What is a good free and easy-to-use translation app for China?

These tools are tried-and-tested by foreigners in China and prioritize ease of use, accessibility, and no-VPN functionality!

Mobile apps (used without a VPN)
1. Microsoft Translator
Microsoft Translator allows you to translate text or speech, translate conversations, and even download languages for offline use. It can speak or type to translate into over 60 languages. Its supported languages include, apart from major languages, Afrikaans, Amharic, Assamese, Azerbaijani, Bashkir, and Basque. It also includes Lower Sorbian, an endangered language currently spoken by fewer than 7,000 people worldwide

[iOS] https://apps.apple.com/app/microsoft-translator/id1018949559

[Android] https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.microsoft.translator

2. Baidu Translate
Baidu Translate supports multilingual interface display, including English and Cantonese. It supports translation between over 200 languages, including Akan, Aragonese, Asturian, Aymara, Ojibwe, Occitan, Oromo, Ossetian, and Persian.

It also supports real-time translation during conversations and is free of charge.

Highlight-to-Translate: Simply highlight words or sentences to translate them, making reading in foreign languages seamless.

Screenshot Translation: Capture an image to instantly translate it. Supports translation overlay and side-by-side comparison in over 20 languages including Chinese, English, Japanese, Korean, and French.

Hotkey Translation: Use shortcut keys to initiate real-time translation, eliminating the hassle of copy and paste.

Minimalist Mode: Enable a small floating input box with one click for quick and unobtrusive translations anytime.

[iOS]
https://apps.apple.com/cn/app/讯飞听见-录音转文字实时语音翻译/id1269000865?l=en-GB

[Android] https://fanyi.baidu.com/appdownload/download.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com

3. Youdao Translate
Youdao Translate supports translation between 107 languages and real-time translation during conversations, and is free of charge.

Fast camera translation: Point your phone at signs, menus, or documents for instant English translations.
Simple interface with clear voice input/output.
Offline mode available.

[iOS] https://apps.apple.com/cn/app/%E6%9C%89%E9%81%93%E7%BF%BB%E8%AF%91%E5%AE%98-107%E7%A7%8D%E8%AF%AD%E8%A8%80%E7%BF%BB%E8%AF%91/id576337924?utm_source

[Android] https://cidian.youdao.com/download-app/

4. WeChat’s built-in translation
No extra app needed.

Translate text or voice messages directly in WeChat (simply long-press a message and tap "Translate" from the options that appear and the message will be translated (from Chinese into your WeChat interface language). It also supports real-time translation during conversations and is free of charge.

Specialized tools

For voice conversations:
iFlytek Translator

Real-time speech-to-text and real-time translation (including the floating subtitle function) are free for a limited time. If you wish to obtain text results (including sharing text content), payment is required. You can choose a discounted package.

[iOS] https://apps.apple.com/cn/app/讯飞听见-录音转文字实时语音翻译/id1269000865?l=en-GB

[Android] Download from its official website: https://www.iflyrec.com/

For learning Chinese:
Pleco

[iOS] https://apps.apple.com/us/app/pleco-chinese-dictionary/id341922306

[Android] https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.pleco.chinesesystem

Key tips for foreigners:
1. Avoid Google Translate – It requires a VPN and often underperforms in China.
2. Download offline packs (Baidu/Microsoft/Youdao) before trips to rural areas.
3. Use local App Stores: For Android, install apps via Huawei AppGallery, Xiaomi Store, or Tencent App Store if Google Play is unavailable.