Your phone is your ultimate cycling companion in China. Beyond maps, here are the apps we insist our international clients install to navigate, communicate, and explore with confidence.

Baidu Maps / Amap (百度地图 / 高德地图): Your indispensable digital guide. Their dedicated bicycle mode is the gold standard for navigation, expertly avoiding tunnels and highways while revealing scenic shortcuts through parks and hutongs.

WeChat (微信): The Swiss Army Knife of apps. Use its “Scan” function for QR code payments at any roadside stall, translate text in real-time, and communicate seamlessly with your tour group or local contacts. It’s your lifeline for daily life in China.

Strava / Komoot: For the dedicated cyclist. Use these to plan and discover validated, popular cycling routes on a larger screen, then sync them to your phone or GPS device. Perfect for finding the best roads less traveled, from coastal routes to mountain climbs.

Pleco (词典): Your linguistic safety net. This powerful dictionary app allows you to point your camera at any unreadable sign or menu for an instant translation, bridging the language gap in seconds and empowering your independent exploration.