Maps & first transfer
Install Amap before Google Maps leaves you guessing.
Mainland transit, walking entrances, and place pins are usually clearer in Amap (Gaode). Set up the app, save your hotel in Chinese, and test one route while you still have normal access.
Why visitors switch
Google can open and still fail the last 200 meters.
Airport exits, metro interchange names, and hotel side doors matter more than a pretty overview map. Amap is built around mainland place data; use it as the default navigation layer for city days.
| Need | Prefer | Backup |
|---|---|---|
| Metro and walking routes | Amap | Station signage plus offline hotel pin |
| Ride-hailing pickup point | Amap + DiDi / Alipay ride | Chinese address text for the driver |
| International trip overview | Your usual map at home | Screenshot key segments before departure |
Before you fly
Five minutes that save the first taxi argument.
- Install from a trusted store
Use the official Amap site or your normal app store, then open the app once on home Wi‑Fi.
- Save the hotel Chinese name
Search the exact branch, pin the entrance, and keep the text offline.
- Plot airport or station to hotel
Compare metro versus ride-hailing against your landing time and luggage.
- Screenshot the critical legs
Interchanges and exit numbers should survive a weak first connection.
Official link
Get the app, then finish the rest of the stack.
Amap alone does not solve payments or mobile data. Pair it with Alipay and a working connectivity plan.
Common questions
What first-time visitors ask about maps.
Does Amap have a full English interface?
Coverage varies by device, app store build, and version. Test search, transit, and walking directions before departure, and keep Chinese hotel names saved either way.
Can I rely on Google Maps in mainland China?
Often not well enough for first-day navigation. Local map data, transit detail, and entrance pins are usually stronger in Amap or similar mainland apps.
What should I search first?
Your hotel’s Chinese name, the correct airport or station, and the walking entrance you will actually use—not only the English brand name.
Do I need a VPN to use Amap?
Amap is a mainland mapping service and normally works on local data connections. VPN needs are separate and depend on which other apps you still require.
Continue planning
Maps, apps, and the first transfer.
Sources