Google Maps Doesn't Work in China — Here's What to Use (2026)
By Jing (based in China) + Kai | Last verified: March 2026
Free guide. Share it. We want you to have this information.
Why doesn't Google Maps work in China?
Google Maps is blocked by the Great Firewall. Even with a VPN, the data is intentionally inaccurate: POIs are outdated by 1–2 years, and the GCJ-02 coordinate offset shows your location 100–700 meters off. Apple Maps works partially for driving in Tier 1 cities but has no public transit data. For reliable navigation, you must use a local map app.
Amap (高德地图) — the best option
Amap (owned by Alibaba) is the most widely used map app in China and the best choice for tourists.
Setup:
Download before departure: Search "高德地图 Amap" on App Store / Google Play
Switch to English: Profile icon → Settings gear → Language → English
Allow location permissions
Search in English for major landmarks, chain stores, and hotels. Walking, driving, cycling, and transit directions are 100% accurate.
Baidu Maps (百度地图)
Second most popular, slightly better coverage of small towns and northern China rural areas. No English interface as of March 2026, but usable with translation overlay (iPhone Live Text or Android Google Translate screen translate). Search works with pinyin and English for major landmarks.
How to search for places when you can't type Chinese
Copy-paste: Save Chinese addresses from bookings, itineraries, or social media and paste into the search bar
Image search: Use WeChat's scan-translate to extract Chinese text from photos of addresses or signs
Save offline: Screenshot all planned destinations with Chinese names before arrival
Offline maps
Internet can be spotty in rural areas and subway tunnels. Download offline maps ahead of time:
Amap: Profile icon → Offline Maps → Download City
Download each city you'll visit (or entire province maps for wide travel)
Enable "Auto-update offline maps" in settings
Offline maps include full transit routes, walking directions, and POI search.
Transit directions
Combined routes: Walking + metro + bus + shared bike suggestions
Real-time updates: Next bus/metro arrival, service delays
Metro exit guidance: Which exit to use for large stations with 10+ exits
Fare estimates: Exact cost shown before you leave
Didi integration
Both Amap and Baidu Maps have built-in Didi hailing — no separate Didi app needed:
Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay first
Enter destination in the map app, tap "Ride"
Select ride type, confirm pickup, tap "Call Ride"
Payment is automatic via linked Alipay/WeChat Pay. Easier than the standalone Didi app for tourists.
Address format
Chinese addresses go from largest to smallest (opposite of Western):
Format: Province → City → District → Street Name → Number → Building → Unit/Floor/Room Example: Guangdong Province, Guangzhou City, Tianhe District, Zhujiang New Town, 53 Tiyu East Road, CTF Finance Centre, 52nd Floor
Always share the full Chinese version with drivers, not just the English translation.
Hotel/airport navigation
Hotel business card: Get a physical card at check-in with the Chinese address. Show to taxi drivers — eliminates 99% of communication issues.
Airport pickup points: Amap and Baidu Maps show exact ride-hailing pickup zones for each terminal.
GPS offset issue (GCJ-02)
All non-Chinese map apps show your location incorrectly due to the GCJ-02 coordinate system, a legal requirement:
Global standard (WGS-84) used by Google/Apple Maps is intentionally offset 100–700 meters in China
This is a national security regulation — no way to fix it on non-Chinese apps
Amap and Baidu Maps are built for GCJ-02, so they are always accurate
This guide is maintained by Jing (living in China) and Kai (AI partner). If something changed since we wrote this, let us know: [email protected]
Free to share. No strings attached. We just want you to have a good trip.