How to Use Chinese Apps for Navigation: A Guide to Amap and Baidu Maps

1. Why Use Local Map Apps in China?

Many international travelers are accustomed to using Google Maps or other familiar navigation services at home. However, these services may not provide the most dependable experience for everyday navigation in mainland China.

Local mapping platforms are designed around China's road networks, public transportation systems, business listings and local points of interest. They can be especially useful when you need to find a restaurant, identify a metro exit, locate a hotel entrance or plan a journey across a large city.

Why Google Maps Is Not the Best Choice for Daily Navigation

Google Maps is not officially supported as a dependable everyday mapping service in mainland China. Depending on your internet connection and device, the app may fail to load certain information, display outdated local listings or provide an inaccurate position on the map.

Even if you can open Google Maps, it is better not to rely on it as your only navigation tool while traveling in mainland China. A local map app provides a more practical way to check current local routes and destination information.

What Can Local Map Apps Help You Find?

• Hotels, guesthouses and accommodation entrances.
• Tourist attractions, museums and historic sites.
• Restaurants, cafés, shopping streets and local markets.
• Metro stations, bus stops and transfer points.
• Railway stations, airports and designated pickup areas.
• Walking, cycling, driving and public transportation routes.

2. Amap vs. Baidu Maps: Key Differences

Amap and Baidu Maps are two major mapping platforms in mainland China. They both offer extensive local map coverage, but they are not identical in terms of language support and accessibility for overseas visitors.

Amap: A Convenient Starting Point for International Visitors

Amap, also called Gaode Maps, is one of China's major navigation services. Its international-facing AMap Global experience includes English-language support and travel-related features designed to help overseas visitors prepare for and navigate their trips.

Depending on the current app version and your device, you may be able to use English for map navigation, destination searches and selected travel services. Some local business names, smaller points of interest and app features may still appear in Chinese.

For first-time visitors who want a more accessible starting point, Amap is generally the app we recommend trying first.

Baidu Maps: A Useful Local Alternative

Baidu Maps is another major navigation platform with extensive local map information, route planning and points of interest throughout China.

Its interface and local listings can be more challenging for visitors who do not read Chinese. Language availability can also vary by app version and platform. Even when some interface elements are displayed in English, place names, reviews and local information may remain Chinese.

Baidu Maps is worth keeping as a backup when you want to cross-check a location or compare route information. If you are unfamiliar with Chinese characters, prepare the Chinese destination name in advance.

3. How to Get Started with Amap

Setting up your navigation app before arriving in China can save time at the airport, railway station and hotel. Follow these steps to prepare Amap for your journey.

Step 1: Download Amap Before Your Trip

Search for AMap Global in your device's official app store. Check the developer name and current app listing before downloading, as app availability and naming can differ between regions.

• iPhone: Find AMap Global in the Apple App Store.
• Android: Check Google Play or another official app distribution channel available for your device.

Official download pages:

• AMap Global on the Apple App Store
• AMap Global on Google Play

Step 2: Check the Language Settings

Open the app and check the available language options. If English is supported in your installed version, select it or follow the device language settings where applicable.

The exact settings menu may change after app updates. Do not assume every map label, business listing, voice prompt or additional service will automatically be translated.

Step 3: Allow Location Access

When prompted, allow the app to access your location while using it. For more accurate positioning, enable precise location access if your device provides that option.

Your location can be less accurate inside underground stations, shopping centers, tunnels and areas surrounded by tall buildings. If the location marker appears incorrect, move to a more open area and allow the app a moment to update.

Step 4: Search for Your Hotel

Before leaving home, search for your hotel using its English name. If the result is unclear or several properties have similar names, use the hotel's Chinese name and full Chinese address.

Check that the selected result matches the correct district and property. A hotel may have a separate entrance, building or branch that is not immediately obvious from its English name.

Step 5: Save Important Locations

Save your hotel, airport, railway stations and major attractions so you can find them quickly later. If your app version offers a favorites or saved-places feature, use it to organize destinations by city.

Keep screenshots of essential addresses and map locations as an additional backup. A screenshot is particularly useful when your mobile connection is slow or you need to show a destination to a driver.

4. How to Use Baidu Maps

Baidu Maps can be useful for checking local addresses and route information, especially when you already have the Chinese name of a destination.

Step 1: Download the Official App

Search for 百度地图 or Baidu Maps in an official app store available in your region. Check the developer information before installing.

View Baidu Maps on Google Play

Step 2: Understand the Interface

The app is designed primarily around the Chinese domestic market. Some language options may be available depending on your version, but not all destination information and services will necessarily be translated.

If you cannot understand a menu, use your phone's screen translation or camera translation feature. You can also prepare a small list of important Chinese interface terms before traveling.

Step 3: Search Using Chinese Characters

Baidu Maps generally works best when you enter the official Chinese name of a hotel, attraction, restaurant or station.

For example, if you want to find the Forbidden City in Beijing, search for:

故宫博物院

Compare the address and location shown in the results before selecting your destination.

Step 4: Check the Route

Select the destination and choose the appropriate travel mode, such as walking, driving or public transportation. Review the suggested route and check whether the starting point and destination are correct.

If you are unfamiliar with the Chinese interface, use Amap as your primary navigation app and Baidu Maps as a secondary reference rather than relying on an unfamiliar menu during a time-sensitive journey.

5. How to Search for Places in China Without Speaking Chinese

One of the most useful skills for navigating China is knowing how to search for a destination using its Chinese name. English names are convenient for major attractions, but smaller restaurants, local businesses and individual hotel branches may be listed primarily in Chinese.

Method 1: Copy the Chinese Name from Your Hotel Booking

Your accommodation confirmation may include the property's Chinese name and address. Copy the Chinese text and paste it directly into Amap or Baidu Maps.

This is often more reliable than entering an English translation or guessing how a place name is pronounced.

Method 2: Ask Your Hotel for Its Chinese Address

Before checking out, ask the front desk to provide the hotel's Chinese name and address. You can save the information in your notes or take a screenshot.

Useful phrase:

请给我酒店的中文名称和地址。
Qǐng gěi wǒ jiǔdiàn de Zhōngwén míngchēng hé dìzhǐ.
Please give me the hotel's Chinese name and address.

Method 3: Search for the Chinese Name of an Attraction

Here are several useful examples for popular destinations in China:

These examples are useful search terms, but always verify the exact attraction entrance or station printed on your ticket. A destination's general name may lead you to a different entrance or a nearby location.

Method 4: Save the Exact Map Pin

When you find the correct destination, save its location rather than relying only on the written address. A map pin can help you return to the same place even if the English and Chinese names are displayed differently.

6. How to Navigate Around China

Amap and Baidu Maps support several travel modes. The most useful options for international visitors are walking, public transportation and driving.

Walking Directions

Walking navigation is useful for exploring historic neighborhoods, shopping streets, parks and attractions.

• Enter your destination and select the walking option.
• Check the estimated walking time and route.
• Zoom in when approaching the destination.
• Look for the correct entrance, not just the nearest road.
• Check whether the route crosses a large road, shopping complex or underground passage.

In some Chinese cities, a destination may be inside a large shopping mall, residential compound or scenic area. The map pin may not be located directly at the entrance you need.

Metro and Public Transportation

Public transportation is one of the most convenient ways to travel around major Chinese cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu and Xi'an.

To plan a metro or bus journey:

1. Enter your starting point and destination.
2. Select public transportation.
3. Review the suggested metro or bus route.
4. Check the transfer stations and walking sections.
5. Confirm the station exit closest to your destination.

Large metro stations can have many exits. Choosing the wrong exit may add unnecessary walking time, particularly in busy commercial districts.

Remember that map directions and ticket payment are separate services. You may need a supported transport QR code, a transit card or a ticket purchased at the station to enter the metro.

Driving and Taxi Routes

Driving directions are useful for checking estimated travel times, road conditions and the location of a pickup or drop-off point.

If you use a taxi or ride-hailing service, make sure the pickup point is correct before confirming your journey. Airports, railway stations and large shopping centers often have designated pickup areas.

Amap may provide access to integrated ride-hailing services in supported locations. Availability, account requirements and payment methods can vary. Do not assume that downloading a map app automatically gives you access to every taxi or payment feature.

7. Practical Navigation Tips for Travelers in China

Scenario 1: Finding Your Hotel After Arriving at the Airport

After landing in Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu or another Chinese city, open your map app and search for the hotel's Chinese name.

Before choosing a route, confirm:

• The correct airport and terminal.
• The hotel's exact location and address.
• The recommended taxi or public transportation route.
• The designated pickup area if you are using a car service.

If you are tired after a long international flight, having your hotel address saved in advance makes the arrival process much easier.

Scenario 2: Finding the Correct Entrance to a Tourist Attraction

Some major attractions have multiple entrances, visitor centers and ticket checkpoints. Searching only for the attraction's general name may not take you to the entrance shown on your ticket.

Before setting off, check the official visitor information and search for the designated entrance or visitor center. Compare the map result with your ticket instructions.

Scenario 3: Traveling Between High-Speed Railway Stations and Hotels

China has several large railway stations with similar names. Beijing Railway Station, Beijing South Railway Station and Beijing West Railway Station are different locations. The same applies to Shanghai, Xi'an and other major cities.

Always search for the exact Chinese station name printed on your train ticket. Do not select a station simply because its English name looks familiar.

Useful examples:

• Beijing South Railway Station — 北京南站
• Beijing West Railway Station — 北京西站
• Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station — 上海虹桥站
• Xi'an North Railway Station — 西安北站
• Chengdu East Railway Station — 成都东站

Scenario 4: Finding a Local Restaurant

If you discover a restaurant through a travel article or social media post, save its Chinese name and location before leaving your hotel.

A restaurant may have several branches, and an English name may be used by more than one business. Confirm the district, street and branch before navigating.

Scenario 5: Exploring Scenic Areas Outside the City Center

Places such as the Great Wall, Zhangjiajie National Forest Park, the Li River area in Guilin and the countryside around Hangzhou can involve several gates, visitor centers, parking areas and shuttle transfer points.

Do not assume the nearest map pin is the correct visitor entrance. Check the official scenic-area information and your ticket details before traveling.

8. Common Problems When Using Map Apps in China

Problem 1: The English Name Does Not Appear in Search Results

Solution: Search for the Chinese name instead. Ask your hotel, tour operator or destination provider for the correct Chinese characters. You can also use a translation app to identify the name, then verify the result on the map.

Problem 2: Several Similar Locations Appear

Solution: Compare the address, district, nearby landmarks and map position. For hotels and restaurants, confirm the exact branch rather than selecting the first result.

Problem 3: The Location Marker Is Not Accurate

Solution: Check location permissions and enable precise location access where available. Move away from underground spaces or tall buildings and allow the map to refresh.

Problem 4: You Cannot Understand the App Interface

Solution: Try the English-language version of Amap, where available. For Chinese-only content, use your phone's camera translation or screenshot translation feature. Save important destinations before you travel.

Problem 5: Your Mobile Internet Connection Is Unavailable

Solution: Do not depend entirely on live navigation. Save important addresses, map screenshots and route details in advance. If your installed app version supports offline maps for your destination, check the available download options and download the relevant city data over Wi-Fi before departure.

Offline maps do not necessarily provide every live service. Real-time traffic, updated transit information, online searches and some location features may still require an internet connection.

Problem 6: You Are Unsure Which Railway Station or Entrance to Choose

Solution: Check your train ticket, attraction ticket or official visitor instructions. Use the exact Chinese name and verify the destination before starting your journey.

9. Your China Navigation Checklist

Before traveling to China, use this checklist to prepare your navigation tools:

• Download Amap Global from an official app store.
• Check the available language options on your device.
• Install Baidu Maps if you want a secondary local map reference.
• Allow the necessary location permissions.
• Save your hotel's Chinese name and full address.
• Save the exact locations of airports and railway stations.
• Prepare Chinese names for important attractions and restaurants.
• Save map pins and screenshots of essential destinations.
• Check your mobile data and internet access arrangements.
• Verify attraction entrances and transport pickup points before departure.

10. Frequently Asked Questions About Navigation Apps in China

Can foreigners use Amap in China?

Yes. International visitors can download Amap Global through supported app stores and use its available navigation services. English-language support and additional features depend on the installed version, device and location.

Does Amap have an English version?

Yes. AMap Global offers English-language support for international users. However, some local business names, smaller points of interest and additional services may still appear in Chinese. Check the current app version before your trip.

Is Baidu Maps available in English?

Language availability can vary by app version and device. Some interface elements may support English, but many local listings, reviews and destination details remain Chinese. Travelers who do not read Chinese may find Amap easier to use as their main navigation app.

Do I need a Chinese phone number to use Amap or Baidu Maps?

Requirements depend on the app version and the service you want to access. Basic map browsing and some route-planning functions may be available without completing every account feature, while additional services may require registration or verification. Test the app before departure rather than assuming every feature will work with an overseas number.

Can I use Amap without mobile data?

Some versions may offer offline map downloads for supported areas. Availability and functionality can differ. Download the relevant map data before traveling if the option is available, and remember that live traffic, online searches and some public transportation information may still require internet access.

Which is better for tourists: Amap or Baidu Maps?

Amap is generally the more convenient starting point for international visitors because of its English-language experience and travel-oriented features. Baidu Maps is a useful alternative for checking local places and route information, particularly for travelers who can work with Chinese-language content.

Can I use these apps to find metro routes in Beijing and Shanghai?

Yes. Both platforms provide public transportation route-planning functions in supported areas. Enter your starting point and destination, select public transportation and check the transfer stations and station exits before traveling.

Should I still save my hotel's Chinese address if I use an English map?

Absolutely. A Chinese address is useful when searching for a local business, confirming a hotel branch or communicating with a taxi driver. Save both the Chinese address and the exact map location.

Can map apps replace a local tour guide?

Map apps are excellent for everyday navigation, but they do not replace local knowledge, cultural interpretation or on-the-ground assistance. A professional guide can help with attraction entrances, local transportation arrangements, historical context and unexpected changes during a trip.