How to Use Amap (Gaode Maps) in English in China (2026 Guide)

If you’ve ever landed in China and watched Google Maps spin in circles, you already know the problem: you need a China-native map app.

Baidu Maps is great (and we have a full guide), but Amap (Gaode Maps / 高德地图) is the other heavyweight—widely used by locals, strong for driving directions, and often the map engine behind other China apps.

The catch: Amap is not “built for foreigners.” You can absolutely use it, but you need a few practical tricks—how to search when everything is in Chinese, how to follow metro directions, how to save places so you don’t get lost again, and what to do when the interface flips back to Chinese.

This guide is written for travelers. No fluff—just the steps that actually work.

Quick Answer

Use Amap (Gaode Maps) in China by downloading it before arrival, switching the app to English where available, and searching places using copy-paste Chinese names (from Trip.com bookings, hotel confirmations, or official attraction pages). For public transport, rely on Amap’s route options and screenshot your route before going underground.

If you want the least friction: install both Amap and Baidu Maps. Use Amap as a clean, reliable backup when one app fails to find a location or has a confusing result.

Table of Contents

• What Is Amap (Gaode Maps), and Why It Matters
• Download Amap Before You Arrive
• How to Switch Amap to English (and What English Actually Means)
• How to Search Places When You Don’t Read Chinese
• Step-by-Step: Navigate Like a Local
• Public Transport in Amap: Metro, Bus, Transfers
• DiDi / Ride-Hailing + Pickup Points (Common Tourist Pain Point)
• Offline Maps, Weak Signal, and “No Internet” Moments
• Troubleshooting: The 12 Most Common Problems
• Pro Tips for Faster, Safer Navigation
• FAQ
• Related Resources

What Is Amap (Gaode Maps), and Why It Matters

Amap is a major Chinese mapping and navigation app. You’ll also see it called:

• Gaode Maps (English name)
• 高德地图 (Chinese name; pronounced roughly “gow-duh dee-too”)
• Amap (common shorthand in English)

Why it’s worth having on your phone

Amap is especially strong for:

• Driving navigation (turn-by-turn routing is excellent)
• Finding roads and addresses in mainland China (native data)
• Routing that reflects how Chinese cities actually work (overpasses, underpasses, gated communities, complex station exits)
• Backup navigation when your primary app is confused

Amap vs. Baidu Maps vs. Apple Maps (in plain English)

There is no “one perfect map app” in China. The practical strategy is to have at least two.

Use case	Best pick	Why
Walking + exploring	Baidu Maps	More traveler-friendly features; often easier for POIs
Driving routes	Amap	Clean routing and strong navigation UX
Quick basics on iPhone	Apple Maps	Works without VPN; good enough in many cities
If one app can’t find a place	Use the other	Search results can vary a lot by app

If you’re not sure where to start, read our broader overview: Google Maps Alternatives in China.

Download Amap Before You Arrive

You can download apps inside China, but it’s always easier before you land.

iPhone (iOS)

1. Open the App Store
2. Search “Amap” or “Gaode Maps”
3. Look for the official listing for 高德地图
4. Install it and open once to allow permissions

Android

1. Use Google Play (if available to you before arrival)
2. Search “Amap” / “Gaode Maps”
3. Install and open once

Important: If your Android phone won’t have Google Play access in China, download and set up key apps before travel, including maps, translation, and payments.

How to Switch Amap to English (and What English Actually Means)

Some travelers expect a fully translated app. In reality, “English mode” often means:

• More English labels in the interface
• Some menu items still in Chinese
• Place names often still in Chinese characters
• Some search results mixed-language

That’s normal. Your goal is not a perfect English UI—your goal is getting to the right place.

Step-by-step: switch language

Amap changes its UI over time, but the path is usually a version of:

1. Open Amap
2. Tap Me / Profile (usually bottom-right)
3. Find Settings (gear icon)
4. Look for Language / 语言
5. Choose English

If you can’t find language settings, don’t panic. You can still use Amap effectively by focusing on the search and route screens.

A simple trick: learn 6 Chinese words that matter

Even if you never learn Chinese, knowing these improves survival-level navigation:

Chinese	Meaning	Where you’ll see it
语言	Language	Settings
设置	Settings	Gear menu
路线	Route	Directions screen
导航	Navigate	Start navigation
地铁	Subway/Metro	Transit routes
终点	Destination	Route planning

How to Search Places When You Don’t Read Chinese

This is the real skill.

Method 1 (best): copy-paste the Chinese name

Most China travel frustration comes from typing English names that locals never use.

Instead, copy-paste the Chinese name from one of these sources:

• Your hotel booking confirmation
• Trip.com (very foreigner-friendly for China travel): Trip.com train booking guide
• Official attraction pages / museum pages
• A friend’s shared location in WeChat

Then paste it into Amap search.

Example: “Temple of Heaven” → 天坛 (copy-paste 天坛 into Amap)

Save, Label, and Share Places (So You Don’t Have to Search Twice)

If you do one “pro traveler” thing in China, do this: save important locations on day one.

Search is the hardest part when you don’t read Chinese. Once a place is saved, navigation becomes easy—no typing, no guessing which result is correct.

How to save a place (favorites)

The exact button name varies by version, but the flow is usually:

1. Search the place (hotel, attraction, station)
2. Open the place detail page
3. Tap Save / Favorite / 收藏
4. Put it in a simple folder like Hotel, Food, Attractions

How to save the right hotel (avoid the “same name” trap)

Large hotel chains and apartment hotels often have multiple branches with almost identical English names.

Before saving, cross-check one of these:

• the Chinese name on your booking confirmation
• the Chinese address
• the phone number

If your saved pin matches one of those, you’re good.

Share a location with someone (or to yourself)

If you’re traveling with a friend, sharing locations reduces chaos:

1. Open the place detail page
2. Tap Share
3. Send it via WeChat/iMessage/WhatsApp (if you have VPN)

Even if you’re solo, you can share the location to yourself as a backup “message with the correct Chinese name.”

Method 2: search by address (Chinese format)

Chinese addresses often look like:
城市 + 区 + 路 + 号

If your hotel provides a Chinese address, paste it directly.

Method 3: search by phone number

Many Chinese listings have a phone number. Searching the phone number can jump directly to the right POI.

Method 4: search by nearby landmarks

If you’re stuck, search for a nearby subway station or major mall in English, then navigate from there.

Method 5: use “pin-drop” navigation (map-first)

When search results are messy:

1. Zoom in on the neighborhood
2. Long-press to drop a pin
3. Navigate to the pin

It’s not perfect, but it can rescue you when the app refuses to understand your input.

Step-by-Step: Navigate Like a Local

Once you can search, Amap becomes straightforward.

Step 1: search your destination

1. Tap the search bar
2. Paste the Chinese name (best) or type English (sometimes works for big landmarks)
3. Select the correct result

How to pick the correct result quickly:

• Check the district / neighborhood
• Compare the photos (often available)
• Check the distance from your current location

Bonus: use Amap to find essentials nearby (tourist survival mode)

When you arrive in a new area, the first things you tend to need are boring but important: an ATM, a pharmacy, a convenience store, or a hospital.

Use Amap’s “nearby” category browsing (often a button like Nearby / 周边), or just search directly. Even if you search in English, these often work:

• ATM
• Pharmacy
• Hospital
• Metro station

If English doesn’t work, copy-paste the Chinese keywords:

What you need	Chinese keyword to paste
Pharmacy	药店
Hospital	医院
ATM	ATM / 取款机
Subway station	地铁站

This one table can save you in a “no signal, low battery, I need medicine” moment.

Step 2: open routes (directions)

Tap Route (or Chinese: 路线). Then choose your mode:

• Walking
• Metro/bus
• Driving
• Bike (in some cities)

Step 3: pick the route you can actually follow

Do not blindly choose “fastest.”

Choose based on reality:

• If you’re tired: fewer transfers
• If you’re carrying luggage: less walking and fewer stairs
• If you’re in a hurry: fastest, but screenshot every step

Step 4: screenshot before going underground

China metro systems are amazing—but signal in stations can be unreliable. Screenshot:

• The full route overview
• The transfer station names
• The station exit number closest to your destination (if shown)

Step 5: confirm you arrived (don’t trust one indicator)

In dense areas, you can be “there” but still on the wrong side of a highway or behind a wall.

Confirm by:

• Checking the street view / photos
• Verifying the building number (if visible)
• Asking a nearby shop to confirm the Chinese name (show your screen)

Public Transport in Amap: Metro, Bus, Transfers

For travelers, public transport is where Amap can either save your day or overwhelm you.

Here’s how to make it simple.

Metro (Subway) routing: what to pay attention to

When Amap shows multiple transit options, focus on:

• Number of transfers (fewer is better)
• Walking distance (good when you’re not carrying bags)
• Last train time (don’t assume 24/7 service)
• Exit guidance (exits matter—stations can have 10+)

Bus routing: when it’s worth it

Buses are great when:

• The metro is crowded
• Your destination is not near a station
• You’re in a smaller city with weaker metro coverage

But buses add one problem: stop names are often in Chinese. Screenshot the stop name and match it inside the bus. If that sounds stressful, stick to metro + short ride-hailing.

Using Amap for airports and train stations

Big transport hubs are where travelers get lost.

Pro approach:

1. Search the exact terminal / station name
2. Use Amap’s indoor / multi-level hints when available
3. If you’re meeting a ride-hailing driver, confirm the pickup gate before you request the ride

If you’re moving between cities, our train guide will save you time: How to Buy China Train Tickets as a Foreigner.

DiDi / Ride-Hailing + Pickup Points (Common Tourist Pain Point)

Even if you don’t speak Chinese, ride-hailing can be smooth—if you understand pickup logic.

The real problem is not ordering the car

The real problem is getting picked up in the right place, especially:

• airports
• large malls
• train stations
• tourist hotspots with restricted car access

Your map app helps you avoid the classic loop:

“Driver arrived” → you can’t find the car → driver can’t find you → cancellation fee.

A simple tactic that works

Before requesting the ride:

1. Open Amap
2. Zoom in and locate the nearest main road where cars can actually stop
3. Walk there first (2–5 minutes)
4. Then request the car

If you want a full ride-hailing guide, start here: How to Use DiDi in China (Complete Guide).

Offline Maps, Weak Signal, and “No Internet” Moments

China is modern, but travelers still hit dead zones:

• deep metro stations
• elevators
• underground malls
• rural areas

What to do (practical, not theoretical)

• Download offline maps for your main cities if Amap offers it in your version
• Save key locations (hotel, nearest metro, embassy/consulate, hospital)
• Screenshot your hotel address in Chinese
• Keep a second map app installed (Baidu or Apple Maps)

For connectivity planning, read: Public Wi‑Fi in China: Is It Safe? and eSIM vs Physical SIM in China.

Troubleshooting: The 12 Most Common Problems

1) “I can’t find English mode”

You can still use Amap. Focus on:

• copy-paste Chinese place names
• route button (路线)
• navigate button (导航)

2) “Amap keeps switching back to Chinese”

This often happens after updates or region changes.

Fix checklist:

• Re-check language in settings
• Restart the app
• Restart the phone (surprisingly effective)

3) “My search results are wrong”

Try this in order:

1. Copy-paste the Chinese name
2. Search the phone number
3. Search the subway station nearest the destination
4. Drop a pin on the map

4) “The route looks right but I’m not arriving”

This is usually a station exit / road barrier problem.

Fix:

• Switch to walking mode for the last 300–800 meters
• Look for an overpass/underpass routing hint
• If stuck, use ride-hailing for the final 1–2 km

5) “It says I’m 200 meters away but the building is not here”

Dense Chinese cities have:

• multiple entrances
• internal lanes
• gated residential compounds

Fix:

• Check the POI photos
• Check which side of the main road you’re on
• Walk to the nearest intersection and re-orient

6) “I can’t read the transit steps”

This is where screenshots + pattern recognition wins:

• Identify the line number / color
• Identify the transfer station name
• Match station names by their first one or two characters

And keep a translation tool handy.

7) “GPS is drifting”

GPS drift happens everywhere, but it feels worse in tall-building streets.

Fix:

• Walk to an open area (intersection)
• Re-center your position
• Use a landmark POI (mall, station entrance) to anchor

8) “It won’t show the exact entrance”

For malls, museums, and stations, the “main POI” can be vague.

Fix:

• Zoom further in and look for sub-POIs
• Use street view / photos
• Ask a guard/worker and show the Chinese name on your screen

9) “It’s telling me to walk through something impossible”

That’s often an internal path that is closed.

Fix:

• Switch routes
• Zoom out and choose a different walking approach

10) “The app is draining my battery”

Navigation apps are battery-hungry.

Fix:

• Keep brightness lower
• Use low power mode
• Close other apps
• Carry a power bank (China travel essential)

11) “Amap says the place is permanently closed”

Sometimes it’s wrong. Sometimes it’s right.

Fix:

• Check reviews/photos for recent dates
• Search the same place in Baidu Maps or Apple Maps

12) “I’m worried about arriving late / missing last metro”

Take the stress out:

• If you’re unsure, use a ride-hailing option earlier
• Avoid complicated transfers late at night
• Always know your hotel address in Chinese

Pro Tips for Faster, Safer Navigation

Tip 1: Save your “lifeline” locations immediately

Save these on day one:

• Hotel
• Nearest metro station
• Nearest convenience store (FamilyMart / 7-Eleven equivalents)
• A major mall near you (easy anchor point)
• Hospital (in case of emergency)

Tip 2: Keep your addresses in Chinese

For every hotel or major booking, store:

• Chinese name
• Chinese address
• Phone number

One screenshot can save an hour.

Tip 3: Use maps to avoid scams and time-wasters

When you’re unsure if you’re being taken the long way:

• Check the route in Amap
• Compare the ETA
• If wildly off, switch drivers/taxis (politely)

For more on classic tourist traps: China Tourist Scams to Avoid.

Tip 4: Learn the “two-map method”

When something feels off:

• Search the destination in App A
• Confirm it in App B
• If both agree, you’re good

This avoids wrong pins and duplicate place listings—common in huge cities.

FAQ

Does Amap work in China without a VPN?

Yes. It’s a Chinese app with Chinese data, so it works normally without a VPN. What may vary is whether you can download it easily once you’re already inside China.

Is Amap better than Baidu Maps for tourists?

It depends. Many travelers prefer Baidu for POIs and exploration, but Amap is an excellent second app—especially for navigation cleanliness and certain routes. The winning move is having both.

Can I use Amap in Hong Kong or Macau?

Hong Kong and Macau have different app ecosystems and mapping habits. Amap can still help, but many travelers find Apple Maps and Google Maps (in HK/Macau) easier. If you’re comparing regions: Hong Kong vs Mainland China.

What should I do if I only have one app?

If you only install one, install the one you personally find easiest to use and test it with three searches before you travel:

1. Your hotel
2. One major tourist attraction
3. One subway station

If any of those fail, install the second app.

Final Thoughts

Using Amap as a non-Chinese speaker is less about “finding the perfect English mode” and more about using the right inputs: Chinese names, saved locations, and screenshots when signal drops.

Do those three things, and Amap becomes what it is for locals—a reliable way to get from “here” to “there” in cities that can otherwise feel overwhelming.

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Related Resources

• How to Use Baidu Maps in English: Complete Guide
• Baidu Maps vs Gaode Maps: Ultimate English Guide
• Google Maps Alternatives in China (2025)
• How to Use DiDi in China: Complete Guide

Planning your China trip? The China Survival Kit includes step-by-step setup guides, checklists, and travel tools that work in China.

Last updated: January 2026