Baker Gu
China Travel Specialist
I’m Baker Gu — the app stack I install for clients before AKL: VPN, maps, WeChat, payments, translation — so free evenings don’t turn into guesswork.
I’m Baker Gu. Mainland China’s digital ecosystem favours local apps. From Auckland, set expectations: many Western services are inconsistent without preparation. Here is what I tell people to download before departure, what actually works on the ground, and how the journeys I design keep friction low — though your free evenings still reward a solid stack.
Research reputable VPN providers that your airline Wi-Fi and hotel networks tolerate. Install and test on your phone before leaving New Zealand; enable auto-connect on untrusted networks. VPN legality and reliability change — verify current policies. On my group tours, your guide can help with offline maps for backup.
Amap (Gaode) and Baidu Maps dominate. They offer walking/transit routing in Chinese; some listings have English. Learn to star your hotel and screenshot key addresses. Apple Maps has improved in major cities but is not universal. Download offline packs when the app allows.
Pleco remains strong for characters; Google Translate (with offline packs) helps if accessible. Many travellers use device camera scan on menus. A paper hotel card in Chinese still saves awkward taxi moments.
WeChat (Weixin) is ubiquitous for chat, restaurant ordering, and official account updates. Set up your profile early; some features need real-name verification tied to a phone number. Ask me or the team what travellers typically need versus what can wait.
Alipay and WeChat Pay increasingly accept foreign cards for short-term “Tour Card” style setups — policies evolve. Carry CNY cash for backup (street food, small towns). Notify your NZ bank of travel to reduce card blocks.
DiDi is China’s dominant ride-hailing platform — comparable to Uber. Since 2023, DiDi has improved its international-facing experience for visitors. In major cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Xi’an, Guilin, Hangzhou), DiDi works reliably for airport runs, hotel transfers, and evening outings when you are not on a coach transfer I have booked.
My Discovery and Signature programmes handle core transfers and many meals — you may only need maps for free evenings. Stopover packages in single cities are ideal for practising this stack at a smaller scale — see China stopover tours.
Download content for long train rides; carry a 20,000mAh power bank (check airline limits). Respect photography rules in stations and airports — security checks are strict.
Want an itinerary where I handle the logistics? Explore guided China tours or request a quote.
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