Stick with Apple Maps if you have an iPhone! Apple Maps in China is a Gaode Maps wrapper in English — same accurate data, zero Mandarin hassle. iOS users should 100% use it over struggling with local apps. Just don’t panic if it looks glitchy before you arrive.
Does Apple Maps Work in China?
Yes, — but only once you’re physically in China. Here’s why:
Why directions show “unavailable” when you’re NOT in China
Apple Maps outside China uses Apple’s own data (which China blocks). But once you land in mainland China, it auto-switches to Amap data in English - AKA Gaode Maps (China’s #1 map app) – so directions magically work. No VPN needed.
“Wait, do I need a VPN? Is it in English?”
- No VPN needed — Apple Maps works in China without one.
- Full English interface — menus, buttons, and most place names (like “The Bund” or “Beijing Capital Airport”) stay in English. Some local spots might show Mandarin names, but you can search using Pinyin (e.g., “Tiananmen Square” instead of 天安门广场).
How to Use Apple Maps in China
Here’s how to make Apple Map work in China:
Just arrive in China (seriously, that’s it)
Directions, transit routes, and live traffic unlock automatically once you’re in mainland China. If you’re checking from Hong Kong/Taiwan/abroad, it’ll look broken — ignore that.
How to Use for English speakers
- Search with landmarks (“Shanghai Disneyland”, “Sanlitun Bar Street”).
- Use Pinyin for streets/areas (search “Nanjing Lu” instead of 南京路).
- Drop a pin if you’re lost — Apple Maps shows your live location even without Mandarin addresses.
- Copy-paste Chinese addresses from your hotel/WeChat messages into Apple Maps.
Can I use Apple Maps offline?
Apple added offline maps in iOS 17 (late 2023) — and it’s finally working smoothly in China! Next chapter will talk about how to download.
How to Download Offline Apple Maps for China
No data? No problem. Here’s how to save maps for offline use:
- Open Apple Maps → Tap your profile picture (top right).
- Tap “Offline Maps Download”.
- Search for your city (e.g., “Shanghai”) → Adjust the rectangle to cover the area you need.
- Check the file size (e.g., “Beijing downtown” ≈ 150MB).
- Tap “Download” (use Wi-Fi — these files can be big!).
Works in China? ✅ Yes! Offline maps include:
- Roads, landmarks, subway stations.
- Saved locations (hotels, restaurants you star).
What’s NOT included offline:
- Live traffic/public transit updates.
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Annoying Problems (and Fixes) for Apple Maps in China
Credit: Unsplash, Antonio Groß
1. “I can’t find this tiny street!”
- Why: Gaode uses Mandarin spellings for obscure spots.
- Fix: Search the nearest subway station or big landmark, then ask locals for help (use Google Translate’s camera mode).
2. “Why is my location wrong?”
- Why: GPS can glitch in dense cities (blame skyscrapers 🏙️).
- Fix: Toggle Airplane Mode on/off or restart the app.
3. “The app crashed mid-route!”
- Why: Apple Maps sometimes struggles with long routes (e.g., 3-hour drives).
- Fix: Screenshot your route beforehand or split it into shorter segments.
Apple Maps vs. Local Map Apps for China: What Actually Works?
Credit: Unsplash,Tamas Tuzes-Katai
Apple Maps is the easiest for foreigners who have IOS devices.
1. Apple Maps (BEST, The “Amap in English”)
Why it’s best for iOS users:
- Uses Amap- Gaode Maps data (China’s #1 app) but fully translated into English.
- No Mandarin needed: Search landmarks (“The Great Wall – Badaling”), streets in Pinyin (“Wangfujing”), or even paste Chinese addresses.
- Works without VPN and updates live traffic, subway/bus routes, and walking directions.
But…
- ❌ Less detail on tiny local shops vs. Gaode.
If you have an iPhone, use Apple Maps — same accuracy as Gaode/Baidu but zero language stress.
2. Gaode Maps (高德地图) – The OG Local App
Why locals swear by it:
- Live traffic alerts, motorcycle routes, real-time bus tracking.
- Integrated with Alipay/WeChat for taxi hailing, food delivery, etc.
But for foreigners:
- ❌ Mandarin-only interface (no English toggle).
- ❌ Address searches require Chinese characters/Pinyin.
Use Gaode if: You need hyper-local features (e.g., live scooter routes) and have a Mandarin-speaking friend to help.
3. Baidu Maps (百度地图) – Gaode’s Less Cool Sibling
Same issues as Gaode but worse:
- Clunky English translation (spoiler: it’s barely usable).
- Ads. So. Many. Ads.
Skip unless: You’re desperate and stuck with an Android phone.
See all the China map apps compared in the following blog 👇
FAQs about Apple Map in China
Is Apple Maps available in China?
Yes! But only once you’re physically in mainland China. Outside China, Apple Maps shows blocked/outdated data. The second you arrive, it secretly switches to Gaode Maps (China’s #1 map app) but translates everything into English. No extra apps or Mandarin skills needed.Which map app is used in China?
For locals: Gaode Maps (高德地图) and Baidu Maps (百度地图) (both Mandarin-only). For foreigners: Apple Maps (uses Gaode’s data in English). Backup options: Didi (ride-hailing), Maps.me (offline).What’s the best map website for China?
Don’t use websites — most are blocked or glitchy. Stick to: Apple Maps (iOS) or Gaode (if you read Mandarin). Baidu Maps website (partially works with VPN but still Mandarin-heavy).Can you use Apple Maps in China without VPN?
Nope! Apple Maps works in China without a VPN. It uses Gaode’s local data, so no need to bypass China’s firewall.