How to Use Baidu Maps in English: Complete Guide for Tourists (2025)

Google Maps doesn't work in China. Period. Even with a VPN, the coordinates are offset, locations are wrong, and most businesses simply don't exist on the map.

Enter Baidu Maps (pronounced "bye-doo") - China's most popular and comprehensive navigation app. With over 700 million users, it's the navigation tool that actually works on Chinese streets. And yes, it has an English mode.

This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to download, set up, and master Baidu Maps for your China trip.

Why Baidu Maps is Essential in China

The Google Maps Problem

If you've traveled elsewhere in Asia, you might expect to just use Google Maps with mobile data. Not in China. Here's why:

1. Google is blocked. The Great Firewall blocks all Google services including Maps.
2. Coordinates are wrong. China uses a special coordinate system (GCJ-02) that intentionally offsets GPS locations. Even if you access Google Maps via VPN, your location will appear 100-500 meters from where you actually are.
3. Data is outdated. Google can't collect mapping data in China, so roads, businesses, and transit routes are often incorrect or missing.

Why Baidu Maps Wins

Baidu Maps solves all these problems:

• Accurate location data - Uses China's coordinate system correctly
• Comprehensive business listings - Millions of restaurants, shops, attractions
• Real-time transit information - Bus arrival times, subway crowding levels
• Indoor navigation - Navigate inside malls, airports, and train stations
• Street view - Preview your destination before arriving
• Integration with other services - Book hotels, restaurants, taxis directly

Feature	Google Maps (China)	Baidu Maps
Accessibility	Blocked	Works perfectly
Location accuracy	100-500m offset	Precise
Business listings	Outdated/missing	Comprehensive
Transit info	Incomplete	Real-time
English support	N/A	Partial (improving)
Offline maps	Blocked	Available

How to Download Baidu Maps

Download the app BEFORE you arrive in China. It's much easier to set up while you still have access to familiar app stores.

For iPhone (iOS)

1. Open the App Store
2. Search for "Baidu Maps" or "Baidu Maps"
3. Look for the app with the blue map icon and "Baidu" in the name
4. Tap Get to download

Alternative: Search for the Chinese name: "Baidu Maps"

For Android

Option 1: Google Play Store (before arriving in China)

1. Search for "Baidu Maps"
2. Download the official Baidu app

Option 2: Direct Download (if Google Play is unavailable)

1. Visit map.baidu.com on your phone's browser
2. Tap the download button
3. Allow installation from unknown sources if prompted

Note: The APK download is safe - it's directly from Baidu's official website.

How to Switch Baidu Maps to English Mode

Here's the step-by-step process to change the interface language:

Step 1: Open Settings

1. Open Baidu Maps
2. Tap the profile icon (person silhouette) in the top-left corner
3. Scroll down and tap the gear icon or find "Settings"

Step 2: Find Language Settings

1. Look for "Common Settings" or "General"
2. Tap "Language" (sometimes shows as "Language Selection")

Step 3: Select English

1. Choose "English" from the list
2. The app will reload with English interface

What Changes (and What Doesn't)

After switching to English:

English	Still in Chinese
Menu items	Place names
Button labels	Street names
Basic UI	Business names
Navigation prompts	User reviews
Transit instructions	Some detailed info

Pro tip: The English mode translates the interface, but Chinese place names remain in Chinese characters. This is actually helpful - you can show your phone to locals or taxi drivers and they'll understand where you want to go.

Key Features You'll Actually Use

1. Search and Navigation

How to search for places:

• Type in English: Major landmarks, hotels, and chains work (try "Starbucks" or "Forbidden City")
• Copy-paste Chinese: Get the Chinese name from your booking or Google, paste it into search
• Voice search: Tap the microphone icon (works better with Chinese pronunciation)
• Scan QR codes: Many Chinese businesses have QR codes that open their location in Baidu Maps

Starting navigation:

1. Search for your destination
2. Tap the location from results
3. Tap "Route" or "Navigate"
4. Choose your transportation mode
5. Tap "Start" to begin turn-by-turn navigation

2. Public Transit Directions

This is where Baidu Maps truly excels. Transit directions include:

• Multiple route options - Fastest, fewest transfers, least walking
• Real-time arrival times - See when the next bus/subway arrives
• Crowding information - Subway car crowding levels at peak times
• Exit guidance - Which subway exit to use for your destination
• Walking segments - Detailed walking directions between transit stops
• First/last train times - Know if you can make the last subway

How to use transit:

1. Search your destination
2. Tap "Route"
3. Select the bus/subway icon
4. Compare route options
5. Screenshot your route (cell signal is often weak underground)

3. Walking Navigation

Walking navigation includes:

• Turn-by-turn directions
• Pedestrian overpasses and underpasses
• Indoor routing through malls and stations
• Estimated walking time

Tip: Chinese cities have lots of overpasses and underpasses. Baidu Maps knows which crossings exist and will route you correctly.

4. Nearby Search

Find things around your current location:

1. Tap "Nearby" or the compass icon
2. Browse categories:
   • Restaurants
   • ATMs
   • Convenience stores
   • Pharmacies
   • Hospitals
   • Toilets
   • Hotels

Each listing shows:

• Distance from you
• User ratings
• Photos
• Operating hours
• Phone number (tap to call)

5. Street View

Preview your destination before arriving:

1. Search for a location
2. Look for the street view icon (small camera)
3. Drag the yellow person icon onto streets with blue lines
4. Swipe to look around

Street view helps you recognize your destination building before you arrive.

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

China has two major mapping apps. Here's how they compare:

Feature	Baidu Maps	Amap (Gaode)
English mode	Yes (partial)	Limited
Transit info	Excellent	Excellent
Driving navigation	Good	Better
Walking directions	Better	Good
Indoor maps	More comprehensive	Good
Integration	Baidu services	Alipay, Didi
Battery usage	Higher	Lower
Interface	Feature-rich (cluttered)	Cleaner

Our recommendation:

• Use Baidu Maps for walking, transit, and exploring
• Use Amap if you're frequently using Didi (it's the backend for Didi's maps)
• Download both - they're free and having a backup is smart

Using Baidu Maps Offline

Internet can be spotty in China, especially underground, in elevators, or in rural areas. Download offline maps before you need them.

How to Download Offline Maps

1. Open Baidu Maps
2. Go to Settings (gear icon)
3. Find "Offline Maps" or "Download Maps"
4. Search for the city you're visiting
5. Tap Download
6. Wait for the download to complete (Beijing is ~300MB)

What Works Offline

• Basic navigation
• Saved locations
• Map viewing and searching
• Pre-downloaded routes

What Doesn't Work Offline

• Real-time traffic
• Live transit arrival times
• Business reviews
• Street view
• Some search results

Pro tip: Download offline maps for every city on your itinerary. Storage is cheap; getting lost isn't.

Common Issues and Solutions

Problem: App is entirely in Chinese after update

Solution: Updates sometimes reset language settings. Go to Settings and switch back to English.

Problem: Can't find my destination

Solutions:

1. Try the Chinese name (copy from Google or your booking confirmation)
2. Search for a nearby landmark instead
3. Use the map to navigate manually
4. Drop a pin on your destination

Problem: Navigation says I'm in the wrong location

Solutions:

1. Make sure you're NOT connected to VPN (this can confuse GPS)
2. Step outside if you're indoors
3. Wait 30 seconds for GPS to calibrate
4. Restart the app

Problem: Transit directions are confusing

Solutions:

1. Screenshot each step of your journey
2. Focus on line numbers and station names
3. Ask station staff for help (show them your phone)
4. Use the "current location" feature to see which station you're at

Problem: App drains battery quickly

Solutions:

1. Lower screen brightness
2. Download offline maps and use them
3. Close the app when not actively navigating
4. Bring a portable battery pack

Problem: Search only shows Chinese results

Solution: This is normal. Use Google Translate's camera feature to read Chinese text, or copy-paste results into a translator.

Power User Tips

Tip 1: Save your hotel

The first thing you should do after checking in:

1. Search for your hotel in Baidu Maps
2. Tap "Save" or the star icon
3. Name it "My Hotel"

Now you can always find your way back, even if you don't remember the address.

Tip 2: Screenshot everything

Before going underground or into buildings:

1. Screenshot your transit route
2. Screenshot the destination location
3. Screenshot any Chinese text you might need to show

Cell signal is unreliable in many places.

Tip 3: Use the measure tool

Wondering if somewhere is walkable?

1. Long-press on the map
2. Select "Measure distance"
3. Tap points to measure walking distance

Tip 4: Check for construction

Before heading to transit stations:

1. Search for the station
2. Look for notices about closed exits or line disruptions
3. Baidu Maps shows real-time construction notices

Tip 5: Share locations easily

Meeting someone? Instead of explaining where you are:

1. Tap your location on the map
2. Tap "Share"
3. Send via WeChat

They'll receive a clickable map link.

Essential Chinese Characters to Recognize

Even with English mode, you'll see Chinese everywhere. Memorize these:

Chinese	Pinyin	Meaning
Exit	Chukuo	Exit
Entrance	Rukuo	Entrance
Subway	Ditie	Subway/Metro
Bus	Gongjiao	Bus
Airport	Feijichang	Airport
Train Station	Huochezhan	Train Station
Toilet	Xishoujian	Restroom
Hospital	Yiyuan	Hospital

Final Checklist Before Your Trip

• Download Baidu Maps
• Switch to English mode
• Create an account (optional but useful)
• Download offline maps for your cities
• Practice searching for a few locations
• Learn to use transit directions
• Save your hotel location (once you arrive)

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Related Resources

Ready to explore more navigation and transportation in China?

• Google Maps Alternatives in China - Compare all your options
• How to Use Didi in China - Ride-hailing made easy
• Beijing Subway Guide - Navigate China's largest metro
• Shanghai Airport to City - Get to your hotel

For a complete guide to surviving and thriving in China, check out the China Survival Kit - your all-in-one resource for apps, tools, and guides that actually work.

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Last updated: December 2025