Which apps are the “must-haves” on the phones for the Chinese?
If categorizes according to their functions, the most popular and arguably indispensable apps on the phones of your average Chinese are:
Editorial note: The list below preserves what the editors selected in December 2020. Check current app stores and each provider before treating any name, feature or requirement as current advice.
Social networking: WeChat
Payment: Alipay, WeChat pay
Shopping: Taobao, JD, Pinduoduo
Food delivery: MeiTuan, MISSFRESH, JD
Entertainment: DouYin, Bilibili, KuaiShou, Tencent, iQIYI, YouKu
Music: NetEaseMusic, QQMusic
Cab hailing: DiDi, AutoNavi
Maps: AutoNavi, BaiduMap
Recommendation: DianPing
按照中国人使用app的需求进行分类，大部分中国人手机上一定会有的app分别为：
聊天类：微信
支付类：支付宝/ 微信支付
购物类：淘宝/ 京东/拼多多
外卖类：美团/每日优鲜/京东到家
视频类：抖音/哔哩哔哩/快手/腾讯视频/爱奇艺/优酷
音乐类：网易云音乐/QQ音乐
打车类：滴滴/高德
地图类：高德地图/百度地图
好店推荐/机票旅游/电影购票类：大众点评
Frequently Asked Questions
What kinds of apps does this 2020 list cover?
It groups apps around communication, payments, shopping, food and groceries, video, music, transport, maps and local recommendations.
Is this a current ranking of China's most popular apps?
No. It is an editorial snapshot published in December 2020, not a current usage ranking or market-share table.
Should a traveler install every app named here?
No. Verify current availability, identity and payment requirements, privacy terms and regional support, then choose only what fits the trip.
Scope: These answers summarize this article. Language and cultural usage can vary by context, speaker, region and time.
