Amap
title: "Amap" slug: "amap" category: "maps" difficulty: "beginner" icon: "/icons/amap.png" lastUpdated: "2026-04-28" featured: false description: "China's leading navigation app — the reliable replacement for Google Maps, with accurate local data and transit directions."
Why You Need It
Google Maps barely works in China. Data is outdated, walking directions are unreliable, and the service requires a VPN. Amap (also called Gaode Maps) is built for Chinese roads, transit, and addresses, and it's used by Didi and Alipay under the hood. With English support and offline maps, it's the navigation app to install before your trip.
You can use Amap in guest mode without registering — basic navigation works fine without an account.
Installation
- 1
Download Amap
Search 'Amap' in the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android). Install before arriving in China, since Google Play is blocked there.
- 2
Skip or register
Tap 'Skip' on the login screen for guest mode, or register with an international phone number for the full feature set.
- 3
Switch to English
Open Settings → Language → English. The interface translates, though some place names and voice prompts remain in Chinese.
- 4
Allow location access
Grant the app location permission so it can place you on the map and route from your current spot.
Setup: Offline Maps
Download offline maps for the cities you'll visit before you go. They keep working without data and during VPN flakiness.
- 1
Open the offline maps menu
Go to Me → Offline Maps.
- 2
Pick your cities
Search and tap each city you'll visit (e.g. Beijing, Shanghai, Xi'an). City packs are a few hundred MB each.
- 3
Download on Wi-Fi
Download over hotel or home Wi-Fi to avoid roaming charges.
Usage Tips
- Walking, driving, transit, cycling: Amap supports all four modes. Transit includes metro, bus, and intercity rail with real-time arrivals.
- Search Chinese place names: If a search fails in English, paste the Chinese name from the hotel or restaurant's website — Amap recognizes it instantly.
- Save your hotel: Star your hotel as a Favorite right after arrival so you can route home in one tap.
- Subway maps: Tap the metro icon on the home screen for a clean schematic of any city's subway system.
- Use as Didi backend: Long-press a destination and select 'Ride' to call a Didi car directly from Amap.
Troubleshooting
Search returns nothing? Try the Chinese characters instead of the English transliteration. Amap's database is overwhelmingly Chinese-first.
Voice navigation in Chinese only? Some voice packs are Chinese-only. Mute voice and follow the on-screen turn-by-turn arrows.
Map looks empty offline? Check Me → Offline Maps to make sure the city pack actually finished downloading. Re-download if needed.