Go2ChinaHow to Use Amap (高德地图) in China — Navigation Guide for Foreigners (2026)
Amap (高德地图) — also written Gaode Map, Gaode Maps, or Gaode Ditu — is the same app, just under different names. It is the most accurate navigation app in China, and Google Maps is blocked and unreliable there. Amap has an English interface, accepts English search queries, and covers every city, subway line, and bus route in the country. This guide covers what Amap is, how to download it before you arrive, switch it to English, use transit directions, and download offline maps.
Why Google Maps Fails in China
Google Maps is blocked at the network level, so it will not load unless you are connected to a VPN — and even then, the underlying map data for China is unreliable. China requires all digital maps to use a proprietary coordinate system (GCJ-02, nicknamed "Mars coordinates"). Apps that are not licensed to use this system — including Google Maps — display locations that are physically offset by dozens to hundreds of metres. Following Google Maps walking directions in China will regularly lead you to the wrong side of a block.
Amap is licensed, up-to-date, and built specifically for the Chinese road and transit network. It is the most accurate navigation tool available for China travel.
Step 1 — Download Amap Before You Arrive
App Store (iOS) — Search "Amap" or "高德地图". The developer is AutoNavi (a subsidiary of Alibaba). Install the app while you still have unrestricted internet.
Google Play (Android) — Search "Amap" or "AutoNavi". If your Play Store does not show it, download the APK directly from Amap's official site (
amap.com) before entering China.Grant location permissions — Allow location access "While Using" so the app can show your real-time position on the map.
Step 2 — Switch the Interface to English
Amap defaults to Chinese, but switching to English takes under a minute.
- Open Amap and tap the person icon (bottom right corner) to go to your profile.
- Scroll down and tap Settings (设置).
- Tap Language (语言) and select English.
- The app restarts in English. Street names, POI labels, and menu items switch to English.
- Not everything translates — some restaurant names and local business labels remain in Chinese characters. This is normal and reflects how those businesses list themselves. Take a screenshot of any address in Chinese before heading out; it helps if you need to show a taxi driver or ask a local.
Step 3 — Search for a Destination
Tap the search bar at the top of the map and type your destination. Amap understands English queries for:
- Famous landmarks ("Forbidden City", "West Lake", "The Bund")
- Hotel names ("Marriott Shanghai Pudong")
- Metro stations ("People's Square Station")
- Neighbourhoods and districts ("Sanlitun", "French Concession")
Results appear as a list — tap any result to see it pinned on the map. Tap Navigate to start turn-by-turn directions.
Step 4 — Choose Your Navigation Mode
Amap offers four main navigation modes accessible from any destination:
- Walking (步行) — Turn-by-turn pedestrian directions. Shows estimated walk time and distance. Most reliable mode for city centre exploration.
- Driving (驾车) — Road navigation with real-time traffic. Useful if you are in a taxi or rental car and want to follow the route independently.
- Transit (公交) — Combines metro, bus, and walking legs into a single itinerary. Shows fare, total time, and number of stops. This is the most-used mode for getting around major Chinese cities.
- Cycling (骑行) — Bike directions. Works well in flat cities like Chengdu, Hangzhou, and parts of Beijing.
Using Transit Directions
Tap a destination, select Transit, and Amap shows multiple route options ranked by time. Each option breaks down the full journey: walk to Station A → take Line X for N stops → transfer to Line Y → walk to destination. The fare for each option is shown upfront.
For subway trips, Amap displays which carriage to board for the fastest exit at your destination — a detail that saves real time in large stations like Beijing West or Shanghai Hongqiao.
Saving Places for Offline Access
- This is the most underused feature for foreign visitors. Before leaving your hotel, open Amap and search each destination you plan to visit that day. Tap the bookmark icon (☆) to save it to your favourites. Saved places remain accessible even when your data connection is weak or drops entirely — a common scenario in underground shopping malls, rural areas, and busy tourist spots where networks get congested.
Offline Maps — How to Download Map Data in Amap
Amap allows you to download map data for entire provinces or cities so navigation works without a data connection. To download offline maps in Amap:
- Tap your profile icon (bottom right) → Offline Maps (离线地图).
- Select the city or region you need — major destinations like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou each have their own package.
- Download while on Wi-Fi before you travel.
A single city download is typically 50–150 MB. Turn-by-turn directions and POI search work fully offline once the map is downloaded. Real-time traffic and transit schedules still need a live connection.
Amap vs Google Maps — Quick Comparison
| Feature | Amap | Google Maps |
|---|---|---|
| Works in China without VPN | Yes | No |
| Accurate Chinese road data | Yes | No (coordinate offset) |
| English interface | Yes | Yes |
| Metro/bus directions | Yes (all cities) | Partial (major cities only) |
| Offline maps | Yes | Yes (Premium) |
| English place name search | Yes | Yes |
| Real-time traffic | Yes | Limited |
Search go2china map guide to find this page again, or visit go2china.app for the full app toolkit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Amap?
Amap (高德地图, also called Gaode Maps or Gaode Ditu) is China's most-used navigation app, made by AutoNavi, an Alibaba subsidiary. It provides walking, driving, transit, and cycling directions with an English interface, and its map data is the most accurate available for mainland China.
Is Gaode Map the same as Amap?
Yes — Amap and Gaode Map are the same app. Amap is the English name; Gaode Map (高德地图) is the Chinese name; and Gaode Ditu is the pinyin transliteration. People search for all three names, but they all refer to AutoNavi's navigation app.
What does Amap mean?
Amap is the English brand name of 高德地图 (Gaode Map), China's most-used navigation app developed by AutoNavi, an Alibaba subsidiary. It is the standard map app for driving, walking, transit, and cycling directions in mainland China.
Is Amap available in English?
Yes. Amap has a full English interface — menus, street names, and POI labels switch to English. To enable it: tap the person icon (bottom right) → Settings (设置) → Language (语言) → English. The app restarts in English. Some local business names remain in Chinese, which is normal.
How do I change Amap to English?
Open Amap, tap the person icon in the bottom right, scroll to Settings (设置), tap Language (语言), and select English. The app restarts with the English interface. You can switch back to Chinese at any time from the same menu.
How do I download offline maps in Amap?
Tap your profile icon (bottom right) → Offline Maps (离线地图) → select the city or region → download over Wi-Fi before you travel. One city is typically 50–150 MB. Turn-by-turn navigation and place search work fully offline once the map is downloaded.
Does Amap work without internet?
Partially. Downloaded offline maps let you navigate and search places without a data connection. Real-time traffic, transit schedules, and some search features need a connection. Also save key destinations to favourites in advance — saved places stay accessible even with a weak signal.
Is Amap better than Google Maps in China?
Yes, significantly. Google Maps is blocked in China, and even with a VPN its China data is physically misaligned by dozens to hundreds of metres due to China's GCJ-02 coordinate system. Amap is licensed for accurate Chinese map data, covers every subway and bus line, and works on any local connection.
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