Learn which China map apps are suitable for foreigners, their special features, and whether you can use these map apps without China VPNs. Compare Baidu Map, Gaode Map (Amap), and more.
Best Map Apps for China - What Actually Works in 2025
Need to get around China? Local apps (Baidu/Amap) offer the most accurate, real-time info and complete functions. The only bad thing is the limited English support, but you can just copy-paste Chinese addresses and know basic icons even without reading Chinese.
If you prefer sticking to English, MetroMan + Organic Maps work well, and Apple Maps is decent since it uses Chinese Gaode data. Just remember to download offline maps as backup!
App | English Support | Offline Use | Public Transport | Tourist Spots | Real-time Updates |
Basic | No | Full | Detailed | Yes | |
Basic | No | Full | Detailed | Yes | |
Full | No | Basic | Good | Limited | |
Google Maps | Full | No | Outdated | Outdated | No |
Organic Maps | Full | Yes | Basic | Basic | No |
MetroMan | Full | Yes | Subway Only | Limited | Yes (Subway) |
Maps.me | Full | Yes | Basic | Good | No |
Local Map Apps in China: Baidu & Gaode
Look, forget Google Maps in China - the local apps Baidu (百度地图) and Gaode (高德地图) are where it's at. Yeah, they're in Chinese, but don't let that scare you off! The icons are super obvious (like, a fork and knife for food spots), and you can just copy-paste Chinese addresses your hotel gives you. Use apps like Pleco or Google Translate to screenshot and translate Chinese text in Baidu/Amap.
Both apps nail the basics like subway directions and real-time traffic, plus cool extras like telling you which subway exit to use. Gaode's got a cleaner look and works better in smaller cities, while Baidu's great for finding local spots with tons of reviews. Give them 10 minutes to figure out the main buttons, and you'll be using like a pro!
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1. Baidu Maps (百度地图)
Baidu Maps is the best local map app with real-time traffic, public transport, and walking directions. BUT, it's mostly in Chinese. Yes, it's intimidating at first. But here's what nobody tells you - once you figure out the basic buttons (which takes like a day), it's actually pretty amazing to use in China. The accuracy is spot-on, it knows about every tiny noodle shop in existence, and the real-time traffic actually works.
Here's the deal with using it: Just save key destinations in Chinese characters for easier searches. The search bar is at the top, and you can literally just paste Chinese addresses into it. Those little icons at the bottom? The subway one is obvious (looks like a train), and the others you'll figure out super quick. The blue dot is you (just like Google), and the interface is actually pretty similar to what you're used to.
It shows you which subway exit to use (nice for places like Shanghai) and even tells you which car to get on for the fastest exit at your destination. The app can feel a bit overwhelming at first with all its features mostly in Chinese, but stick with it - most users find it becomes more manageable after a few days of use.
- English Support: Minimal (interface primarily in Chinese).
- Ease of Use: hard learning for non-Chinese speakers at first. Icons are intuitive (e.g., food, hotels), and addresses can be copied in Chinese for pasting.
- Best For: Users willing to use translation apps (e.g., Google Translate’s camera function).
2. Amap (Gaode Map 高德地图)
Amap is often seen as the main competitor to Baidu Maps in China, and many expats actually prefer it. Here's why:
The interface is where Gaode first wins points. While both Gaode and Baidu are primarily in Chinese, Gaode's layout feels noticeably cleaner. You can switch some basic settings to English, but don't expect a fully English experience. That said, the icons and overall design are more intuitive than Baidu's busy interface - you'll find yourself getting comfortable with it faster.
When it comes to accuracy, Gaode really shines in places where other apps struggle. It's particularly reliable in smaller cities and rural areas, where Baidu sometimes gets confused. The real-time traffic data is spot-on, and it's especially good at finding clever alternate routes when traffic gets heavy. One thing that sets it apart is its detailed coverage of speed cameras and traffic rules - super helpful if you're driving (though most tourists won't be).
The public transport functions in Gaode are seriously impressive. While both apps handle basic navigation well, Gaode seems to have more accurate bus arrival predictions and clearer subway exit information. The walking directions between transport changes are more detailed, and it integrates really nicely with bike-sharing services - perfect for those last-mile connections.
But it's not all perfect. Like most Chinese apps, it's still mostly in Chinese, which can be a hurdle. There are fewer user reviews compared to Baidu, and some features need a Chinese phone number to unlock.
- English Support: Limited (partial translations in settings).
- Ease of Use: Slightly more user-friendly icons than Baidu, but still requires basic Chinese comprehension. Similar to Baidu Maps with detailed navigation and live updates.
- Best For: Road trips and rural travel. Better accuracy for rural areas compared to Baidu.
China Travel Apps: Booking Hotels & Flights
Trip.com
Trip.com (formerly Ctrip) is the best English travel app for China, crushing it with hotel bookings, transport tickets, and tour packages. The built-in map feature is actually pretty solid too - super accurate for finding attractions, hotels, and restaurants across the country.
The app's real strength is how it does everything in one place - you can book your stay & flights, snag train tickets, and even grab discounted passes without jumping between apps. We're talking coverage of 5,000+ hotels and flights across 45+ cities in China!
Plus, Trip.com hooks you up with sweet deals through their 3,000+ partners all over China, helping you save some serious cash on your trip. Grab it on iOS or Android - it's definitely worth having in your China travel arsenal.
Google Map & Apple Map Apps in China
Let's be real about Western maps in China: Google Maps is almost useless - even with a VPN, the data is from years ago, and GPS positioning is also very inaccurate. Apple Maps is actually effective (no need for a VPN), and due to the use of data from Autonavi, it is quite accurate in big cities. For iPhone users, this is a good English option, but don't expect the detailed features you get with Chinese apps like real-time traffic or subway exit info. If you want the full navigation experience in China, you'll need to get comfortable with local apps.
3. Google Maps in China
Let's be honest about Google Maps in China - even if you get it working with a VPN, it's not the map app you know and love from other countries. The data are seriously outdated. New buildings, new roads, and sometimes even entire communities have vanished or are located in the wrong places. This is not Google's carelessness. They just couldn't obtain the permission needed to update the map in China.
GPS may have an error of several hundred meters, and public transportation information is also outdated. Sure, you might want to use it because it's familiar, but you'd better use local apps like Apple Maps, Baidu or Gaode, or even offline options like Organic Maps.
4. Apple Maps in China
Apple Maps works in China without a VPN (unlike Google Maps) because Apple follows Chinese regulations. This is a good choice for iPhone users. It has a clean English interface and reliable basic navigation in major cities. As Apple has collaborated with Autonavi Maps in China, this data is actually very accurate for major roads and popular scenic spots.
But let's face it - it's not as detailed as Chinese apps like Baidu or Autonavi. Although you can easily find major landmarks and shopping centers, it lacks super useful features such as real-time traffic updates, detailed public transportation information, and subway exit numbers provided by local apps. Besides, it only supports iphone, so Android users need to look elsewhere. When you are familiar with Chinese applications, consider them as a great introductory map rather than your long-term navigation solution.
Best English Map Apps for China
For travelers who prefer English interfaces, here's your go-to combo: MetroMan handles subway navigation brilliantly - it's simple, shows every exit, and covers all major Chinese cities. For general navigation, both Organic Maps and Maps.me work offline (just download before your trip). While Maps.me shows more points of interest, Organic Maps offers a cleaner, ad-free experience since it's a privacy-focused fork of Maps.me.
5. Organic Maps - Offline Map
If you are concerned about data usage or simply want a simple offline map that is actually available in China, Organic map might be your choice.
First of all, once you download the map, it's completely offline - no need to worry about intermittent data or VPN issues anymore. Its interface is entirely in English (and there are many other languages as well). If you have been struggling with Chinese applications, this is already a huge relief. Its design is very simple - to be honest, after dealing with the feature-rich but overwhelming Chinese application, it is refreshing.
The coolest thing about it is that you can download detailed maps of major cities in China before your trip, and its navigation function is also very useful for basic travel. Looking for the Forbidden City or your hotel? Need a walking guide? Easy. The search function supports English, and the signs of tourist attractions are clear - no need to copy and paste Chinese characters anymore!
But let's be real about the limitations. You won't get real-time traffic updates or real-time public transportation information. There's no bus arrival time, no subway delay, nothing at all. You can imagine it as a digital version of a paper map. It is a perfect choice for taking a walk in the tourist areas of Beijing or Shanghai, but if you need to figure out the complex public transportation routes, you will want to pair it with something like Metroman. Check below!
- English Support: Full interface and search in English.
- Ease of Use: Clean design, ideal for basic navigation without real-time traffic.
- Best For: Offline use in major cities like Beijing or Shanghai.
- Limitations: Lacks real-time public transport updates
6. MetroMan - Subway Map
MetroMan mainly focuses on China's subway systems (such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, etc.). Unlike those overwhelming Chinese apps, this one is very simple and entirely in English. Whether you want to go to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou or almost any major city in China, it can help you handle it.
It's like having a subway expert in your pocket. It will not only tell you the fastest route, but also which exit to take (which is very useful in large stations like Shanghai People's Square), how long your journey will take, and even what is near each station. Its interface is very clean - just click on the place you want to go, and it will automatically complete the rest of the work.
The only problem is that it's just a subway map - no buses, no walking routes to the final destination. This is why most travelers pair it with something like organic Maps or Baidu Maps to complete the entire journey.
- English Support: Full English interface.
- Ease of Use: Simple and efficient for subway planning.
- Best For: Combining with other apps (e.g., Organic Maps) to locate attractions near stations.
7. Maps.me - No.2 Offline Map
Map.me used to be an offline map app, but recently it has become a bit bloated due to advertisements and additional features. Although it can still be used offline and has an English interface, many travelers have turned to organic maps because they are cleaner, ad-free and more privacy-conscious. Both of these applications use data from OpenStreetMap, but Organic Maps tend to receive more frequent updates from the community.
The navigation basis of the two is similar - you can download the city map, search in English and find the main tourist attractions. However, the interface of organic maps is simpler and more modern, and they use less storage space on mobile phones. Especially in China, both of these applications can provide basic navigation offline, but neither has real-time traffic information or traffic updates.
- English Support: Yes.
- Ease of Use: Intuitive but may lack detailed public transport info.
- Best For: Offline exploration in densely populated areas.
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What to Prepare for a Trip to China?
- Visa & Entry Tips China’s 240-hour visa-free transit policy now covers 54 countries, incl. the US, UK, Canada, and Brazil, allowing up to 10 days during layovers. Learn more about China Entry Tips to land in China easily.
- Getting Connected VPNs are vital for accessing Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, etc in China. Set one up before arriving. China eSIMs are the easiest option for data and bypassing restrictions. Pocket Wi-Fi devices work best for group but are pricier and require pickup/return.
- Money Exchange & Tax Refunds Exchange money in China banks (better rates than airports). ATMs accept foreign cards, but notify your bank first. For tax refunds, spend over ¥500 at stores with a "Tax-Free" sign. Keep receipts and get forms stamped at customs before departure.
Must-Have Apps in China
- China Payment Apps Forget cash. Chinese use Alipay (I like it better) or WeChat Pay to pay for everything in China. Scan a QR code at noodle stalls, metros, even temples. Link your foreign Visa/Mastercard before landing.
- China Map Apps Amap (Gaode Map) & Baidu Map (limited English) is what locals use, with real-time navigation, metro/bus routes, and traffic updates. Apple Maps does a good job too if you're already an IOS user.
- China Transport Apps Street taxis are cheap, but drivers rarely speak English. Use China Taxi App like DiDi (China’s Uber)—set your destination in English, pay by Alipay.
- China Travel Apps 15+ China trips taught me: Use Trip.com. It's the best English app for booking China trains/flights/hotels + finds Trip.com deals.
- China Dating Apps Locals use Tantan (China’s Tinder) and Momo. WeChat’s “People Nearby” works too, but expect language barriers unless your Mandarin’s decent.
- China Food App Use Meituan (also helps find nearby restaurants) or Ele.me for food delivery—both have English mode. No English menu in restaurants? Scan the QR with Alipay's translator.
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FAQs about China Map App
What is the best map app to use in China?
There isn't a definitive "best" map app, as it depends on your needs. Baidu Map is great for finding nearby services, with detailed POI data and excellent voice - navigation features. It offers various travel mode plans and real - time traffic updates. Gaode Map is highly favored by drivers, as it can accurately avoid congested roads and has a truck mode that marks height limits and other information. It also integrates many life - service functions, such as hotel and ticket bookings.Can foreigners use Baidu map?
Yes, foreigners can use Baidu Map. Baidu Map has launched an English - version map, which supports English - language base map rendering, English search, and English real - time geocoding (RGC). It also provides English - language navigation for various travel modes, including walking, cycling, public transportation, and driving. It has built a precise POI data of more than 1.5 million, covering 19 major categories and more than 100 sub - categories of information such as food, hotels, and life services, which is very convenient for foreign users.What map is good for China?
In addition to the most frequently mentioned Baidu Map, Gaode Map, and Tencent Map, there are also some other good - quality maps. For example, Beidou Map Navigation is relatively simple and focuses on providing map content, which can display plane and satellite maps. Petal Map has a clear and advanced interface design, and supports lane - level navigation and traffic light countdown in some cities, but its domestic content is relatively limited, especially in remote areas, and it is mainly installed on Huawei devices.Can I use Google Maps with VPN in China?
Using a VPN to access Google Maps in China is not in line with Chinese laws and regulations. According to the "Measures for the Administration of Internet Security Protection for Computer Information Networks", any unit or individual shall not engage in activities that endanger the security of computer information networks without permission. Google Maps has been blocked in the Chinese mainland, and using a VPN to access it may face legal risks. It is recommended that you use local map apps in China, which can also provide high - quality navigation and location services.