Planning a trip to China and wondering how to get around without Google Maps? Meet Amap (also known as Gaode Map)! It’s one of China’s most popular and reliable navigation apps. It’s similar to Google Maps but designed specifically for local roads, traffic, and services.
It’s owned by tech giant Alibaba and trusted by over a billion users for everything from real-time directions to ride-hailing. For foreigners visiting China, Amap is a reliable and powerful tool to help you get around, especially since Google Maps doesn’t work well there.
How to Download and Set up Amap (Gaode Map)?
Download Amap (Gaode Map)
You can download Amap for free on both the App Store (iOS) and Google Play (Android).
If you’re already in China and can’t access Google Play, try downloading it from Huawei AppGallery, Xiaomi Store, or other local app stores. It’s recommended to download Amap before you launch China.
Set the Language
Amap does offer basic English support. To change it:
Go to Me (我的) → Settings (设置) → General (通用设置) → Language (语言) → Choose English.
Tip: You don’t need a Chinese number to start using Amap. You can skip login and use it in guest mode — it still works fine for navigation and searching places.
How to Use Amap (Gaode Map) in China?
1. Real-Time Navigation
Amap supports walking, driving, cycling, and public transport navigation. Just type your destination, pick your transport mode (like bus, metro, bike, walk, driving, etc.), and hit “Go”. It gives you turn-by-turn directions, estimated time, and route options.
Source: Google Play
2. Live Traffic Info & Smart Rerouting
Amap shows live traffic conditions in red, orange, and green. It’ll even auto-reroute you if there's a jam ahead. You can turn on the voice guidance to helo you better on the road.
Source: Google Play
3. “Nearby” Search
Tap the “Nearby” button or search bar to find restaurants, shopping malls, toilets, ATMs, hotels and more around you. It’s especially helpful if you’re in a new area and just want to explore.
4. Offline Map
When travelling in China, internet access might not always be reliable or cheap. Luckily, Amap offers an offline map feature that lets you download maps in advance and use them without internet connection.
How to Download Offline Maps:
- Open Amap and go to Me (我的) → Offline Maps (离线地图).
- Choose the city or region you want to download, for example, Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou.
- Download the map data before you head out.
- Enable “Auto-Update” for weekly map refreshes.
What You Can Do Offline:
- View detailed maps and zoom in/out freely.
- Search for locations already saved in the offline map.
- Use basic navigation like walking routes.
Limitations:
- Real-time traffic updates and rerouting won’t work offline.
- Some advanced features like public transport schedules and live ride-hailing require an internet connection.
Tip: Download maps for all the cities you plan to visit before your trip or while you have Wi-Fi. This way, you won’t get stuck without navigation in places with poor signal.
5. Extra Tools
Amap comes with lots of bonus features:
- Subway maps for major cities (just search “Metro” or tap the city icon).
- Speed camera alerts during driving navigation.
- Multi-stop route planning for more complex trips.
- Estimated fare and toll info for drivers.
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Amap (Gaode Map) for Ride-Hailing and Taxis
Source: Shanghai Gov
Amap allows you to book taxis and ride-hailing services directly within the app. Just enter your destination and select a car type. You’ll see available drivers nearby and estimated wait times. Confirm your ride, and the driver will come to pick you up.
Most rides booked through Amap require payment via Alipay or WeChat Pay, the two main mobile payment platforms in China. If you’re a tourist, it’s a good idea to set up one of these payment methods beforehand to avoid hassle. Some taxi drivers might accept cash, but digital payment is faster and safer.
Before booking, Amap shows you a price estimate so you know what to expect. Always check the driver’s details (license plate, name) before getting in.
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Amap (Gaode Map) vs Baidu Maps vs Google Maps in China
Many foreigners wonder which app works best between Amap (Gaode Map), Baidu Maps, and Google Maps. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide which one suits your needs while visiting China.
Feature | Amap (Gaode Map) | Google Maps | |
Language Support | Chinese with some English UI | Mainly Chinese, limited English | English, limited Chinese support |
Navigation Accuracy | High, designed for China | High, but more local-focused | Limited, often inaccurate |
Real-time Traffic | Yes, regularly updated | Yes, regularly updated | Yes, but data often incomplete |
Public Transport Info | Yes, multi-city support | Yes, multi-city support | Yes, but less accurate |
Offline Maps | Yes, downloadable offline maps | Yes, downloadable offline maps | Yes, but inconvenient to update |
Taxi / Ride-hailing | Yes, supports multiple platforms | Yes, mostly for locals | No |
Friendly for Foreigners | Quite friendly, some English UI | Less friendly, needs Chinese | Not suitable without VPN |
Need VPN in China? | No | No | Yes |
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Pro Tips for Foreigners Using Amap (Gaode Map) in China
- Download Offline Maps in Advance
Before your trip or when you have Wi-Fi, download maps of the cities you’ll visit. This saves data and helps when the internet is spotty.
- Use Chinese Keywords for Better Search Results
Typing place names in Chinese gives more accurate results. Use Google Translate or ask locals for the Chinese names of places.
- Set Up Alipay or WeChat Pay for Smooth Ride-Hailing
Many ride options require these payment apps. Setting them up early makes booking taxis or Didi rides hassle-free.
- Save Frequent Places
Add your hotel, favorite restaurants, or landmarks to favorites for quick access.
- Be Prepared for Partial English
Some parts of the app (like street names or voice guidance) might be in Chinese. Screenshots and a little basic Chinese can help.
- Check Traffic Updates Before Leaving
Use Amap’s live traffic info to avoid rush hours or jams, especially if you’re driving.
- Share Your Location When Taking Rides
For safety, share your live ride info with friends or family.
Getting around in China can seem overwhelming at first, but with Amap (Gaode Map) on your phone, it’s much easier than you’d expect. Whether you're navigating busy city streets, catching the metro, or booking a ride, Amap gives you reliable tools tailored for China’s travel scene.
While it may take a little time to get used to the app’s quirks and partial English support, it’s definitely worth it. With a few tips, some prep, and a bit of curiosity, you’ll be exploring like a local in no time.
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