Must-have city transport apps in China② | For Canton Fair and beyond

Are you coming to Guangzhou for the Canton Fair or exploring Guangdong's vibrant cities like Shenzhen and Foshan? With just a few essential apps, you can easily ride the metro, call a cab, or navigate the city—all from your phone.

For navigation, AMAP (高德地图) offers real-time traffic updates and an English interface. To take the metro or bus, simply scan and pay using Alipay (支付宝) or WeChat (微信) mini-programs—no tickets or coins needed. Starting October 12, Guangzhou Metro will also accept contactless tap-to-ride payments using bank cards from four major international banks with contactless payment capability.

Use Didi (滴滴出行) or the built-in "Taxi" function in Alipay and AMAP to call a cab directly. For short rides around the city, unlock shared bikes using Alipay's "Bike" service.

From navigation to payment, these user-friendly apps ensure that your travels across Guangdong and throughout China are smooth, fast, and stress-free. With just your smartphone, you can explore the region like a local.

Reporter | Dai Bosi

Video/Poster | Deng Yingheng

Editor | Hu Nan, James Campion, Shen He

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