Quick Answer
In China, a translation app is an essential survival tool. Three recommended apps: Microsoft Translator — best for foreigners with a full English interface, offline support, and direct WeChat message translation; Baidu Translate — works in China without a VPN but has no English interface; Google Translate — most feature-rich but requires a VPN in China. This guide covers how to use all three in practice.
Microsoft Translator
Note: The app is called Microsoft Translator, not Microsoft Translate.
The main screen has three tools:
- Text — Text translation; type or paste text
- Camera — Photo translation; point your camera at text for real-time translation, or import photos from your gallery
- Voice — Voice translation; speak into the microphone to translate into the target language
Offline use:
- Tap the three-dot menu → Offline languages
- Download the Chinese language pack to use Text and Camera offline
- Note: Voice and conversation translation do not support offline mode
Other features:
- Phrases — Built-in travel and business phrasebook, available offline
- Pin icon — Save the current translation
- Clock icon — View translation history (Recent and Pinned tabs)
- Conversation — The multi-device conversation feature has been retired, but local single-device voice translation still works
Baidu Translate
- Warning: No usable English interface (confirmed by App Store reviews and third-party sources). The interface is in Chinese.
- Works in China without a VPN
- Features: photo translation, voice translation, offline translation, dictionary
- Best used as a supplement to Microsoft Translator
Google Translate
- Requires a VPN in China
- Camera mode: Instant (real-time overlay) and Import (from saved images)
- Conversation mode: Real-time two-person conversation translation
- Transcribe: Speech-to-text translation
- Tap to Translate: Translate selected text within other apps
- Offline download: Menu → Downloaded languages
Real-World Scenarios
Scenario 1: Translating a menu
- Open Microsoft Translator or Google Translate's Camera mode
- Point at the menu, focusing on text sections
- Translation appears in real-time on screen
- Long-press a line to view or copy the translation
Scenario 2: Talking to a driver or shop staff
- Use Voice or Conversation mode
- Microsoft Translator: Use voice translation
- Google Translate: Use Conversation mode
Scenario 3: Translating WeChat messages
- WeChat's built-in translation: Long-press a Chinese message → select Translate
- Or copy the text and paste it into Microsoft Translator
Practical Tips
- Microsoft Translator is the top choice — Full English interface, offline support, best suited for foreigners
- Download the Chinese offline pack before traveling — Offline language packs enable Text and Camera without internet
- WeChat has built-in translation — Long-press a Chinese message and select Translate without switching apps
- Use apps together — Microsoft Translator as primary, Baidu Translate as backup, Google Translate when you have a VPN
- Prioritize offline — Some areas in China have unstable networks; offline translation is the most reliable option
- Hold steady when photographing menus — Camera translation accuracy improves with stable hands and clear text
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