Air Quality China
What is it? Though some might think it’s better not to know the state of the air outside, this app gives you an exact reading for all the major cities in China. You can bookmark multiple cities and even have the current AQI level show up as a badge on your home screen for quick (and potentially depressing) reference. The main screen shows readings from the last 24 hours or over the last month, with different coloured line graphs for the various monitoring stations in the city. In settings, you can change which readings are used for the main figure, including using station averages or maximums, real-time or 24-hour averages, and American or Chinese standards. It’s useful for those days of deciding whether to go for a jog in the park, or keep the doors and windows closed, and hide out somewhere inside.
Price Free
Apple or Android? Both
Ease of use 5/5
What is it? To see a doctor in major China cities like Shanghai might mean a long time queuing, and be the last thing you fancy doing when you’re feeling crook. Chunyu Doctor is a medical app that aims to simplify this process, offering users a quick and free consultation service. It enables you to ask simple questions to a doctor when you’re not feeling well and have a doctor reply in a matter of minutes – apparently there are over 410,000 doctors registered. The downside is that the app is in Chinese only, so if you can’t read Mandarin you might need to enlist a friend’s help. You can also try to figure out the cause of your sickness on your own by choosing which part of your body is hurting and how, and the app will shortlist some of the most likely causes (an exercise every bit as terrifying as Googling your symptoms). Users can also pay to chat with a specialist either through text or a phone call for additional prices.
Price Free download, then you pay to speak to a specialist
Apple or Android? Both
Ease of use 4/5
GuavaPass
What is it? This app gives you access to a substantial list of gym classes without having to sign up for membership at any particular gym or studio. Available in countries across Asia, it allows you to book classes up to ten days in advance and even an hour before class starts. You can also hold onto an unlimited number of classes in Shanghai. It is very easy to navigate this popular app, which shows classes in a neat calendar format, and there is even a tab to book an Uber directly to attend class. Downsides are that it’s actually pretty pricey to be a member, largely down to its flexibility and the fact that it’s quite comprehensive.
Price Free download, then 1,088RMB per month
Apple or Android? Both
Ease of use 5/5
MapMyRide
What is it? Fairly straightforward to sign up to, MapMyRide is an app that lets you track where you’ve been cycling and for how long. It’s free to download, and allows you to follow a series of mapped routes around the city, or create your own, and track your journey. About 20 routes around Shanghai are available to follow immediately – including some running routes – and by linking with other friends on the app, you can share routes and join ‘challenges’. You can also link particular routes to music and your own playlists, which is pretty nifty. Should you wish to, you can also log your food consumption to rate calories burned or consumed. To be honest though, the beauty of the app is exploring new parts of the city by bike, and sharing a love of twowheeled travel.
Price Free download, some additional options come at a price
Apple or Android? Both
Ease of use 4/5
MindBody
What is it? This app is great if you are a frequent traveller and need a one-stop app to fulfil your health and wellness needs. MindBody is available in 130 countries, and on the main screen, you can select from the three sections of fitness, wellness and beauty. After selecting, you’re directed to a second page that lists an extensive array of subcategories for venues and options for classes and gyms. The results can then be filtered based on ratings or distance, and you can book directly through the app. But while there is a wide list of subcategories, disappointingly Shanghai doesn’t currently have services in all of them.
Price Free download, then you pay for sessions selected
Apple or Android? Both
Ease of use 5/5
For the full list of useful apps for healthier Shanghai living, click 'Read more' below.