How to Use Mobile Maps in China – A Friendly Guide for Travelers

When you come to China, you may notice that Google Maps and some other international map apps don’t work so well here. That’s because of internet restrictions and map accuracy issues. But no worry! We have our own very useful and powerful mobile map apps in China. Let me introduce you the most popular ones that local people use every day.

1. Baidu Maps (百度地图)

This is probably the most used map app in China. It covers almost every city, town, and village, and the directions are super detailed. You can search for places, restaurants, tourist attractions, bus stops, subway stations, and even real-time traffic. It’s all in Chinese, but if you can read some or use translation tools, it’s very helpful. If not, you can ask a local to help you check.

Pros:

• Very accurate and up-to-date

• Great for walking, driving, and public transport

• Real-time traffic condition

• Street view available in many areas

Cons:

• Only Chinese version

• Not so foreigner-friendly at first

2. Amap / Gaode Maps (高德地图)

This one is also super popular, especially among drivers and delivery guys. It’s owned by Alibaba, and works very fast and smooth. Amap has some basic English interface now, and sometimes you can search in English, especially in big cities.

Pros:

• Friendly design

• Accurate directions and travel times

• Shows nearby food, hotels, and attractions

• Some voice navigation in English

Cons:

• Limited English support

• Needs a bit of learning at first

3. WeChat and Alipay Built-in Maps

If you use WeChat or Alipay, you can also find mini-programs inside that help you check maps, bus, metro, and even call a taxi like Didi. These are not full-feature maps like Baidu or Gaode, but still helpful in many cases.

Tips for Using Chinese Map Apps:

• Make sure your phone has internet in China (SIM card or eSIM or pocket Wi-Fi).

• Use a VPN if you want to access Google Maps, but location accuracy may not be reliable.

• Try searching in Chinese name of the place for better result. You can copy-paste it.

• Both Baidu and Gaode offer taxi booking, bike-sharing, and even hotel booking features.