(Ecns.cn)—China is a vast and complicated place to explore, but with an iPhone on hand, a DIY tour across the country can be a much easier proposition. The trick is to download the best free tour guide applications.
To save time searching online for results that are mostly in Chinese, the Guangzhou-based New Express Daily has gathered some software ideas for you to choose from.
1. Aviation Butler (航班管家)
Google the Chinese name in any free software website – and there are plenty of them – to download this into your cell phone. It's just as good as a travel guide, with all the latest domestic airline-related information. Flight schedules, ticket discounts, hotel reservations, weather in destination cities and directions to the boarding gate – anything you might need if you're traveling without a Chinese-speaking companion, you will be able to find on Aviation Butler.
2. Travelers Trains (旅行家火車）
Purchasing a train ticket during holiday season is no easy feat in China, that's why we recommend you download this assistance software to track down any available tickets. With Travelers Trains in your iPhone, formerly 'impossible information' becomes accessible at the touch, including the price and number of available tickets for your targeted train; the transfer station and the current location of the train; and the map of the train station, as well as detailed information of any nearby agents selling tickets.
Most importantly, the information is automatically updated for accuracy.
3. FlighAware
This is possibly the best flight tracker. Use it to track down literally all flights from any airline. And here's the best part: it's in English.
4. Hotel Butler (酒店管家）
As the name implies, this software specializes in providing hotel information. It's quite easy to use, and employs GPS to locate all hotels, from five-star to economy. With Hotel Butler, all the details of a hotel, such as room sizes, prices and services, can be checked in your iPhone.
5. Booking.com and
With more than 120,000 hotels all over the world translated into 22 languages at Booking.com, this software is extremely popular among DIY travelers. By clicking the hotel you've stayed in, you are allowed to update your own hotel reviews. offers a similar service.
6. Scenic Spots across the Country (全國旅游景點)
Having trouble tracking down trip-worthy scenic spots in the country? Install Scenic Spots Across the Country and the problem is solved. This software has gathered more than 300 tourist attractions all over China. In addition, it has detailed tourist information on almost every city covered in the software. Where to play, what to eat, which phone number to dial – all the possible questions you might have on your way, you can find the answers here.
7. Tour Translator (旅行翻譯家)
Don't be surprised if you hear some weird-sounding Chinese dialect coming from your phone. This is, as the name indicates, translation software after all. Have fun with it.
8. Free Wi-Fi Finder
Of course, without access to the Internet, none of the above software will be very practical. Install the Wi-Fi Finder to address the issue.
