Which Map App Works in China? (Google Maps Doesn't)
Why Google Maps lets you down in China, how to set up Amap in English, and when Apple Maps is enough.
Short answer
Use Amap (Gaode), China's main map app. It has had an English interface since 2025 and added Spanish, French, German and 11 other languages later that year. It gives metro routes down to which exit to use and can order a taxi. On an iPhone, Apple Maps is a decent backup because it uses Amap's data in China. Google Maps loads with a travel eSIM, but its China data is years out of date and your location dot is often in the wrong place.
- Topic
- 网络 Internet & phone
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- 2 min
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Google Maps is the first thing most visitors try, and it lets them down. Google’s map data for mainland China hasn’t been kept up to date: restaurants that closed years ago still appear and recent metro lines are missing. China also uses its own coordinate system for maps, so the street layer and your blue dot can be hundreds of metres apart.
Amap, the one locals use
Amap, called Gaode (高德) in Chinese, is the map app most people in China use. It’s free on the App Store and Google Play. Install it before you leave, since Google Play doesn’t work in China.
Amap added an English interface in early 2025. In July 2025 it added 14 more languages, including Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Italian, Japanese and Korean. The app follows your phone’s language. If it opens in Chinese, go to your profile, tap the gear icon, open 通用设置 (General settings) and then 语言 (Language).
Menus switch to your language, but many small businesses still show only their Chinese name. For restaurants and hotels, copy the Chinese name or address from your booking and paste it into the search.
What Amap does well
Metro directions tell you which line, which direction and which exit to use. The route screen also shows how crowded each line is.
Walking directions work without an account.
You can order a taxi from inside Amap. It compares several ride-hailing companies and charges the fare through Alipay, so set Alipay up first. Like Didi, the driver will usually ask for the last four digits of your phone number when you get in.
There’s a real-time bus view that shows where the next bus is, and you can download city maps for offline use.
Apple Maps as a backup
On an iPhone, Apple Maps works in China without any setup and uses Amap’s data, with English place names. It’s fine for walking and basic transit directions. It has less detail on small shops and opening hours, and can’t order a taxi.
The quick setup
- Install Amap before your trip.
- Check it shows your language. If not, change it in settings or change your phone’s language.
- Download the offline map for each city you’re visiting while you’re on Wi-Fi.
- Save your hotel’s Chinese name and address so you can paste them in.
- Set up Alipay if you want to order taxis from the map.
Common questions
Does Google Maps work in China?
It loads if your data goes through a travel eSIM or roaming, but the map data is old, many businesses are missing or closed, newer metro lines are missing, and the map and your position can be offset by hundreds of metres.
Do I need a Chinese phone number for Amap?
Not for maps and directions, which work without an account. Ordering a taxi through Amap needs Alipay set up for payment.
Why can't I switch Amap to Spanish?
The languages offered follow your phone's system language. If your phone is set to Chinese, you'll only see Chinese and English. Set the phone to Spanish and the option appears.
Can I use Amap offline?
You can download city maps on Wi-Fi for offline navigation. Search, live traffic and taxis still need a connection.