How to Use Amap (Gaode Map) for Foreigners in China

Amap (known in China as 高德地图 or Gaode Map) is your best China map app. With over 1 billion users, it’s the most accurate and feature-rich map app in China, surpassing competitors like Baidu Maps and Tencent Maps. Here’s how to master it for travel—even without Mandarin skills.

How to Use Amap (Gaode Map) in China?

1. Download & Set Up Amap (Gaode Map)

• Search: Type “Amap” on app stores. Pro Tip: Download before arriving to avoid connectivity issues.
• Language: No official English app, but English addresses (e.g., “Hongqiao Airport”) work in the search bar

2. How to Use Amap to Navigate

• Route Planning:
• • Tap the blue arrow (路线) > Enter destination in English or Chinese.
  • Choose transport: Bus/Metro, Driving, Bike, or Walk

• Real-Time Alerts: Avoid traffic jams with color-coded road conditions (red = congested)
• Voice Guidance: Select celebrity voices (like Lin Zhiling) for turn-by-turn directions

3. Save Time with Advanced Features

• Favorites: Save home/work under “收藏” (yellow star icon) for instant route planning
• Car-Hailing: Book taxis or luxury rides directly in-app with price estimates, but now only available in Chinese version.
• 3D Scenic Views: Zoom into landmarks like the Great Wall for 360° digital twin models

Credit: Shanghai Gov

4. How to Use Gaode Map Offline

Offline maps work for walking, driving, and cycling!

• Go to Me > Offline Maps.
• Download your city (e.g., Beijing, Shanghai).
• Enable “Auto-Update” for weekly map refreshes.

How to Change Gaode Map App to English?

Credit: jet ruby

Gaode Map does not provide an official English language setting, but you can use these workarounds to use more easily:

Workaround 1: Use Your Phone’s System Language

If your phone is set to English, Autonavi Maps will automatically display the following English:

• Search results (for example, "Beijing South Railway Station" instead of "北京南站").
• Basic notifications (for example, "Found route" instead of "已找到路线").
• Place the category (for example, "restaurant", "hotel" instead of 餐厅、酒店).

Steps to set the phone language to English (if not yet available) :

1. Go to "Settings" on your phone → "Language and Region".
2. Select "English" as the system language of your device.
3. When you open the search function of Autonavi Maps, the key tags will now be displayed in English.

Workaround 2: Use Translation Tools for Menus

For Chinese-only menus (e.g., “我的” for “My Profile,” “收藏” for “Favorites”), use these tools:

• Google Translate camera: Point your camera at the Chinese text to get instant English translations.
• Screenshots + translation apps: Take a screenshot of the menu and upload it to apps like DeepL for translation.

Workaround 3: Save Key Chinese Phrases

Memorize or save these common Gaode Map terms to navigate menus:

• 路线 (Lùxiàn) = Routes
• 导航 (Dǎoháng) = Navigation
• 离线地图 (Líxiàn dìtú) = Offline Maps
• 收藏 (Shōucáng) = Favorites
• 打车 (Dǎchē) = Car-Hailing

What Makes Amap (Gaode Map) the Best Map App for China?

Amap (Gaode Map) is definitely the best map app in China. The English search, offline maps, and tourism partnerships make it infinitely more practical than alternatives.

• Unparalleled accuracy: As one of the first applications in China to obtain the National A-level navigation measurement certification, Autonavi offers centimeter-level accuracy in roads, alleys and rural areas, which is crucial for drivers and logistics professionals
• Real-time traffic: By integrating data from traffic departments and user reports, Autonavi provides immediate updates on accidents, construction, and congestion. Users in cities like Beijing and Shanghai rely on it to save 10 to 20 minutes during peak hours
• Multi-mode navigation: Whether driving, cycling or using public transportation, Autonavi can customize routes to avoid tolls, (truck) weight restrictions, and even indoor Spaces like shopping malls

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Amap (Gaode Map) vs. Google Maps: Which Is Better in China?

Google Maps is unreliable in China due to geo-blocks and outdated data. Amap (Gaode Map) offers:

• Live traffic updates (accidents, road closures).
• Public transit schedules (metro delays, bus ETAs).
• Indoor maps for malls and train stations.
  Verdict: Gaode is essential for accuracy; use Google Maps only as a backup.

Amap (Gaode Map) vs. Baidu Maps: Which Should You Use?

Verdict: Gaode wins for precision and traveler-friendly tools.

See all the China map apps compared in the following blog 👇

Is Amap (Gaode Map) Safe for Foreign Travelers?

Gaode Map complies with China’s cybersecurity laws and encrypts user data (location, search history). To enhance safety:

• Avoid linking sensitive accounts (e.g., WeChat Pay) unless needed for car-hailing.
• Disable unnecessary permissions (e.g., microphone, contacts) in your phone’s settings.
• Clear search history after your trip via “My Profile” → “Settings” → “Clear Data.”

How to Save Money on Transport with Amap (Gaode Map)

• Compare ride-hailing prices: Use the “Car-Hailing” (打车) tab to see fares from Didi, Shouqi, and other providers (note: this feature is in Chinese—use translation tools).
• Free bike rentals: The “Cycling” (骑行) tab highlights public bike stations with free 30-minute rides (common in cities like Hangzhou, Chengdu).
• Fuel-saving routes: For drivers, select “省油路线” to avoid tolls and stop-and-go traffic, cutting gas costs by 10–15%.

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