Google Maps Doesn't Work in China: Best Alternatives for Navigation (2025)

You land in China, open Google Maps to find your hotel, and... nothing. The map is a gray void. Location services don't work properly. Searches return no results.

Welcome to the Great Firewall.

Google Maps is blocked in China, and even if you access it through a VPN, the maps are intentionally offset by China's coordinate system—meaning your GPS location appears hundreds of meters from where you actually are.

The solution is using Chinese mapping apps, which are actually excellent once you get past the initial learning curve. Here's your complete guide to navigating China without Google.

Why Google Maps Fails in China

Three separate issues combine to make Google Maps unusable:

1. The Great Firewall blocks Google services. Without a VPN, Google Maps won't even load.

2. Even with VPN, maps use wrong coordinates. China requires all domestic mapping services to use a coordinate system called GCJ-02 (nicknamed "Mars Coordinates"). GPS coordinates are intentionally offset. Google Maps uses standard GPS, so your blue dot appears in the wrong location.

3. Data is outdated and incomplete. Google can't operate mapping vehicles in China, so road data, business listings, and transit information are often wrong or missing.

Bottom line: forget Google Maps while in China. The alternatives are actually better for navigating Chinese cities.

The Best Alternatives

1. Baidu Maps (百度地图) — Best Overall

Baidu Maps is China's most popular navigation app, with the most comprehensive data for mainland China.

Pros:

• Most accurate and up-to-date data
• Excellent public transit directions
• Walking navigation with detailed indoor maps
• Real-time traffic information
• Street view in major cities
• Integrates with Baidu's AI translation

Cons:

• Interface is entirely in Chinese (though improving)
• Can be overwhelming for newcomers
• Heavy battery drain

Best for: Anyone planning to navigate extensively, especially using public transit.

How to get it:

• iOS: Search "百度地图" in App Store
• Android: Download from baidu.com (not on Google Play)

2. Amap/Gaode Maps (高德地图) — Best for Driving

Amap (called Gaode domestically) is Alibaba-owned and the default navigation for many Chinese apps including Didi.

Pros:

• Extremely accurate driving directions
• Best real-time traffic data
• Clean, intuitive interface
• Integrates with Alipay and Didi
• Less cluttered than Baidu Maps

Cons:

• Also Chinese-only interface
• Slightly less comprehensive for obscure locations
• Walking directions not as detailed

Best for: Anyone using Didi frequently or navigating by car.

How to get it:

• iOS: Search "高德地图" in App Store
• Android: Download from amap.com

3. Apple Maps — Best for Basic Navigation

If you have an iPhone, Apple Maps actually works reasonably well in China.

Pros:

• English interface
• Uses Chinese mapping data (not offset)
• Pre-installed, no downloads needed
• Integrates with iOS ecosystem
• Privacy-focused

Cons:

• Less detailed than Chinese apps
• Transit directions are basic
• Business information sometimes incomplete
• Fewer features overall

Best for: iPhone users who need simple navigation without learning new apps.

4. Tencent Maps (腾讯地图) — WeChat Integration

Tencent Maps is the mapping backend for WeChat's location features.

Pros:

• Seamless WeChat integration
• Location sharing works natively
• Good for finding locations shared via WeChat

Cons:

• Less feature-rich than Baidu/Amap
• Smaller user base means less crowdsourced data

Best for: Heavy WeChat users who need to navigate to shared locations.

Setting Up Your Navigation

Download Before You Arrive

Chinese apps can be tricky to download once you're in China without existing Chinese app store access. Download Baidu Maps and Amap before your trip.

Enable Chinese Language Input

Even if you don't read Chinese, having a Chinese keyboard lets you copy-paste addresses from messages and bookings.

iOS: Settings → General → Keyboard → Add Keyboard → Chinese (Simplified) Android: Settings → Languages → Add Language → 中文 (简体)

Save Key Locations Before Going Offline

All these apps support offline map downloads. Before going to areas with poor signal:

1. Search for the city/region
2. Find "Offline Maps" in settings
3. Download the map data

Offline maps work for navigation even without internet, though real-time traffic won't be available.

Using Chinese Map Apps (Even Without Reading Chinese)

Here's the practical workflow:

Finding Places

Method 1: Search in English Baidu and Amap understand some English searches—especially major landmarks, hotels, and chain restaurants. Try searching "Forbidden City" or "Starbucks" and see what comes up.

Method 2: Copy-paste Chinese names Get the Chinese name of your destination (from your booking, Google search before arriving, or asking someone) and paste it into the search box.

Method 3: Use coordinates If you have GPS coordinates, you can paste them directly into the search field.

Method 4: Voice search (if you dare) Both apps support voice search. Attempting to pronounce Chinese place names gets... interesting results.

Understanding Navigation Interface

Key symbols are universal:

• 🔵 Blue dot = your location
• 📍 Red pin = destination
• ➡️ Blue line = your route

Navigation modes:

• 🚶 Walking
• 🚌 Public transit
• 🚗 Driving
• 🚴 Cycling (in supported cities)

Reading Transit Directions

Even without Chinese, transit directions are decipherable:

• Numbers (1, 2, 10) indicate line numbers
• Station names appear in sequence
• Pictographs show transfer points
• Walking segments are marked with distance/time

Screenshot your route before heading underground—subway stations often lack cell signal.

Tips for Effective Navigation

For Walking

Chinese pedestrian infrastructure differs from the West:

• Sidewalks may disappear into parking lots
• "Shortcuts" might lead through building lobbies
• Maps might route you through shopping malls

When walking navigation seems weird, it might actually be correct.

For Public Transit

Transit directions include:

• Which exit to use at stations
• Which side of street for bus stops
• Real-time arrival information

Pay attention to exit numbers—large stations have 10+ exits spread across several blocks.

For Taxis and Didi

The best practice:

1. Search your destination in Baidu or Amap
2. Copy the Chinese name and address
3. Paste into Didi's destination field
4. Show the driver the map if there's confusion

Chinese addresses often include floor numbers and unit numbers that drivers need.

For Emergencies

Save these locations in your map app:

• Your hotel (with Chinese name)
• Nearest hospital
• Police station
• Embassy or consulate

Knowing how to navigate to safety in emergencies matters.

VPN Complications

If you're using a VPN for other Google services, be aware:

• VPN can interfere with Chinese map apps' location accuracy
• Chinese apps may not function properly through VPN
• Toggle VPN off when using Chinese navigation

Consider a split approach: Chinese apps for navigation, VPN for accessing Western services.

Offline Translation Integration

Pair your navigation app with offline translation:

Google Translate (download Chinese language pack while outside China or on VPN):

• Camera translation reads signs
• Conversation mode helps with asking directions

Baidu Translate:

• Works without VPN
• Better Chinese-specific translations
• Integrates with Baidu Maps

One More Option: Paper Maps

In an era of digital everything, paper maps from hotel lobbies and tourist offices remain useful:

• Work without battery or signal
• Easy to show locals for directions
• Good for overall orientation
• Surprisingly satisfying to use

Most hotels provide local area maps at the front desk. Grab one.

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Quick Reference

App	Best For	English?	Download
Baidu Maps	Most comprehensive	No	baidu.com
Amap/Gaode	Driving, Didi	No	amap.com
Apple Maps	Simple navigation	Yes	Pre-installed
Tencent Maps	WeChat locations	No	map.qq.com

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Need more help navigating China? The China Survival Kit includes offline city guides, public transit tips, and maps that work without internet.