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How to Navigate Chinese Cities with Amap (Gaode Maps)

Last updated: 2026-04-30

Google Maps works poorly in China — directions are often wrong, and transit data is incomplete.

Amap
Amap
maps · beginner
View Guide → (also called Gaode Maps, 高德地图) is China's most accurate mapping app, used by hundreds of millions of locals. It supports English and covers every city, town, and rural area in the country.

Setting Up English Language

Amap defaults to Chinese but can be switched to English:

Open Amap → tap the profile icon (bottom right) → Settings → Language → English. The interface, place names, and directions will switch to English. Some user-generated content (reviews, photos) remains in Chinese.

Getting Walking Directions

  1. 1. Search for your destination

    Tap the search bar at the top. Type the destination name in English — Amap recognizes English names for major attractions, hotels, and landmarks. For less-known places, try the Chinese name if you have it.

  2. 2. Select the correct result

    Amap shows a list of matching places with their distance from you. Tap the correct one. The map centers on the location with a pin.

  3. 3. Tap Directions

    Tap the blue Directions button on the place card. Select the walking icon (person walking). Amap shows the route, distance, and estimated walking time.

  4. 4. Start navigation

    Tap Start. Amap gives turn-by-turn walking directions with voice guidance. The blue dot shows your current position.

Getting Transit Directions

Transit directions in Amap are excellent — they show metro lines, bus routes, and combinations with walking segments.

  1. 1. Search and tap Directions

    Search for your destination and tap Directions. Select the transit icon (bus/metro).

  2. 2. Review route options

    Amap shows 2–4 route options ranked by time. Each option shows the metro lines or bus numbers, number of stops, total time, and fare.

  3. 3. Select a route and start

    Tap your preferred route. Amap shows each step: walk to station, take Line X for N stops, exit at Y, walk to destination. Tap Start for live navigation.

✓

The transit fare shown in Amap is accurate for most cities. For cities where you've activated a transit QR code in Alipay or WeChat, you can pay directly at the turnstile — no need to buy a physical ticket.

Searching for Places

Amap's search understands English queries for most tourist-relevant places:

  • Hotel names: "Marriott Shanghai" works
  • Attractions: "Forbidden City", "West Lake", "Terracotta Warriors"
  • Generic searches: "coffee near me", "pharmacy", "ATM"
  • Addresses: partial addresses in English often work in major cities

For restaurants and local businesses, Dianping (大众点评) has better coverage — but Amap's search is sufficient for navigation.

Practical Tips

  • Offline maps: Download city maps before your trip for use without internet. See the offline maps guide for instructions.
  • Share location: Tap and hold any point on the map → Share → send the location pin via WeChat or SMS to your hotel or a local contact.
  • Real-time traffic: Amap shows live traffic conditions. The route color changes from green (clear) to red (congested).
  • Night mode: Amap automatically switches to a darker map theme at night for easier reading.