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

Google Maps does not work reliably in China. While technically not blocked, it has serious limitations that make it nearly useless for navigation. This guide covers why Google Maps fails, the best Chinese alternatives, and how to set them up before your trip.

Why Google Maps Fails in China

The Problems

Issue	Impact
GPS offset	Locations shown 50-500m from actual position
Missing data	Many roads, businesses, addresses not shown
No transit info	Bus and metro routes incomplete or missing
No real-time traffic	Can't avoid congestion
No ride-hailing	Can't integrate with Didi
Slow loading	Relies on blocked Google servers

The GPS Offset Problem Explained

China uses a coordinate system called GCJ-02 (nicknamed "Mars Coordinates") that intentionally offsets all GPS data. Google Maps uses WGS-84 (international standard), causing:

• Your GPS dot appears on the wrong street
• Walking directions send you the wrong way
• Meeting points are in the wrong location
• You literally cannot follow the navigation

Chinese apps (Amap, Baidu) use the correct GCJ-02 system and show your actual position.

The Three Best Alternatives

Quick Comparison

Feature	Amap (高德)	Baidu Maps	Apple Maps
English support	Good	Limited	Good
Accuracy	Excellent	Excellent	Good
Transit directions	Excellent	Excellent	Good
Walking navigation	Excellent	Good	Good
Offline maps	Yes	Yes	Yes
Didi integration	Yes	No	No
Foreigners can use	Yes	Yes	Yes
No VPN needed	Yes	Yes	Yes

1. Amap (高德地图) – Best Overall Choice

Amap (Gaode Maps) is our top recommendation for foreign travelers. It has the best English support and is the official mapping partner for Apple Maps in China.

Why Choose Amap

• Best English language support of any Chinese map app
• Accurate positioning using correct coordinate system
• Excellent transit directions for metro, bus, walking
• Didi integration – Book rides directly from the app
• Offline maps – Download before traveling
• Real-time traffic – Accurate congestion data
• Indoor maps – For airports and shopping malls

How to Download and Set Up Amap

Step 1: Download the App

iPhone:

1. Open App Store
2. Search: Amap or 高德地图
3. Download the one with 高德地图 logo

Android:

1. Download from Google Play (if available) or APKPure
2. Search: Amap or 高德地图
3. Alternative: Download APK from amap.com

Step 2: Initial Setup

1. Open the app – Allow location permissions
2. Skip login – Tap "跳过" or "Skip" (login not required)
3. Language settings:
   • Tap the person icon (bottom right)
   • Settings (设置)
   • Language (语言)
   • English (if available)

Step 3: Download Offline Maps

This is crucial for areas with poor signal:

1. Tap Me (person icon)
2. Tap Offline Maps (离线地图)
3. Select your destination cities
4. Download before traveling

Recommended downloads:

• Beijing: ~300MB
• Shanghai: ~250MB
• Guangzhou: ~200MB

Using Amap: Basic Functions

Search for a Location

1. Tap the search bar at top
2. Type in English or Chinese
3. Results show with distance
4. Tap to see on map

Pro tip: Copy/paste Chinese addresses work perfectly

Get Directions

1. Search for destination
2. Tap Route (路线)
3. Choose mode:
   • 🚗 Drive
   • 🚌 Transit
   • 🚶 Walk
   • 🚲 Bike

Book a Didi from Amap

1. Search destination
2. Tap Taxi (打车)
3. Choose ride type
4. Confirm pickup location
5. Wait for driver

Amap Useful Phrases

English	Chinese	What it does
Search	搜索	Find locations
Navigate	导航	Start navigation
Route	路线	Get directions
Nearby	附近	Find nearby POIs
Transit	公交	Bus/metro routes
Walk	步行	Walking directions
Taxi	打车	Book ride

2. Baidu Maps (百度地图) – Most Comprehensive

Baidu Maps has the most detailed data but limited English support. Best for users comfortable with some Chinese.

Why Choose Baidu Maps

• Most detailed POI data – Every tiny shop and restaurant
• Street view – Comprehensive coverage
• Indoor navigation – Excellent mall and airport maps
• AR navigation – Point camera for directions
• Voice navigation – Chinese language

Limitations

• English support is minimal – Interface mostly Chinese
• Requires more Chinese reading
• Heavier app – Uses more storage and data

How to Use Baidu Maps

Download

iPhone: Search "百度地图" in App Store Android: Google Play or baidu.com

Basic Navigation

The interface is mostly Chinese, but these tips help:

1. Search bar – Paste Chinese addresses directly
2. Blue button – Start navigation
3. Icons are universal – Car, bus, walking symbols

Useful for Street View

Baidu's street view coverage exceeds Google Maps in China:

1. Tap location on map
2. Look for "街景" (Street View) option
3. View actual street photographs

Baidu Maps Survival Vocabulary

Icon/Word	Meaning
搜索	Search
路线	Route
导航	Navigate
公交	Public transit
驾车	Driving
步行	Walking
到这去	Go here

3. Apple Maps – Best for iPhone Users

If you have an iPhone, Apple Maps works surprisingly well in China because it uses Amap's data.

Why Apple Maps Works in China

• Uses Amap data – Same accuracy as Amap
• Familiar interface – No learning curve
• Siri integration – Voice search works
• CarPlay compatible – For rental cars
• No separate app – Already on your phone

Limitations

• iPhone only – Not available for Android
• Less detailed than native apps – Fewer POIs
• No Didi integration – Can't book rides
• Offline maps limited – Smaller download areas

Setting Up Apple Maps for China

1. Update iOS – Latest version has best China data

2. Download offline maps:

   • Open Maps
   • Tap your picture (top right)
   • Offline Maps
   • Download New Map
   • Search for Chinese cities

3. Allow location access – For accurate positioning

Using Apple Maps

Works exactly like in your home country:

• Search in English or Chinese
• Get walking/driving/transit directions
• Real-time traffic data
• Transit schedules

Comparison by Use Case

For Walking and Exploring

Winner: Amap

• Most accurate walking paths
• Better pedestrian crossing guidance
• Clearer underground passage directions

For Public Transit

Winner: Amap or Baidu (tie)

• Both excellent for metro/bus
• Real-time arrival predictions
• Indoor metro station navigation

For Taxi/Ride-Hailing

Winner: Amap

• Built-in Didi integration
• Compare prices across services
• Share destination directly to driver

For Driving/Rental Car

Winner: Baidu Maps

• Most detailed traffic data
• Better voice navigation (Chinese)
• More accurate lane guidance

For English Speakers

Winner: Amap or Apple Maps (tie)

• Best English translations
• More intuitive for foreigners
• Easier initial setup

Essential Setup Checklist

Before arriving in China:

1. Download Apps

• Amap (primary)
• Baidu Maps (backup)
• Update Apple Maps (iPhone users)

2. Download Offline Maps

Download cities you'll visit:

• Beijing
• Shanghai
• Guangzhou
• Xi'an
• (Your destinations)

3. Save Key Locations

In Amap, save these as favorites:

• Your hotel
• Airport
• Key attractions
• Emergency locations (hospital, embassy)

4. Test Before Departure

Open each app at home to:

• Verify download completed
• Familiarize with interface
• Test search function
• Practice getting directions

Pro Tips for Navigation in China

1. Copy-Paste Chinese Addresses

When someone sends you an address in Chinese:

1. Copy the text
2. Paste directly into Amap search
3. Navigation starts immediately

This is more reliable than English translations.

2. Use Screenshots for Destinations

When you find a place you want to visit:

1. Screenshot the Chinese name and address
2. Show to taxi driver if needed
3. Paste text into navigation app

3. Share Locations via WeChat

If someone is meeting you:

1. Open WeChat chat
2. Tap + button
3. Share Location
4. They can navigate directly

4. Indoor Navigation is Crucial

Chinese airports and malls are massive. Use:

• Amap's indoor maps for airports
• Baidu Maps for shopping mall floors
• Follow the app through complex buildings

5. Verify Station Exits

Metro stations have many exits (often 10+):

1. Check which exit in your app
2. Follow exit numbers underground
3. Wrong exit = 10+ minute walk

6. Real-Time Transit is Accurate

Unlike some countries, Chinese transit apps show:

• Actual bus arrival times
• Metro congestion levels
• Delays and disruptions
• Trust the predictions

Troubleshooting Common Issues

"GPS signal not found"

Causes:

• Indoor location (common in China's covered streets)
• Poor satellite reception

Solutions:

• Step outside or near windows
• Wait 30 seconds for lock
• Check location permissions

"Location is wrong by 100+ meters"

You're probably using Google Maps. Switch to Amap or Baidu for correct positioning.

"Can't find this address"

Solutions:

1. Use Chinese characters, not English
2. Remove apartment/room numbers
3. Search for nearby landmark instead
4. Try the other map app

"App is in Chinese only"

For Amap:

1. Go to 我的 (Me)
2. 设置 (Settings)
3. 语言设置 (Language)
4. English

For Baidu Maps:

• Limited English support
• Use Google Translate camera on interface

"Offline maps won't download"

Solutions:

• Connect to strong WiFi
• Free up phone storage (maps are 200-500MB each)
• Download in home country before departure
• Try smaller city regions

Using Maps with VPN

With VPN Off (Recommended for Maps)

• Chinese apps work perfectly
• Fastest, most reliable
• No interference

With VPN On

• Amap: Usually works
• Baidu Maps: May be slower
• Apple Maps: Works normally
• Google Maps: Still unreliable despite VPN

Recommendation: Turn VPN off when using navigation apps for best performance.

Public Transit Tips by City

Beijing

• Metro operates 5 AM - 11 PM
• Use Amap for bus routes (complex network)
• Airport Express clearly marked
• Subway gets very crowded 7-9 AM, 5-7 PM

Shanghai

• Extensive metro system
• Use Amap for Maglev train schedule
• Buses are efficient but complex
• Consider bike-sharing for short distances

Guangzhou

• Metro connects to Hong Kong via Guangzhou-Shenzhen route
• Use Baidu Maps for bus accuracy
• APM (people mover) in Tianhe

Shenzhen

• Metro connects directly to Hong Kong
• Easy to navigate with any app
• Very modern transit system

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Google Maps work at all in China?

It loads, but:

• Locations are offset 50-500 meters
• Many streets and businesses missing
• No real-time transit
• Generally unreliable

Do I need a Chinese phone number for map apps?

No. Amap, Baidu Maps, and Apple Maps all work without a Chinese phone number.

Can I use these apps without internet?

Yes, with offline maps downloaded. However, real-time features (traffic, transit times) require internet.

Which app uses less data?

Apple Maps typically uses least data. Amap and Baidu are similar. All are reasonable with offline maps downloaded.

Are these apps free?

Yes, all three apps are completely free with no premium version needed.

Can I use navigation while on VPN?

Yes, but it may be slower. Best to turn VPN off while using Chinese navigation apps.

Will English voice navigation work?

• Amap: Yes, limited English voice
• Baidu: Chinese only
• Apple Maps: Yes, full English voice

How accurate are transit times?

Very accurate. Chinese transit apps have excellent real-time data, often better than Western equivalents.

Summary: Which App Should You Use?

Traveler Type	Recommended App
First-time visitor	Amap
iPhone user	Apple Maps + Amap
Frequent traveler	Baidu Maps
Business traveler	Amap (Didi integration)
Tourist with no Chinese	Apple Maps
Long-term resident	Baidu Maps

Our recommendation: Download Amap as your primary navigation app, with Apple Maps (iPhone) or Baidu Maps (Android) as backup.

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Need more China travel tech tips? The China Survival Kit includes complete app setup guides, payment configuration, and offline resources for navigating China.