Travel in China without speaking Chinese.

Use camera translation for menus and signs, translate booking screenshots, and keep a few Chinese phrases ready to show.

Your phone does the translating

Choose the mode that matches the moment, then find a tool below to get started.

Menus, signs & screenshots

Camera & photo translation

Photograph printed Chinese or import a screenshot from a booking page or QR menu. Translate a small, clear section without typing.

Explore camera & photo translation

A face-to-face conversation

Voice translation

Choose your language and Chinese. Speak in short sentences and take turns.

Explore voice translation

Translation tools for your China trip

An easy place to start on iPhone

Apple Translate

Free · iPhone · Camera & photos · Voice

Try the Translate app already on your iPhone before subscribing to another tool. If you removed it, download it again from the App Store.

Use Camera for menus and screenshots, or Conversation to take turns speaking with a driver or hotel receptionist.

Apple Translate camera view with translated text over a cafe sign and a photo library button at the bottom left — Camera translation example (French to English). Source: Apple Support.

A familiar choice on Android & iPhone

Google Translate

Free · Android & iPhone · Camera & photos · Voice

Point your camera at a menu, import a screenshot, or translate a short conversation. A convenient option if you already use Google’s apps.

In mainland China: Online features need access to Google services. See our connection guide; keep another translator as a backup.

Google Translate camera translation using Google Lens to translate a Spanish warning sign into English — Camera translation with Google Lens. Source: Google’s App Store listing.

An alternative for everyday translation

U-Dictionary

Camera & photos · Voice

Translate menus, screenshots and short conversations in an English-language interface. Available on Android and iPhone.

Camera translation is a Premium feature on iPhone. Check pricing on your device.

U-Dictionary promotional image showing its camera translation feature on printed text — Official App Store promotional image.

Baidu Translate

A Chinese-first alternative for photographing menus and signs. Useful if you are comfortable navigating a Chinese interface.

WeChat translation

Already chatting in WeChat? Long-press a message or image and look for Translate. Handy for messages from hosts and local contacts.

Get set up with WeChat

A few useful Chinese phrases

Show the Chinese text, or save a screenshot for later.

I don’t speak Chinese.: 我不会说中文。
Please type it for me.: 请打字给我看。
How much is this?: 这个多少钱？
Not spicy, please.: 不要辣，谢谢。
The bill, please.: 买单，谢谢。
Where is the restroom?: 洗手间在哪里？

Before you go

Install your translator and try it on a photo of Chinese text.
Save your hotel’s Chinese name, address and phone number.
Save a screenshot of the phrases you might need.

Related Guides

Need WeChat and mobile data prepared before landing? See Internet & Apps
Translating a menu before paying? Pair your translation app with Alipay — see Online Payment

Continue your China travel check

Next checkDoes your route need a Tibet Travel Permit?Check the exact region before assuming every Tibetan area has the same rule.Back to travel essentials

Last updated: October 7, 2026

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