresses in Chinese
  • Prepare translation tools
  • Check if Google Play / App Store access works for the user's device

External resource disclaimer

We are not officially affiliated with these platforms unless stated.

External resources are listed for convenience only. CN Sourcing Tools is not officially affiliated with these apps, websites or platforms unless stated. Availability, language support, payment support, verification requirements and app access may change.

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