Traveling to China can be an exciting adventure, but navigating its bustling cities and vast landscapes requires the right tools. With Google Maps blocked in China due to the Great Firewall, finding reliable travel apps for China and the best map app to use in China is crucial for a seamless trip. In this article, we’ll explore the top China travel apps, focusing on map apps that work effectively, and address how to access Google Maps in China for those who prefer it. Whether you’re looking for a Chinese travel app or an app for China travel with English support, we’ve got you covered!
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Why You Need Travel Apps for China
China’s unique digital ecosystem means many Western apps, including Google Maps, are inaccessible without workarounds. Local apps like Baidu Maps and Amap dominate, offering detailed navigation, real-time traffic updates, and public transport information. However, language barriers and unfamiliar interfaces can make these apps challenging for non-Chinese speakers. That’s where choosing the right travel app in China becomes essential for foreign visitors.
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Top 7 Travel Apps and Map Apps for China
1. Amap (Gaode Maps) – The Best Map App for China
Amap, also known as Gaode Maps, is a leading China travel map app with over 1 billion monthly users. It uses China’s BeiDou satellite system for precise navigation and offers real-time traffic updates, public transport routes, and taxi-hailing services.
| Key Features |
How to Use |
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Real-Time Navigation: Accurate driving, walking, and cycling directions.
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Public Transport: Detailed bus, subway, and train schedules for over 400 cities.
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Offline Maps: Download maps for offline use to save data.
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AR Navigation: Uses your phone’s camera to overlay directional arrows on real-world views.
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Integrated Services: Book taxis, find restaurants, and check reviews within the app.
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Multi-Language Support: English interface available as of January 2025, with support for 16 languages, including Korean and Japanese.
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Download Amap from the App Store or official website (Android users should download before arriving, as Google Play is blocked).
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Set the language to English in settings.
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Enter your destination in English or Pinyin, or paste Chinese addresses for accuracy.
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Download offline maps for your travel areas to avoid internet dependency.
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Use the “Bus & Subway” section for real-time transit updates.
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2. Baidu Maps – The Local Favorite
Baidu Maps is a dominant China travel map app, offering detailed navigation for urban and rural areas. It’s widely used by locals for its comprehensive public transport data and indoor mapping.
| Key Features |
How to Use |
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Indoor Maps: Navigate malls, airports, and train stations with detailed floor plans.
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Real-Time Transit: Bus, subway, and train schedules with live updates.
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Nearby Search: Find restaurants, hotels, and attractions with user reviews.
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Voice Navigation: Supports voice commands in Chinese.
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Integration with DeepSeek: AI-powered suggestions for dining and activities.
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- Download from the App Store or Baidu’s website before arriving.
- Use a translation app like Pleco to navigate the Chinese-only interface.
- Input destinations in Pinyin or Chinese characters (copy-paste from hotel websites or guides).
- Save key locations (e.g., your hotel) for quick access.
- Use the “Nearby” feature to explore local spots.
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3. Apple Maps – Best for iPhone Users
For iPhone users, Apple Maps is a surprisingly effective travel app in China. Unlike Google Maps, it’s not blocked and uses local data from AutoNavi (Amap’s parent company), ensuring accuracy in major cities.
| Key Features |
How to Use |
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English Interface: Fully accessible in English, Korean, Japanese, and other languages.
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Public Transport: Subway and bus routes for major cities.
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Indoor Maps: Available for large airports and shopping centers.
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Offline Support: Limited offline functionality if maps are pre-downloaded.
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- Open Apple Maps on your iPhone or iPad.
- Enter your destination in English or Pinyin.
- Select walking, driving, or public transport routes.
- Download maps for offline use in settings (limited functionality).
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4. Maps.me – One of the best Travel Apps for China
Maps.me is a fantastic app for China travel for those who prefer offline navigation. It’s ideal for travelers visiting Xi’an, Beijing, or Shanghai without a local SIM card.
| Key Features |
How to Use |
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Offline Maps: Download detailed maps for China’s cities and regions.
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Navigation: Walking, driving, and cycling routes.
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Points of Interest: Find hotels, restaurants, and attractions with English and Pinyin names.
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Bookmarking: Save favorite locations for quick access.
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Download Maps.me before arriving in China.
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Download China’s map data for offline use.
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Search for destinations in English or Pinyin.
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Bookmark key locations like your hotel or major attractions.
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5. MetroMan – Best for Subway Navigation
MetroMan is a specialized travel app in China for navigating China’s extensive subway systems, covering cities like Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.
| Key Features |
How to Use |
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Offline Metro Maps: Download maps for 43 cities for offline use.
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Route Planner: Enter departure and destination stations for the best routes.
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Real-Time Updates: Train schedules and estimated travel times.
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Nearby Search: Find metro stations, restaurants, and attractions.
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Fare Calculator: Displays ticket costs for your journey.
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Download MetroMan and select the city you’re visiting.
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Download the city’s metro map for offline access.
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Use the “Search” function to input your departure and destination stations.
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Follow the route details, including transfers and line colors.
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Screenshot the route for quick reference during travel.
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6. WeChat – The All-in-One App
While not primarily a map app, WeChat is an essential Chinese travel app for its location-sharing and payment features. Its “real-time location” function is great for meeting friends or navigating to specific spots.
| Key Features |
How to Use |
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WeChat Pay: Pay for taxis, meals, and tickets via QR code scanning.
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Mini-Programs: Book attraction tickets, hotels, or transport within the app.
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Live Location Sharing: Share your real-time location to meet friends in crowded areas.
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Messaging: Text, voice, and video calls with translation features.
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Social Networking: Follow local businesses or share updates via “Moments.”
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Download WeChat and register with your phone number before arriving.
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Set up WeChat Pay by linking an international credit/debit card (Visa, Mastercard) or a temporary Chinese bank account via the “Wallet” section.
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Add contacts by scanning QR codes or searching phone numbers.
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Use mini-programs for bookings (e.g., DiDi for taxis, Trip.com for tickets).
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Enable the translation feature for Chinese conversations.
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Trip.com is a comprehensive travel app in China for booking hotels, flights, and train tickets, with basic map integration for planning itineraries.
| Key Features |
How to Use |
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Multi-Language Support: Available in English, Korean, Chinese, and more.
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Travel Bookings: Book hotels, flights, high-speed train tickets, and tours.
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Attraction Tickets: Pre-book tickets for the Great Wall, Forbidden City, and more.
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Local Guides: Hire bilingual guides for around 300 RMB for four hours.
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Travel Footprint: Creates a visual itinerary for immigration checks.
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Download Trip.com and select your preferred language.
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Search for hotels, flights, or trains using English or Pinyin.
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Filter hotels by “Foreign Guests” to ensure they accept international travelers.
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Book attraction tickets to skip ticket counter lines.
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Link an international card for payments or use WeChat Pay/Alipay.
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Exploring China is a breeze with the right travel apps for China. Amap and Baidu Maps lead for navigation, while WeChat, Trip.com cover everything from payments to bookings. If you want to use Google Maps, a VPN or offline maps are your best bets. Download these China travel apps now and embark on an unforgettable journey!
Which of these apps have you tried? Share your experience in the comments below!
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