1. I still see people using cash every day, so it's not the end of the world if you can't get wxp or ap working
2. Wx pay is something you can test before your trip. Ask someone to send you a transfer; if that doesn't work, you might need to bind a Chinese phone number to your account or simply make a new account with a Chinese number. Or, maybe customer service can help you bypass this requirement (real name matching is an important thing for them)
3. If you can get past step 2, you really don't need a connected bank account (anyone can juice you in exchange for cash)

4. If you want to spread your wings further and have a few hours to spare, get a local phone number at a low volume store and a bank account at one of the less bureaucratic banks (e.g. CITIC, Bank of Ningbo...just avoid the big guys, if possible)
​​​​​​5. While you're at the bank, ask the teller to help you bind WeChat and alipay

I really dislike in person bank visits, but if you can endure one, you should be golden for years.