I'v sorted Top 10 translation apps & tools for China: Google Translate (no VPN needed), WeChat for mini-programs, Papago/WayGo for menus, plus more tools for chats, docs, and learning.
Top 10 BEST Translation Apps in China
Credit: Unsplsh, Cherry Lin
There’s no one-size-fits-all translation tool in China, but here’s what works best for different needs. Google Translate stands out as a top all-around pick—it’s accurate, supports 50+ languages, works offline, and no longer needs a VPN. For daily tasks tied to local apps, WeChat is essential (handles mini-programs, photos, texts).
For menus or signs, Papago (clear text), Baidu Translate (blurry/handwritten), and WayGo (10 free daily offline scans) are reliable. For chats, Viitor (quick talks) and Microsoft Translator (Cantonese support) work well. For long texts, use Caiyun Fanyi (VPN-free) or DeepL (more accurate with VPN). Gboard translates as you type, and Pleco helps learn Mandarin.
What You Need | Top App | Key Features | Offline? | Needs VPN? | Free? |
All-around (text, voice, camera) | Google Translate | 50+ languages, image translation, high accuracy. | Yes (with packs) | No | Yes |
Local Chinese context | Baidu Translate | Mandarin/dialect focus, OCR for messy text. | Yes (with packs) | No | Yes |
WeChat mini-programs/photos | Translates built-in apps, images, chat text. | Partial (text only) | No | Yes | |
Clear menus/signs | Papago | Fast camera translation for printed text. | Yes (with packs) | No | Yes |
Offline menu scans (limited) | WayGo | 10 free daily camera translations, no internet. | Yes | No | Free (10/day) |
Real-time conversations | Viitor | Instant voice translation for simple chats. | No | No | Yes |
Reliable chats (Cantonese) | Microsoft Translator | High accuracy, Cantonese support. | Partial | No | Yes |
Long texts (VPN-free) | Caiyun Fanyi | Technical terms, preserves formatting. | No | No | Yes |
Long texts (high accuracy) | DeepL | Natural translations, Word/PDF support. | Yes (with packs) | Yes | Free (limited) |
Typing in Chinese | Gboard | Translates as you type (English ↔ Chinese). | No | No | Yes |
Learning Mandarin | Pleco | Dictionary, flashcards, character guides. | Yes (with packs) | No | Yes (basic) |
China Translate App - WeChat Translation (Most Useful)
Credit: International Services Shanghai
WeChat is already on most people’s phones in China. Its built-in translation function solves most daily language problems. If you learn to use it correctly, you might not even need other apps.
How to Translate WeChat Mini-Programs to English
To translate a wechat mini-program (such as Didi Chuxing or food delivery apps) into English:
- Open the mini-program (swipe down on the main screen of wechat to find the saved program),
- and then click the translation icon in the upper right corner (it looks like a square with lines or spheres). The entire app will switch to English.
Credit: International Services Shanghai
WeChat Translation for Text & Photo
Wechat can also translate photos and text. Long press any image in the chat (such as a menu sent by someone), and then select "Translate" to scan the text. To translate Chinese text in a chat or article, simply highlight it and click "Translate" - it will immediately switch between English and Mandarin.
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China Translate App - Google Translate in China
Google Translate: A Top All-Around Choice
Google Translate is one of the most reliable choices for various translation needs in China. It is accurate, easy to use and supports over 50 languages, including Mandarin and Cantonese. Best of all, unlike many other Google apps, Google Translate no longer requires a VPN to work in China.
You can use it for text, voice or even image translation: Just point the camera at the menu, logo or document, and it will immediately translate the text. If you download the language pack in advance, it can also be used offline, which is great for areas with unstable networks.
Gboard for Typing & Chatting
If you have difficulty typing Chinese (or need to reply to messages quickly), Gboard (Google's keyboard) is a time-saving tool.
Open "Translation" in the Settings of Gboard. Input English and it will automatically convert to Chinese (or vice versa). It is suitable for wechat chatting, Xiaohongshu comments or emails. Basic translation can work without a vpn, and it is still available even for advanced functions such as voice input that require the Internet.
China Translate App - Photo Translation Apps
Credit: the china guide
When you need to read something quickly (like a restaurant menu, subway sign, or supermarket label), these apps use your camera to translate on the spot.
Baidu Translate – Best for Blurry/Handwritten Text
For imperfect text, translation is better: Think of handwritten menu items or faded logos. Due to local training, its artificial intelligence can handle messy text better than Papago. Besides, if you click on a translated word, it will play the pronunciation - which is very useful if you want to order by name.
Papago – Best for Clear, Quick Photo Translations
Papago is highly suitable for clear printed text. Open the application, click on the camera icon, and aim at the text. It will superimpose translations on the image, so you don't need to input anything. First, download the "Mandarin - English" package. It can run offline - which is very convenient for remote areas.
WayGo - Best for Menu OCR
WayGo is another good option, especially if your menu is only in Chinese and there is no Internet. Just point your phone's camera at the text and it will give you an English translation. The free version allows you to do this 10 times a day, which is usually enough for going out to eat. But please remember that the translation might be a bit rough, and it can also encounter difficulties in books or overly formulaic texts, such as fancy menu fonts.
China Translate App - Talking to Locals in Real Time
If you need to chat (e.g., asking a taxi driver for directions, haggling at a market), these tools turn speech into instant translation.
Viitor – Best for Real-Time "Talk & Translate"
- Most suitable for: simple and quick conversations (such as asking "Where is the restroom?") "
- Usage method: Just press "Simultaneous Interpretation" and speak into your mobile phone. It will translate your voice when you speak and play the other person's response in your language.
- Note: Free, but not suitable for slang - stick to basic phrases.
Microsoft Translator – Best for Reliable Chats
- Most suitable: Longer conversations (for example, explaining your travel plans to a local tour guide).
- Main benefits: Support for Cantonese (crucial for Hong Kong, Guangdong or Chinatowns in China).
- Accuracy rate: 95% daily phrase accuracy rate - fewer errors than cheaper applications.
Youdao Translate – Best for Offline Chats
- Best For: Areas with no data (such as small towns and mountainous regions).
- How to Use: First, download the "Chinese-English" offline package. Then use voice or text translation without an Internet connection.
- Bonus: Includes simple example sentences - if you want to learn phrases while chatting.
China Translate App - Long-Text Translation
For longer texts, such as work documents, study materials or news articles, these tools focus on accuracy and maintaining formatting integrity.
DeepL – Best for Fluent, Natural Long Texts
DeepL is highly suitable for business contracts, academic papers or long articles. You can upload Word or PDF files, and they will remain in their original format without the need for re-entry. It sounds more natural than a basic application, but in China you need a VPN to use it.
Caiyun Fanyi (彩云翻译) – Best Free Alternative
For long texts, "Caiyun Translation" is the best choice without the need for a vpn. It has been optimized for professional terms in both Chinese and English, such as legal or medical terms. Use it to browse local news, work emails or anywhere you don't have a VPN.
China Translate App - Learning Mandarin & Translate
Credit: International Services Shanghai
These tools can help you understand why translation is effective. If you want to learn Mandarin while traveling, this is great.
Pleco – Best for Word Lookups & Character Study
Pleco is not merely a translation tool; it is also a learning tool. Draw Chinese characters with your fingers to find them, watch the stroke sequence animation to learn how to write them, and use flashcards to memorize new words. This is perfect for learners who want to do more than just translate.
Eudic Dictionary – Best for Custom Vocabulary
- Most suitable for: Learners who want to focus on specific topics (for example, travel phrases, technical terms).
- Main functions: Upload your own word list (or download a shared list from other users) and check them through quizzes.
China Translate App - AI Translators
AI tools can handle slang and context better - here are the top choices in China.
Doubao – Best Local AI Translator
Doubao is a local artificial intelligence translator that can translate Chinese slang. It knows the meaning of latest memes and trends, rather than a literal translation. It is very suitable for casual chatting or explaining cultural references.
ChatGPT – Best for Complex, Nuanced Translations
ChatGPT is suitable for translating subtle differences, such as idioms, poems or texts with important tones (formal or casual). It requires a VPN to operate in China, but it is unparalleled in capturing subtle meanings.
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What to Prepare for a Trip to China?
- Visa & Entry Tips China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy now covers 54 countries, incl. the US, UK, Canada, and Brazil, allowing up to 10 days during layovers. Learn more about China Entry Tips to land in China easily.
- Getting Connected VPNs are vital for accessing Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, etc in China. Set one up before arriving. China eSIMs are the easiest option for data and bypassing restrictions. Pocket Wi-Fi devices work best for group but are pricier and require pickup/return.
- Money Exchange & Tax Refunds Exchange money in China banks (better rates than airports). ATMs accept foreign cards, but notify your bank first. For tax refunds, spend over ¥500 at stores with a "Tax-Free" sign. Keep receipts and get forms stamped at customs before departure.
Must-Have Apps in China
- China Payment Apps Forget cash. Chinese use Alipay (I like it better) or WeChat Pay to pay for everything in China. Scan a QR code at noodle stalls, metros, even temples. Link your foreign Visa/Mastercard before landing.
- China Map Apps Amap (Gaode Map) & Baidu Map (limited English) is what locals use, with real-time navigation, metro/bus routes, and traffic updates. Apple Maps does a good job too if you're already an IOS user.
- China Transport Apps Street taxis are cheap, but drivers rarely speak English. Use China Taxi App like DiDi (China’s Uber)—set your destination in English, pay by Alipay.
- China Travel Apps 15+ China trips taught me: Use Trip.com. It's the best English app for booking China trains/flights/hotels + finds Trip.com deals.
- China Dating Apps Locals use Tantan (China’s Tinder) and Momo. WeChat’s “People Nearby” works too, but expect language barriers unless your Mandarin’s decent.
- China Food App Use Meituan (also helps find nearby restaurants) or Ele.me for food delivery—both have English mode. No English menu in restaurants? Scan the QR with Alipay's translator.
FAQs about China Translation Apps
What is the best translation app for China?
Google Translate is the best all-around—accurate, offline-friendly, and no VPN needed. For local context, Baidu Translate is a close second.What can I use in China instead of Google Translate?
Alternatives include Baidu Translate (free, local focus), Microsoft Translator (great for conversations), and WeChat (built-in for mini-programs/photos).What is the most accurate translator for Chinese?
Google Translate and DeepL (with VPN) are most accurate for general use. Baidu Translate is best for Chinese slang and dialects.Is Baidu Translate free?
Yes—Baidu Translate is 100% free, with no hidden costs. It offers offline packs and all features without payment.What translator does China use?
Locals commonly use Baidu Translate (daily use), Youdao Translate (learning), and WeChat’s built-in tools (quick translations).Are there any free Chinese translators?
Yes—most top apps are free: Google Translate, Baidu Translate, Microsoft Translator, WayGo (10 free daily uses), and WeChat.