China’s iPhone is here. Whether you’ve taken the plunge on the local version or are still clinging to an international one, these nine apps will change the way you experience Shanghai

ExploreShanghai

Easily navigate Shanghai’s ever-expanding Metro system with this userfriendly app. Just select your start and end points and the exact price and time details will display instantly. It works even when offline, in English and Chinese, and stays completely up-to-date. Free updates are made available as new lines open up and old ones get extended.

Price: US$0.99

Cityfu

The ultimate mobile utility for English speakers in Shanghai, CityFu has realtime, up-to-date information about the city, as well as City Weekend’s entire database of venues. Version 2.0 coming out in early 2010 will have GPS-enabled maps centered on your location to show you cool stuff nearby, and a real-time events function to let you know what’s going on in your city.

Price: Free

A Short History of Shanghai

The perfect way to learn a little more about your city and kill some time. An iPhone version of Francis Lister Hawks Pott’s 350-page book about the growth and development of Shanghai’s International Settlement, this app allows you to both search for key terms in the book and bookmark your progress as you go.

Price: US$2.99

DianHua

This great Chinese- English dictionary helps you learn Chinese as you use it. Search in English, pinyin or characters and use it to make vocabulary lists and flash cards that are sync-able with your (free) dianhuadictionary.com account. Even better, they are exportable to other software packages. An additional audio module is available for US$4.99

Price: Free

Catch Your Bus Shanghai

This is a wonderfully simple app that finally allows you to figure out Shanghai’s labyrinthine bus system. Just search the number of the bus in question and its entire route will display in English. For the price of one minimumfare cab trip, you’ll be able to ride–and save on transport–like the Shanghainese do.

Price: US$1.99

LP Phrasebook

For newcomers developing their everyday Chinese phrases, this app from Lonely Planet is a must. Master the basics of getting around Shanghai without looking like a tourist (even if you are). Plug in your headphones and listen to more than 600 phrases to shop, socialize and shout like a local.

Price: US$9.99

China Daily

Looking to stay updated on the go? This is the app for you. With its simple, easy-to-use interface, this mobile newspaper allows you to quickly browse through the country’s top stories and photos whenever you have a spare second. Download the sister China Daily Video app to get streaming videos as well.

Price: Free

Google Maps

Lost? Google Maps can find you using the iPhone’s built-in GPS. Looking for an address? You can search it in English in the handy search bar. Short on time and stuck in traffic? This powerful app displays a real-time traffic map that shows you which roads and highways are–and aren’t–currently jam packed.

Price: Free

Evernote

For staying organized in bustling Shanghai, this application is a must. It supports Chinese text and is an improvement over the Notes app that comes with iPhones. With Evernote, you can capture text, photos and voice notes and reminders. Evernote even uses your iPhone’s built in GPS to track where you were when you captured a note.

Price: US$9.99

■ Geoff Ng