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Useful Apps

Amap for Travelers in China

Find your way, choose a route and explore at your own pace.

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A coffee shop down a side street, a museum across town, the way back after dinner: a useful map makes room for small discoveries as well as planned stops.

Amap, known in China as Gaode Maps (高德地图), offers place search, nearby discovery, ride-hailing and routes for walking, metro and buses. Look for AMap Global in the official overseas app stores. English is available, and basic map services can be used without signing in; booking a ride requires sign-in.1, 2, 4, 6, 8

On this page

When You’ll Use It

Explore on foot

Check the walking route before setting off.2

Cross the city

Compare public-transport options and see how the metro or bus fits into your journey.2, 7

Find your way back

Keep your hotel saved, then use it as a destination whenever you are ready to return.4, 5

Find Places

Find a place and get directions.

Book a Ride

Set your pickup and destination.

Explore Nearby

Browse photos, ratings and distances.

Includes a CTN illustration and adapted official screens. Interfaces and listing details may vary.

Map: © OpenStreetMap contributors; The Bund photo and address: Shanghai tourism; Adapted screens: AMap App Store visuals

Book a Ride

After a long walk or dinner across town, you can use AMap Global to book a ride in English. Enter your destination, check the pickup point and review the estimated fare. At a large mall or station, make sure you are waiting at the correct entrance.8

Ride booking requires sign-in with a supported phone number. Payment is available through Alipay or WeChat Pay with an eligible linked card. Keep the app updated; availability can vary by account and location.8

Explore Nearby

You do not need a fixed destination to make use of Amap. Look around your current location for somewhere to eat, a café to pause in, shops to browse or an attraction nearby.4

Where available, photos, ratings, typical spending and distances help you compare places before choosing. Open a listing, check the branch and address, then get directions. Treat business details and opening hours as a starting point, especially if you are making a special trip.1, 4

Set Up Before Your Trip

  1. Install and check the language

    Use the official download links on this page. Open the app before departure and check its language options. Screen labels and services can vary by version, device and region.1, 3, 5, 6

  2. Save a few useful places

    Find your hotel and planned stops, check the addresses, and save them. Amap’s standard Favorites can save places without an account; custom collections and cloud syncing require sign-in. Keep a separate copy of your hotel’s Chinese name and address too.4, 5

  3. Get location and data ready

    Allow location access when using navigation, and make sure the app can use your data connection. To plan a journey before arriving in China, enter a local starting point, such as your hotel, instead of using your current location.5, 7

For roaming, eSIMs and staying connected, see Internet & Mobile Data.

Your First Route

  1. Find the exact place

    Search for your destination and check the city, street and branch. For a railway station or airport, match the full name and terminal to your booking. A familiar brand name alone may lead to a different location.

  2. Choose how you want to travel

    Open the route options and choose walking or public transport. Compare the whole journey, including walking at either end and any transfers. A slightly longer route with fewer changes may be more comfortable with luggage.2, 7

  3. Read the next part before you move

    For a walk, check the first turn and nearby landmarks. For the metro, note the line, direction, transfer and destination station; check any exit information shown. Follow station signs and current service notices as you travel.

  4. Start, then check your surroundings

    Begin the route guidance when you are ready. Match the map to street names, crossings and visible entrances. Treat the arrival time as an estimate, and check the route again if your plans change.7

The Last Few Minutes

Getting close to a place and finding its entrance can be two different tasks. At a large hotel, mall or attraction, check the venue’s arrival instructions. If the pin takes you to a side gate, ask staff for the visitor entrance.

For a metro meeting point, agree on both the station and an exit number. If an exit is closed, follow the signs and update the person you are meeting. The entrance and exit details deserve a quick look before you put your phone away.

For tickets, ride codes and your first station visit, read our Subways guide.

If You Get Stuck

I cannot find the right place

Add the city to your search. If the English name is unclear, paste the Chinese name or address from your booking or the venue’s official page. Compare the street and branch, or ask your host to confirm the location before you travel.

My location looks wrong

Check location permission and your connection. After leaving a station or building, give the position time to update in an open area. Compare it with a street sign or landmark before continuing.5

The language or sign-in options are different

Check that you installed the official app and update it if needed. Follow the language and sign-in options available in your version. Basic maps do not require an account; ride booking requires sign-in with a supported phone number. For help, look for Me → Help & Feedback.1, 2, 4, 5, 8

Sources & Updates

Original sources checked on 25 October 2026; ride-hailing and nearby discovery information checked on 26 October 2026. Features and screen labels can vary by app version, account, device and location. Route estimates and map listings may change; check current station signs and venue information.

Sources by section and question