Amap (高德地图) is the #1 navigation app in China and your essential replacement for Google Maps, which does not work in mainland China. This guide covers maps, transit, walking directions, ride-hailing, and offline maps.
Why Amap?
Critical — Google Maps Does NOT Work in China
Google Maps loses detailed data and navigation once you enter mainland China. Apple Maps uses Amap data but with fewer features. Install the Amap app for the best navigation experience.
| Feature | Google Maps | Amap |
|---|---|---|
| Works in mainland China | ❌ No | ✅ Yes |
| Real-time traffic | ❌ No | ✅ Accurate |
| Public transit directions | ❌ No | ✅ Detailed |
| Walking / cycling nav | ⚠️ Limited | ✅ Full |
| Ride-hailing | ❌ No | ✅ Built-in |
| English interface | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Partial |
Network Environment Essentials
| Service | Status | Alternative |
|---|---|---|
| Google Maps | Blocked | Amap |
| Apple Maps | Limited data | Amap |
| Waze | Blocked | Amap |
| Uber | Exited China | DiDi (in Amap) |
Pro Tip
Download Amap before arriving. iPhone users use App Store; Android users use Google Play or the official site.
Step 1: Download & Install
Before Arrival
| Platform | Method | Availability |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone / iPad | App Store search "Amap" or "高德地图" | Globally available |
| Android | Google Play search "Amap" | Globally available |
| Android | Official site amap.com | Chinese interface |
iPhone Users
Apple Maps in China uses Amap data, but with fewer features. Install the Amap app directly for best results.
Android Users
Download from Google Play before arrival. For updates in China, use your phone's built-in app store (Huawei, Xiaomi, vivo, etc.).
After Landing
- Enable location services for Amap
- Connect to internet for initial map download
- Download offline maps (see Step 3)
Step 2: Interface & Basic Features
Language (as of May 2026)
English available:
- Bottom navigation (Home, Nearby, Route, Ride, Me)
- Settings menu, profile page
- Driving voice navigation
- Search supports Pinyin and English input
Still in Chinese:
- Place names, bus stops, business info (Pinyin search works)
- Transit station lists and transfer details
- Real-time bus route info
- Some pop-up messages and error alerts
Switch to English:
- Open Amap → tap "Me" (我的)
- Tap settings icon ⚙️
- Select "Language" → "English"
TL;DR
Reality check: You can do basic navigation (driving/walking) without Chinese, but transit navigation is harder. Use screenshots and ask hotel staff for help.
Core Icons to Memorize
| Feature | Icon | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| Search | 🔍 | Find places, restaurants, hotels |
| Route | 🚗/🚌/🚶 | Plan driving/transit/walking routes |
| Nearby | 📍 | Discover nearby restaurants, attractions, services |
| Traffic | 🚦 | Check road congestion |
| Ride | 🚕 | Call ride-hailing services |
| My | 👤 | Settings, offline maps, saved places |
Step 3: Offline Maps (Essential)
Important
Highly recommended — download offline maps in case you lose signal.
1
Go to Offline Maps
Tap "Me" → "Offline Maps"
2
Select City
Search for your destination city (e.g., "北京" / "上海"), tap download.
3
Download
Select "Download Map" or "Download Map + Voice Pack". Use Wi-Fi — files are large.
Pro Tip
Download offline maps for all cities you plan to visit. Each city is about 50-200 MB.
Important
Storage reminder: Ensure at least 1 GB free space. If low on space, prioritize the city you're currently in.
Step 4: Navigation Guide
Driving
- Tap "Route" → select "Drive"
- Enter start and destination (Pinyin/English search supported)
- Choose recommended route (shows time and toll fees)
- Tap "Start Navigation"
Important
China has license plate restrictions (e.g., odd/even days in Beijing, elevated road restrictions in Shanghai). If renting a car, add your plate number in Amap for restriction alerts.
Public Transit
- Tap "Route" → select "Transit"
- Enter start and destination
- View recommended options (walking segments, subway lines, transfers)
- Tap a route for detailed walking directions
Pro Tip
Real-time bus: At bus stops, see exactly when the next bus arrives — very accurate.
Important
Transit cards are city-specific: Amap supports e-transit cards for major cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, etc.) but not all. Check the app for the latest supported list. For unsupported cities, use Alipay's "Transport" feature.
Walking
- Tap "Route" → select "Walk"
- Enter destination
- Amap provides detailed walking directions and estimated time
TL;DR
Walking navigation works well in Chinese cities, including alleys and pedestrian streets. Scenic area paths may be less detailed.
Cycling
- Tap "Route" → select "Cycle"
- Great for shared bike navigation
Step 5: Ride-Hailing
Amap has a built-in ride-hailing aggregator that calls multiple services at once:
- Tap "Ride-Hailing" on home
- Enter destination (Pinyin/English supported)
- Choose vehicle type (Economy, Comfort, etc.)
- System matches nearest available driver
- Auto-payment from linked method after arrival
Payment: Payment is auto-deducted from your linked Alipay or WeChat Pay. Ensure at least one payment method is set up before using.
Supported platforms: DiDi, Cao Cao, T3, Meituan Ride, and more.
Pro Tip
Price comparison: Amap shows prices from multiple platforms simultaneously.
Important
Backup plan: If no driver accepts your ride for a long time, download the standalone "DiDi" app (China's largest ride-hailing platform).
Step 6: Pro Tips
Save Places
- Tap "Save" ⭐ after searching a place
- Create categories (e.g., "Hotels", "Restaurants")
- Saved places work offline
Share Location
- Long-press anywhere on the map
- Tap "Share"
- Share to WeChat or SMS
Check Traffic
- Tap "Traffic" button on map
- Green = smooth, Yellow = slow, Red = congested
Find Nearby
- Tap "Nearby" on home
- Filter: restaurants, hotels, gas stations, ATMs, restrooms, etc.
FAQ & Troubleshooting
Can I Use Amap Without Knowing Chinese?
Basic use is possible but limited. Combine with:
- Switch to English interface
- Use Pinyin to search destinations
- Save places in advance
- Ask hotel staff to input Chinese addresses
What if GPS Location is Inaccurate?
- China uses BeiDou + GPS, usually very accurate
- Indoors/underground may be off — try outside
- Enable Wi-Fi for assisted positioning (even without connecting)
Can I Use It Alongside Google Maps?
- Use Google Maps for rough planning before arrival
- Switch to Amap for detailed navigation after arrival
- Screenshot saved places from Google Maps before your trip
Does Amap Use a Lot of Data?
- Online navigation: ~5-10 MB/hour
- Offline maps use almost no data
- Download offline maps on hotel Wi-Fi
Privacy — Does Amap Track My Location?
- Like all navigation apps, Amap needs location permission
- Disable "background location" in settings to reduce tracking
- Close the app after navigation
Reference Resources
| Resource | URL |
|---|---|
| Amap Official | https://www.amap.com |
| In-app Help | Amap → Me → Help Center |
Last updated: May 2026. App interface may change with updates. Always refer to the latest in-app guidance.