A Quick Guide of China Map Apps
App | Works in China? | English UI | English Search | Offline Maps | Public Transit | VPN Needed? |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Baidu Maps | Yes | Basic | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
Amap (高德) | Yes | Basic | Limited | Yes | Yes | No |
Google Maps | No | Yes | No | Limited | No | Yes |
Apple Maps | Limited | Yes | Yes | No | Limied | Limied |
MetroMan | Yes | Yes | No | Yes | Yes | No |
Maps.me | Limited | Yes | Limited | Yes | No | No |
The Best Map App Alternatives for China: Baidu Maps vs. Amap
When traveling through China, you can't navigate without Baidu Maps and Amap (Gaode). They both provide accurate, real-time data which all completely replace Google Maps, yet they cater to distinctly different travel needs.
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Baidu Maps
Baidu Map could be a perfect map app if users don't have Chinese barrier. But if you can recognize the button and Chinese UI, Baidu Maps is your champion. Its database covers even hidden alley cafes and public toilets, and the AR live navigation (point your camera to see floating direction arrows ) can save you everywhere. Besides, Baidu Maps has panoramic maps. Before going to the destination, you can browse the nearby situation first. This is very useful, while Amap doesn't have it at present.
So to master Baidu app, click on Baidu Maps to enter the software interface, and then click the "Route" button, the page will redirect to the page as shown in the picture. Then, fill in the destination you want to reach in the "Input Destination" column, as shown in the picture, and then select the specific address you want to reach. Next, choose the best route that suits your travel, and then click "Start Navigation".
Downside: Bus/subway times aren’t as precise as Amap.
Amap (Gaode)
If you rely on subways or buses, Amap is more essential than Baidu map. It delivers accurate real-time transit data, even down to which subway exits to use and arriving bus numbers. Its live traffic updates reroute taxis around jams effectively. So If you are driving on expressways or urban roads, choose Amap because it offers more detailed reminders and selects the easiest path.
The best feature is the integrated DiDi ride-hailing where you see your driver’s location without switching apps.
Downside: English searches require pinyin (e.g., "Tiantan" for Temple of Heaven).
Best English Map Apps for China
MetroMan
For navigating China’s metro systems, MetroMan is one of the best English-only companion. Its interface eliminates language barriers, delivering clear subway maps, precise exit numbers, and train schedules for 30+ Chinese cities.
Unlike local apps, every station name, transfer line, and timetable displays in plain English. Best of all, it works 100% offline, which is crucial when descending into no signal areas like underground metro.
The limitation is it doesn't have walking directions or bus routes as it mainly lives for subways. But pair it with Baidu Maps or Amap to walk from stations to your final destination will be a good choice.
Apple Maps
Apple Maps offers a stress-free English experience for locating major attractions and hotels across China. Thanks to its integration with Amap’s local map data, searches like "Great Wall Mutianyu" or "Shanghai Pudong Airport" yield accurate results.
Voice-guided turn-by-turn navigation works smoothly for driving or walking between popular landmarks, and its minimalist interface requires zero translation. But limitations loom large: no offline maps (dealbreaker in remote areas), sparse public transit details, and unreliable searches for local eateries or street addresses. Use it strictly for English searches between tourist hotspots – never as your primary nav tool.
Maps.me
When venturing beyond cities, Maps.me shines as a lightweight offline backup. Download entire regions (e.g., Yunnan or Guangxi) before your trip, then navigate trails, rural roads, or temples without internet.
User-contributed points of interest (POIs) sometimes reveal hidden waterfalls or viewpoints. However, avoid Maps.me in urban areas – its China street data is notoriously outdated and incomplete. You won’t find real-time transit, live traffic, or accurate business listings. For hiking Tiger Leaping Gorge? Decent. Finding a Beijing coffee shop? Futile.
🚫 Critical Limitations Summary:
App | Best For | Limitation |
|---|---|---|
MetroMan | Metro navigation | No buses/walking directions |
Apple Maps | Be able to search for English landmarks | No offline Weak transit |
Maps.me | Hikes & rural offline use | Limited urban data |
How to Download & Set Up Baidu Maps/Amap Before Your Trip
(Source from Unsplash)
While Baidu Maps and Amap are essential for real-time navigation, you can't download them from Western app stores after arrival.
China’s Great Firewall blocks foreign platforms, and airport Wi-Fi often restricts store access. Installing and configuring these apps before departure ensures you’ll step off the plane ready to conquer subways and hail taxis.
Step 1: Download the Apps (Pre-Trip)
For iOS:
- Switch App Store Region:
- Go to Settings → [Your Name] → Media & Purchases → View Account → Country/Region.
- Change to China (use a fake address generator if needed; no verification).
- Search & Install:
- In China App Store, search “百度地图” (Baidu Maps) or “高德地图” (Amap).
- Tap “获取” (Get) → Install.
For Android:
- Download APKs:
- Use APKPure or TapTap third-party stores.
- Search “Baidu Maps” or “Gaode Maps,” then install the latest version.
- Enable Permissions:
- Allow location, storage, and microphone access during setup.
Step 2: Set Up Language & Key Features
Baidu Maps Setup:
- English Voice Search:
Tap the 🎤 icon → Speak English destinations (“Summer Palace,” “Beijing Hotel”). - Offline Maps:
Tap "Offline Maps" (离线地图) → Select cities (e.g., Beijing ≈300MB) → Tap “下载” (Download). - Star Your Hotel:
Search hotel name → Tap ★ to save for 1-tap navigation later.
Amap Setup:
- Enable English Voice Navigation:
Go to Profile → ⚙️ → Navigation Settings → Voice → English (Female/Male). - Download Offline Maps:
Tap “Offline Maps” (离线地图) → Choose cities (Shanghai ≈150MB). - Bookmark Transit Hubs:
Search airports/train stations → Tap “☆” to save.
Step 3: Pre-Download Essentials
- Download Offline Maps:
- In Baidu/Amap: Tap “Offline Maps” → Add your destination cities.
- Star Critical Spots:
- Airports, hotels, embassies, and hospitals.
China Travel App Recommendation
Trip.com: Your All-in-One China Travel Command Center
For travelers navigating China’s complex logistics, Trip.com (known as Ctrip locally) is the undisputed powerhouse. Unlike niche map apps, Trip.com integrates flights, trains, hotels, tickets, and even airport transfers into a seamless English-friendly experience.
Trip.com also has real-time booking support for China’s vast high-speed rail network (高铁), which is notoriously difficult for non-Chinese speakers to access independently.
🏨 Beyond Transport: Hotels, Tours & Support
- Attraction Tickets: Skip lines at the Forbidden City, Disney, etc. – QR code entry.
- 24/7 Global Support: Call/chat in English for instant help (rare among Chinese apps).
- Integrated City Guides: Day trips, maps, and subway tips bundled with bookings.
China's Hotel Recommendation
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Questions about China Map App
What do Chinese use instead of Google Maps?
Baidu Maps is undoubtedly one of China's most powerful map services, loved by a vast number of users for its convenient user experience and comprehensive features.Can foreigners use Baidu map?
Can foreigners use Baidu Maps? Yes, but with limitations: Without Chinese: Difficult due to the all-Chinese interface. With Workarounds: Use Pinyin for place names. Save locations with English names (via ★ Favorites → Rename/重命名).What is the google alternative in China?
Baidu is China's largest and most widely used search engine, much like Google in the U.S. Baidu works outside of China but was created for users in China.