Amap (Gaode Maps)
China's most accurate maps app. Required since Google Maps doesn't work well in China.
What Amap (Gaode Maps) is
Amap, also called Gaode Maps, is one of China's leading navigation apps and offers far more accurate, up-to-date mapping inside mainland China than Google Maps, which is unreliable there. Travelers use it for driving directions, walking routes, public-transit planning, and finding nearby restaurants and attractions. Because China's mapping is tightly localized, an app like Amap is close to essential for getting around.
What it does for travelers
- ✓Highly accurate street, transit, and walking maps for mainland China
- ✓Turn-by-turn driving navigation with live traffic
- ✓Detailed subway and bus routing in major Chinese cities
- ✓Points of interest with hours, reviews, and ratings
- ✓Ride-hailing and taxi integration within the app
Good to know
- The app has offered a full English interface since January 2025 and 14 more languages since July 2025, though many business names and reviews still appear only in Chinese.
- Free to download and use.
- Maps and search rely on a data connection; offline map downloads may be available, but don't count on them for live routing.
- Place names and addresses are often in Chinese characters, which affects searching.
Travel tips
- Search using Chinese characters or paste a destination name in Chinese for the most reliable results.
- Switch the app to English, and keep a translation app for listings that still appear only in Chinese.
- Set up a working China data plan (local SIM, eSIM, or roaming) since the app needs connectivity for live routing.
- Transit directions are excellent for navigating China's extensive subway systems by station name.
When to reach for it
Use Amap whenever you're navigating inside mainland China, where Google Maps data is poor or inaccessible. It's the local-accuracy choice for directions, transit, and finding places.
Where we list Amap (Gaode Maps)
1 destination, with what it's good for in each.
Amap (Gaode Maps) — frequently asked
Does Amap work in English?
Yes. Amap has had an English interface since January 2025 and added 14 more languages in July 2025. Some place names and reviews remain Chinese-only, so a translation app still helps.
Why use Amap instead of Google Maps in China?
Google Maps is unreliable in mainland China due to access and data-licensing issues, while Amap has accurate, current local mapping and transit data.
Can I use Amap offline?
Offline map downloads may be available, but most navigation and search functions assume a live data connection, so plan to have China mobile data.
Last reviewed in September 2026. Pack My Apps is independent — Amap (Gaode Maps)didn't pay to be listed and the download links aren't affiliate links. Features, fees and country coverage change, so confirm anything your trip depends on in the app itself. Report an error.