📱 Essential Apps for Travelling in Zhangjiajie or Anywhere in China
If you’re travelling to Zhangjiajie — or China in general — this is important.
Google Maps does not work properly.
Location pins are inaccurate. Routes are unreliable. It’s frustrating.
Here’s what actually worked for me.
🗺 1. Amap (Gaode Map)
This was usable.
Not perfect, and slightly confusing at first — but much more accurate than Google Maps.
If you don’t speak Chinese, you’ll need patience.
Still, it’s necessary.
🧭 2. Baidu Maps (Fully Chinese)
Full Chinese interface.
Harder to use if you don’t read Mandarin.
But extremely accurate for transport and location.
If you’re travelling independently, this is powerful.
💳 3. Alipay or WeChat Pay – Non-Negotiable
China is largely cashless.
Many vendors don’t expect cash.
Alipay is essential.
Set it up before you go.
🌍 4. eSIM (Simify) – Do This Before Landing
I used an eSIM from Simify.
It worked perfectly.
Fast speed. No issues.
I could access Instagram and Facebook immediately.
Important to NOTE:
Do NOT connect to Chinese airport WiFi first.
If you connect to local WiFi before activating your eSIM, you may temporarily lose access to social media apps due to China’s internet restrictions.
Download and activate your eSIM before arrival.
I also had NordVPN (because of work), but my eSIM alone already allowed access.
