Choose the Best China Map App: Guiding Your Way in China

It’s absolutely frustrating when you’re lost in a new place. To guide your way in China, you’re supposed to know how to use the map app in China.

Of course, you might also wonder that if you’re still able to use Google Maps in China. Or any authentic recommendations for local map apps in China? Read on to get more details!

Top 3 Alternatives for Google Maps in China

In China, people often use Amap for transportation. You can also choose Baidu Map or DiDi Map. What’s the difference? Which map app is the best for your specific needs to transfer in China? Here’s a table made for you that shows a clear comparison among them.

 The above 3 map apps in China are all Android/IOS supported.

Pro tips:

• If you’re an IOS user, then Apple Maps also works for you. (Get yourself a fast eSIM in China)
• Try Baidu Map “The Beijing Map” if you need full English.
• Amap is the most accurate for drivers. (real-time, detailed local data)

What If I Can’t Read Chinese on the China Map App?

Well, Amap is exactly the most local map app in China. But it already has an English version (Amap Global). Just go to your app store and download one. And just feel free to use other map apps like DiDi Map and Baidu Map (both English supported).

Some visitors are willing to study a little bit of Chinese before they start their journey to China. It’s still a good choice to download a Chinese version of the map in China. And try to integrate yourself into the local language and culture. I think it’ll make huge progress for your Chinese language skills.

Use Google Translate for the China Map App

In this case, you don’t need a Google Translate for China map app… but if you’re used to using it, just use screen translation, but you may encounter with inaccurate & awkward version of translation.

Or you can use the camera translation mode when you need to find out what the traffic sign’s about when driving or taking any public transportation.

Better stick to a local map app like Amap or Baidu Map to stay closer to everything in China (they all have released an English version, perfect for English-speaking countries).

Tips for Using the Map Apps in China

Well, you’ll still meet little troubles when you use local map apps in China. For instance, you’ll be confused about Chinese names of metro stations/attractions/restaurants…. Follow these tips to help you understand China like a local~

• Search in Pinyin to avoid difficulty in typing Chinese.
• Match these signs of exit letters (like A/B/C) for subway transfers.
• Amap has the best offline maps (download city data before trips to distant places like the Great Wall).
• Call ahead if needed for the accurate opening hours for restaurants or attractions.
• Double check the routes in case you encounter lesser-stepped roads, especially at night…
• Link Alipay/WeChat Pay to your map app in China (more convenient without cash).
• Use Google Translate's conversation mode if needed real-time translation.

Other Most Used Apps in China

There’re many apps that Chinese people use in, daily lives. “When in Rome, do as the Romans do.” Try everything you can to integrate your journeys in China.

• For social or messaging: WeChat must be the first choice.
• Online-shopping: Taobao (C2C) & JD.com (fast-delivery); Pinduoduo (group discounts) & Tmall (brand shopping)
• Payments: WeChat Pay (built in WeChat) & Alipay (mobile payment, bills & investment)
• Entertainment: Douyin (TikTok’s Chinese version) & Bilibili (best for anime & UGC videos)
• Food & delivery: Meituan (food delivery, bike-sharing, hotels, etc.) & Ele.me (focus on food delivery)
• Lifestyle & travel: Rednote (Instagram-like) & Ctrip (trip.com) (flights, hotels, tours, etc.)

Where Is China on a World Map?

Credit: Vecteezy | China on a World Map

China is situated at the heart of East Asia, sharing borders with 14 nations. It neighbors Russia and Mongolia to the north; Tajikistan, Pakistan, etc., to the west; the Himalayas separate it from India, Nepal, and Bhutan; and Myanmar, Laos, and Vietnam to the south.

China’s 18,000 km coastline touches waters like the Yellow Sea, East China Sea, South China Sea, etc., which support major ports like Shanghai, Shenzhen, and Hong Kong.

Map of China

Credit: Behance | Map of China

China has 23 provinces. There are also 5 autonomous regions (Guangxi, Inner Mongolia, Ningxia, Tibet, and Xinjiang), 4 municipalities (Beijing, Chongqing, Shanghai, and Tianjin), and 2 administrative regions (Hong Kong and Macau).

South of China has hot & wet summers but with beautiful ocean views; Cold & dry winters slide into the north of China; West of China holds dry & extreme weather. The best time to visit East China is in Autumn with mild & dry weather. Check the typhoon if traveling to coastal cities.