Best Translation Apps for China [2025]: A Foreigner’s Guide

Travelling in China is an adventure, but the language barrier can be tricky if you don’t speak Mandarin. Many apps now work offline, support voice translation, and even scan Chinese text instantly. In this guide, I’ll walk you through the best translation apps for China so you’ll know which one to download before your trip.

Why a Good Translation App Is Your Secret Weapon in China?

China is easy to travel if you plan for the language gap. Most front-line staff in transport, shops, and smaller eateries speak Mandarin only. A solid translator cuts friction at train stations, taxi queues, eateries with Chinese-only menus, and when asking for directions. 

The right setup: one main app, one backup, plus WeChat/Alipay’s built-in tools. That combo covers almost every scenario—from voice conversations to instant camera translation of signs.

Top Picks: The Best Translation Apps for China

Baidu Translate is the most reliable free translator that works in China without a VPN. Microsoft Translator is an excellent, simple alternative that’s also accessible in China. Google Translate remains best-in-class for features, but you’ll need a VPN for it to work. You’ll also want to use the built-in translators in WeChat and Alipay for day-to-day stuff like chats, menus and signs.

Travel tip: Download at least one offline language pack (Simplified Chinese ↔ English) in your chosen app before you fly. It’s a good fallback in tunnels, basements, or rural areas with spotty data. 

The All-in-One Powerhouse: Baidu Translate

Baidu is built for China’s internet environment and just works. The interface is straightforward and the camera translation is fast for menus and signs. Voice/conversation mode handles short, clear phrases well. Crucially, you won’t be fighting connection blocks. 

Key Features of Baidu Translate

• Camera / Photo translate for menus, signboards, packaging
• Voice & conversation modes for back-and-forth with drivers or staff
• Offline text packs as a lightweight backup
• Handy phrasebook and recent history 

Pros 

• Smooth performance in China; no VPN hassles
• Good camera OCR for everyday travel text
• Free, with offline text support 

Cons

• Camera translations can be less nuanced than Google’s
• Interface has ads/links you can ignore 

Best for: Travellers who want a reliable, no-drama app that works anywhere in China. 

If You Have a VPN: Google Translate

Due to China’s internet restrictions, Google services, including Translate, are blocked on regular networks. If you have a stable VPN on your phone, Google Translate becomes usable. If your VPN drops, Translate stops.

Unmatched Features of Google Translate

• Word Lens camera mode is still the gold standard for sign/menu translation quality
• Very strong language models for nuanced phrasing
• Offline packs for text and camera (download before you go)

Pros 

• Best-in-class camera and phrase accuracy
• Excellent for complex sentences and idioms
• Familiar UI and phrase history

Cons

• Requires a VPN in China; reliability = your VPN quality
• Can be slower to connect if your VPN hops around

Best for: Tech-savvy travellers who already use a VPN and want top-tier camera/voice accuracy.

The User-Friendly Choice: Microsoft Translator

Microsoft Translator typically works across China’s mainstream networks. The interface is clean and the split-screen conversation mode is great for show-and-speak interactions (you and a local see translations in your own language side-by-side).

Unique Features of Microsoft Translator

• Multi-device conversation rooms for group chats (e.g., family + guide)
• Split-screen or dual-language conversation cards
• Offline text packs available

Pros

• Easy UI; low learning curve
• Convenient group conversation tools
• Works without VPN

Cons

• Camera translation is solid but a notch below Google’s
• Less “localised” than Baidu for niche signs

Best for: Families and small groups that value simple, readable conversation modes.

Built-Ins You’ll Actually Use: WeChat & Alipay Translate

Nearly every traveller in China ends up using WeChat (for messaging, QR logins, social) and Alipay (for payments, tickets, mini-programs). Both have built-in translation that’s perfect for quick, real-world tasks.

WeChat: How to Use the Built-in Translator 

Translate a message in chat: Long-press the message → Translate.

Translate menus/signs: Tap Discover → Scan → choose Translate, point at the text.

Tip: Keep your sentences short. If the output looks odd, rephrase and try again.

Alipay: Where to Find Translation 

Tap the Scan icon on the home screen → choose Translate to overlay translation on menus, signs, or receipts.

You can also search “Translate” in Alipay to pin a translation tool/mini-program to your shortcuts.

Pro use: When a shopkeeper shows a Chinese-only payment prompt, Scan → Translate helps you understand what’s required.

WeChat and Alipay cover most needs without switching apps. Use them first; when conversations get longer or more nuanced, jump to Baidu or Microsoft.

Offline Translation in China

Offline translation is your safety net, not your primary tool. It’s mostly text-only and less accurate than online models, especially for camera translation of stylised fonts or handwritten menus. Still, download packs in Baidu, Microsoft, or Google before departure. Expect decent results for short, simple phrases; avoid complex sentences.

Pro Tips for Smooth Translating on the Ground

• Keep sentences short. One idea per sentence.
• Show, don’t just speak. Hand over your phone so staff can read the translation.
• Confirm critical info twice. For prices, dates, and platform numbers, type the number as well (e.g., “2 号线 Line 2”).
• Download offline packs and update apps before you fly.
• Carry a power bank; camera translation drains battery.
• Get reliable data. Use a China eSIM or local SIM for steady connectivity (online translation is far more accurate).
• Save key cards: hotel address in Chinese, common phrases, destination names (copy-paste ready).
• Download essential apps for China travel like Baidu Maps, DiDi and more for a smoother experience.

Planning Your China Trip Now

Make the language part easy—and let us handle the rest. Book flights, hotels, and tours in one place with Trip.com for a hassle-free China journey. Find eSIM options, must-see attractions, and on-the-ground tips.