10 Apps To Make Your Beijing Life Easier and More Enjoyable

In this age of technology, it’s become clear that smart phones have are not only convenient, but downright essential. Apps have been developed to help us manage every aspect of life, from finances to job searches. But with such a wide spectrum, how does one navigate the maze that is the app store and decide which ones to download? We feel your pain, and have compiled a list of apps to eliminate that hassle. Have these apps already? We’d love to read your recommendations in the comments below.

Navigation: Waze
Available on: Apple and Android

This app has yet to be popularised in China, but its developers market it as the “world's largest community based traffic and navigation app.” Its functions are like your average navigation app but with additional features that allow users to report live data such as traffic jams, traffic cams, speed limits, police checks and accidents. The downside is a lack of Waze users in Beijing, meaning that these reports are rare and basically nonexistent. However, Waze offers routes and directions in English, making it the next best alternative for many foreigners after Google Maps, which is inaccessible in China, and Baidu Maps, which is in Mandarin.

Food: Meituan
Available on: Apple & Android

Unfortunately, this app is exclusively in Mandarin, but I thought it’d be a shame not to mention it for those who are able to understand it. Meituan is a must for finding restaurants, food delivery, deals and vouchers, shopping, purchasing tickets and so much more that I’m barely touching the surface of what they offer. The uses are endless, and I’m only slightly kidding when I say I would suggest learning Mandarin just for this app.

Reading: Pocket
Available on: Apple and Android

This is like a virtual pocket for your online browsing purposes. If you’re like me and are guilty of keeping over 20 tabs open on your browser at any given time, then you’re going to love this app. All you have to do is install the Pocket badge on your mobile and on your desktop, both of which you can easily learn to use with the app's tutorial. Then, whenever you come across a website you’d like to revisit, go ahead and click the badge, which will automatically save it in your Pocket for future access. An alternative app I’ve also found useful is TooManyTabs, which is available on Google Chrome.

Transport: Uber
Available on: Apple and Android

I believe Uber is the best taxi app around. For those that don’t agree, consider this: despite the unanimous rage rising from taxi drivers around the world, Uber presents itself as a tough competitor against taxi companies, snatching away customers from taxi drivers and pushing market prices lower. No doubt it hurts other businesses, but it benefits the customers many reasons, such as easy online booking, live GPS tracking, accurate fare estimates, cheaper prices (compared and tested), payment through the app, detailed driver profiles with car plates and models, easy cancellation or change of destination, a variety of car options to choose from and international usage. With this comprehensive list of benefits, how can one not love Uber, but you better get on it quick because prices are set to rise.

Travel: Viator
Available on: Apple and Android

Created by TripAdvisor (which, by the way, you should download too if you haven’t already), this app allows you to book tours and excursions wherever you are. Available in over 1,500 destinations, you can browse through popular tours and read customer reviews to ensure a worthwhile experience. The fact that prices are given upfront, with in-depth travel itineraries, means you’ll know what to expect. In addition, search through a number of filters, including availability, to plan ahead for your trip or simply book once you arrive. For Beijing, you can sign up for day tours of the Great Wall of China at Badaling, the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square and other attractions.

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On another note, the Beijinger's 2nd International Foodie Weekend has been postponed by a week to the weekend of August 13-14. Nevertheless, we have no plans to scale back – the event will still be held in Sanlitun SOHO, and as expected, it’s still going to be Beijing’s largest food event, ever! Make sure you get your tickets early to avoid disappointment by scanning/extracting the QR code below.