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App
Scan & Translate
Scan Chinese text to translate
Official Links
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Scan & Translate helps you instantly translate Chinese signs, menus, and labels using your phone camera. Google Translate (download offline packs first) and Baidu Translate (no VPN needed) are recommended as primary tools. Learning basic characters and common signs, combined with translation apps, makes your China trip smoother.
Features
Google Translate - Best Camera Translation
Camera translation works great, supports offline use. Download Chinese language pack before coming!
Baidu Translate - Best for China
Works in China without VPN, excellent Chinese translation. The go-to tool within China.
Microsoft Translator - Great Alternative
Good camera translation, conversation mode support, useful for multi-person real-time translation.
WeChat Built-in Translation
Long-press any image in WeChat chat to translate, no extra app download needed.
Common Signs Quick Reference
Quickly learn China's most common signs: Exit, Entrance, Toilet, Prohibited, Caution, Free, etc.
Offline Translation Prep
Download offline language packs before departure to ensure translation works in subways and remote areas.
Usage Guide
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Step 1
Download both Google Translate and Baidu Translate before departure
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Step 2
Download Chinese offline language pack in Google Translate (Settings → Offline Translation)
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Step 3
Open the translation app, select your language and Chinese as the language pair
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Step 4
Tap the camera icon, point your phone at Chinese text to translate
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Step 5
Translation results overlay on the original text in real-time
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Step 6
If camera translation is unclear, take a photo for OCR-based translation
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Step 7
You can also type or paste Chinese text directly in the input box
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Step 8
Screenshot useful translations for offline reference anytime
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Step 9
Learn the most basic Chinese signs: Exit, Entrance, Toilet, Prohibited, Caution, Free
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Step 10
Show translated text to locals if needed for communication
Pro Tips
- Download offline language packs before arriving to ensure use without internet
- Take photos of menus to translate later, saves time
- Learn basic characters: toilet, exit, entrance — you'll see these everywhere in China
- Show translated text to locals if needed for communication
- Google Translate needs VPN in China, Baidu Translate does not
- Camera translation works best with printed text, handwriting recognition is lower
