By Jing (based in China) + Kai | Last verified: March 2026
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Google Maps is blocked by the Great Firewall. Even with a VPN, the data is intentionally inaccurate: POIs are outdated by 1β2 years, and the GCJ-02 coordinate offset shows your location 100β700 meters off.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 (owned by Alibaba) is the most widely used map app in China and the best choice for tourists.
- Download before departure: Search "ι«εΎ·ε°εΎ Amap" on App Store / Google Play
- Switch to English: Profile icon β Settings gear β Language β English
- Allow location permissions
Search in English for major landmarks, chain stores, and hotels. Walking, driving, cycling, and transit directions are 100% accurate.
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.
- 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
Internet can be spotty in rural areas and subway tunnels. Download offline maps ahead of time:
- Amap: Profile icon β Offline Maps β 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.
- 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
Both Amap and Baidu Maps have built-in Didi hailing β 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.
Chinese addresses go from largest to smallest (opposite of Western):
Format: Province β City β District β Street Name β Number β Building β 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 business card: Get a physical card at check-in with the Chinese address. Show to taxi drivers β eliminates 99% of communication issues.
- Airport pickup points: Amap and Baidu Maps show exact ride-hailing pickup zones for each terminal.
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 100β700 meters in China
- This is a national security regulation β 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]
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