Travelling in China and not sure which map app to use? No wonder - many well-known services (such as Google Maps) only work to a limited extent there, or not at all. But don't worry: There are reliable alternatives that will allow you to travel through cities and regions safely and stress-free. Here you can find the best map apps for your trip to China - including their pros, features, and cons.
Popular China Map App Comparison
App | English Support | Offline Maps | Public Transport | Rating |
Baidu Maps | Limited | Yes | ✔ Real-time updates | 4.9 |
Amap/Gaode | Yes | Yes | ✔ Metro/bus routes | 4.9 |
Tencent Maps | No | Yes | ✔ Basic routes | 4.5 |
Apple Maps | Yes | Limited | ✔ (iOS only) | 3.2 |
Google Maps | Yes | No* | ✖ Unreliable | 4.9 |
Maps.me | Yes | Yes | ✖ | 4.8 |
Baidu Maps
Baidu Maps is China's leading AI navigation app, providing real-time traffic updates, multi-modal route planning, and voice navigation in Chinese and limited English. It covers more than 200 countries and is suitable for travel in China and basic international travel. Key features include AR navigation, weak signal GPS tracking, and real-time public transportation (bus, subway) alerts in major cities.
Why choose Baidu Maps?
Intelligent route planning: Plan self-driving, walking, cycling and public transportation routes, and provide options such as "time saving", "avoiding toll stations" and "low cost".
Affordable online taxi-hailing: instantly compare taxi prices and provide discounts/coupons (supports Alipay/WeChat payment).
Voice control: Say "Xiaodu Xiaodu" to search for places, check the weather or navigate hands-free. You can even record a custom voice to get directions!
For Tourists & Expats
AI travel guides make visiting temples alone more fun, and personalized food recommendations can lead you to discover hidden treasures. However, Google Translate is occasionally needed to look up non-phonetic place names.
Amap (Gaode) Maps
If you're planning a trip to China, Amap is a must-have app for an easy trip. As China's first English map designed for overseas users, it's trusted by more than 800 million users, covering a wide range of areas from bustling cities to remote areas. Whether you're navigating busy streets, taking public transportation, or exploring niche locations, Amap has you covered.
What makes Amap the best companion for travellers? It has a wealth of smart features, such as 3D lane-level navigation, real-time traffic updates, and even traffic light countdowns so you don't miss a turn. The app provides detailed intersection views, accurate estimated time of arrival (ETA), and real-time traffic information, making it perfect for taking the bus, train, or driving. It also provides restaurant reviews, online car-hailing price comparisons, and seamless cross-border route planning (such as a journey to Shenzhen). It's more than just a map, it's your all-in-one travel tool.
While Amap is very useful, its support for English is not as extensive as its support for Chinese, so some smaller places or features may be harder to find. In rural areas, real-time updates are occasionally delayed. But it’s still my go-to app for exploring China’s major cities and transportation networks, and my favourite app when travelling to China!
Tencent Maps
Tencent Maps is your go-to navigation app for travel, created by the Tencent technology team to make travel smarter and smoother. Whether you're driving, cycling, or taking public transportation, it provides real-time traffic information, indoor maps of shopping malls and transportation hubs, and even AR walking guides. In addition, it has fun features such as game-themed voice and 3D maps, which are both entertaining and practical. And with low data usage and offline modes, it’s kind to your phone and wallet.
Although it is feature-rich, some users may find the number of features a bit overwhelming at first. The customization of game themes is fun, but not everyone likes it. Additionally, indoor maps and real-time bus data may be delayed in less touristy areas. But for urban explorers, it is undoubtedly a trustworthy partner.
Website | iOS | Android
Apple Maps
If you travel in China with your iPhone, Apple Maps is an obvious choice. The map service generally works reliably in the country, as it uses data from the local provider Amap. Driving around large cities and simple walks usually present no problems. A big plus: the user interface is multilingual – including English – and can be operated intuitively. Navigation is particularly convenient in combination with other Apple services such as Siri or the Apple Watch.
However, the app also has significant limitations: offline use is not available and public transport is not adequately covered. Many places (POIs) also only have Chinese names, which can be confusing for people without language skills. For more complex bus and train routes, or if you are travelling in rural areas, I recommend using a local map app such as Amap.
Google Maps
Google Maps is one of the most popular navigation apps in Europe, but the situation is quite different in China. Without a valid VPN, Google Maps will not work reliably there, as many Google services are blocked or have limited availability in the country. Even with a VPN, maps can sometimes be outdated or inaccurate - especially when it comes to GPS positioning. The so-called "GPS drift" problem means that your position on the map is often off by several hundred meters. Public transport information is also not usually displayed.
Nevertheless, Google Maps can sometimes be useful in China - for example, for general orientation or route planning before a trip. The app is available in English, is easy to use, and offers many familiar features like Street View (outside of China), saved places, and personal lists. If you're used to using Google Maps, you can use it as a supplement - but when you travel in China, you should definitely be prepared with local apps like Baidu Maps or Amap to get to your destination really reliably.
Maps.me
Maps.me is an excellent choice for travellers in China who need a reliable offline map app. Especially if you are travelling in more rural areas or away from major tourist hotspots, Maps.me provides detailed maps that can be used even without an internet connection. This makes the app perfect for exploring off-the-beaten-path places where other apps may not provide complete coverage.
Maps.me's maps are based on OpenStreetMap data, which means they are generally very up-to-date and accurate. Not only will you find roads and main thoroughfares, but you will also find many side roads, hiking trails, and points of interest. The user interface is available in multiple languages and is easy to navigate.
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China Map App FAQ
1. What are the English versions of China map apps?
Popular options: Amap (AutoNavi).
2. Does Google Maps work in China?
No, you need a VPN to use Google Maps in China or use local apps like Baidu Maps or Amap instead.
3. Does Apple Maps work in China?
Yes, but with limited functionality. It relies on local data (from Amap) and may lack real-time updates.
4. How to download offline maps in China?
In Baidu Maps/Amap: Go to "Offline Maps" → Select city → Download.
5. Are China map apps accurate for public transport?
Yes, Baidu Maps & Amap provide real-time subway/bus routes and schedules.