Tools & services
Essentials
Deep links and factual notes only — we do not sell these services or process bookings. Cross-check official rules before you rely on them.
City weather
Live forecast via Open-Meteo (no tracking account required).
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WeChat / Alipay mini programs
Many city services (metro ride codes, taxis, tickets) are mini programs inside WeChat or Alipay — not separate store apps. Websites cannot open a mini program for you; search inside the wallet after login. In-app search usually requires Chinese keywords.
Mini program names and entry points vary by city. ChinaCopilot can’t open mini programs from the browser — search inside WeChat or Alipay.
Path: Discover → Mini Programs. Type Chinese keywords 「乘车码」 or 「地铁」 with your city name.
Search Chinese 「出行」, or city name plus 「地铁」 / 「公交」.
Official tickets; wallet mini-program mirrors also exist.
Ride-hailing; often listed as a WeChat/Alipay mini program too.
- WeChat: Discover → Mini Programs → search your city name plus Chinese keywords 「地铁」, 「乘车码」, or 「公交」
- Alipay: home search Chinese 「出行」, or city name plus 「地铁」 / 「公交乘车码」
- Common targets: city metro ride code, bus code, 12306, DiDi
- Finish Apps setup and a small QR payment before relying on transit codes
Metro & bus ride codes
Most big cities let you ride with a QR code inside Alipay or WeChat city transport (Chinese search keyword: 「乘车码」). Physical cards from metro service centers still work. Keep a little cash if the QR fails.
Rules differ by city. Official metro sites have maps; the ride code itself is almost always in-app.
Maps and notices. Ride code is usually inside Alipay/WeChat city transport.
Use for routing; pay with the city’s transit QR in your wallet.
Transit QR needs a working Alipay or WeChat Pay loop.
- Open the city transport mini program once on Wi‑Fi and grant permissions
- Screenshot a working code page if underground signal is weak
- The same wallet that pays in shops usually powers the ride code
- Tourist physical cards: buy or reload at metro customer service centers
International / foreigner-friendly hospitals
Shanghai-first starting points with English-capable desks. Bring passport, payment method, and any insurance cards. For true emergencies, dial 120 first — do not drive yourself if unsafe.
Not a medical referral. Hours, departments, and insurance acceptance change — call ahead when you can.
International-facing network; English desks common — confirm hours and insurance.
Private international hospital — bring passport.
Clinics / international care — check which site is open.
Major public hospital with international departments — processes vary.
SOS & assistance organizations
Private assistance / evacuation memberships and embassy channels. These complement — not replace — local 110 / 119 / 120.
ChinaCopilot is not an emergency dispatcher. Save your embassy’s China emergency number before you need it.
Membership / assistance for travelers — check if your employer covers you.
Medical and security evacuation memberships.
Also save your own embassy or consulate emergency number.
Replace with your country’s mission in China.
Buy travel insurance
Compare medical, evacuation, and China-specific exclusions before you fly. Buy from a licensed insurer or OTA; ChinaCopilot does not sell policies or earn from these links unless later disclosed.
Informational deep links only — read full policy wording. Pre-existing conditions and adventure sports are common exclusions.
Travel insurance — read China coverage exclusions.
Nomad / travel medical style plans — verify mainland eligibility.
Major travel insurer — compare medical and evacuation limits.
Often sold with flights or hotels — read policy wording.
Metro & line maps
Use the official metro operator for schematic maps and disruption notices. For door-to-door routing (exits, transfers, walking), Amap is usually more practical day to day.
Official operator — line maps and notices.
Best day-to-day navigation inside stations.
Can foreigners drive in China?
Yes, but not with a foreign license alone. Mainland China generally does not treat an International Driving Permit (IDP) as sufficient by itself. Short-term visitors often need a temporary driving permit issued by traffic authorities after presenting a valid foreign license, certified translation, passport, photos, and fees. Longer stays usually require applying for a Chinese license through the local traffic management bureau.
- Some airports offer on-arrival temporary permit counters — availability varies by city.
- Rental desks will ask for the Chinese permit / license, not only your home license.
- Driving culture, cameras, and tolls differ from home — many visitors prefer metro + DiDi instead.
Rules and eligible countries change. Confirm with the traffic police / rental company for your city before booking a car. ChinaCopilot does not issue permits.
Car rental companies
Major brands operate in China. Book only after you know you can obtain a valid temporary or Chinese permit.
We are not affiliated with these companies.
Connectivity to home apps (VPN & related)
Some foreign websites and apps work poorly on mainland consumer networks. Travelers who need those tools often arrange access before boarding. Prefer your employer’s licensed cross-border channel when one exists.
China regulates unauthorized VPN services. ChinaCopilot does not provide circumvention tools or tutorials. Install and test before you fly, and comply with local law. Links are informational only — not endorsements.
Licensed guides & day tours
For sightseeing with a local expert, use major OTAs or licensed agencies. Avoid informal cash-only arrangements that cannot show credentials.
Informal introductions vary in quality and legality. Prefer platforms that disclose licensed guide status.
How to search Amap when you only know the English name.
Prefer licensed guides via major OTAs.
Translation apps & services
Install at least one mainland-friendly translator before arrival. Camera translation helps with menus and signs. For medical or legal meetings, hire a professional interpreter.
Works well on mainland networks; camera mode useful.
May need working international connectivity.
Often needs international connectivity inland.
Emergency numbers (mainland)
Save these before you need them. Operators may not speak English — show your Chinese address on screen.
- 110 — Police
- 119 — Fire
- 120 — Ambulance
Numbers are public emergency lines. ChinaCopilot is not an emergency service.
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