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When traveling in China, discovering the best local spots—whether it’s a hidden restaurant serving authentic Sichuan cuisine or a charming alleyway with traditional architecture—can be a challenge, especially if you don’t speak Mandarin. That’s where Gaode Map innovative “Street Review Ranking” (扫街榜) feature comes in.
This powerful tool helps both locals and foreign visitors discover the most popular and highly-rated streets, shops, restaurants, and attractions in cities across China. In this beginner’s guide, we’ll explain what Gaode Map’s Street View Ranking is, why it’s invaluable for travelers, and how to use it to enhance your China travel experience.
What is Gaode Map Street Review Ranking?
Gaode Map’s Street review Ranking (扫街榜) is an innovative feature that uses big data and AI to curate the most popular and highly-rated locations in cities across China. It’s essentially a dynamic, real-time ranking of the best streets, shops, restaurants, and attractions based on user visits, reviews, and interactions.

Gaode Map’s Street View Ranking interface displays popular locations with ratings and photos
Unlike traditional travel guides that are often outdated, Street View Ranking is updated daily, ensuring you always have access to the latest and most accurate information about what’s trending in Chinese cities.
How It Works
The ranking algorithm considers multiple factors:
- User check-ins and visits
- Ratings and reviews
- Photo and video uploads
- Social media mentions
- Real-time foot traffic data
This comprehensive approach ensures that the rankings reflect genuine popularity and quality, rather than just paid promotions.
Why Street Review Ranking is Essential for Travelers in China
1. Discover Authentic Local Experiences
One of the biggest challenges for foreign travelers in China is finding authentic local spots that aren’t just tourist traps. Street View Ranking highlights places that locals actually visit and enjoy, giving you access to genuine cultural experiences.

Street View Ranking helps travelers discover authentic local restaurants and shops
2. Navigate Language Barriers
Even if you don’t speak Mandarin, Street View Ranking makes it easy to find great spots. The feature includes:
- English translations for many popular locations
- Photo previews so you know what to expect
- Clear ratings and reviews with photos from other users
3. Real-Time Information
China’s cities are constantly changing, with new restaurants, shops, and attractions opening all the time. Street View Ranking is updated daily, so you’ll always have the latest information.
4. Personalized Recommendations
Based on your location, search history, and preferences, Street View Ranking can provide personalized recommendations tailored to your interests—whether you’re looking for traditional Chinese architecture, local street food, or trendy cafes.
How to Find and Access Street View Ranking
Step 1: Ensure You Have the Latest Version of Gaode Map
Before you can use Street View Ranking, make sure you have the most up-to-date version of Gaode Map installed on your device.
Step 2: Switch to English (Optional but Recommended)
While Street View Ranking works in both Chinese and English, switching to English can make it easier for foreign travelers:
- Open Gaode Map
- Tap the “Me” icon (个人中心) in the bottom right corner
- Tap the gear icon (设置) in the top right
- Select “Language” (语言设置)
- Choose “English”
Step 3: Access Street View Ranking
There are several ways to access Street View Ranking:
- From the Homepage
- Open Gaode Map
- Look for the “Street View Ranking” (扫街榜) icon or section on the homepage
- Tap to enter the ranking interface
- From the Search Bar
- Tap the search bar at the top of the screen
- Type “Street View Ranking” or “扫街榜”
- Select the relevant result
- From the “Explore” Tab
- Tap the “Explore” (探索) tab at the bottom of the screen
- Look for the “Street View Ranking” section
- Tap to enter
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Gaode Map interface showing the location of Street View Ranking in Chengdu
How to Use Street View Ranking Effectively
1. Browse Different Categories
Street View Ranking organizes locations into various categories to help you find exactly what you’re looking for:
- Food & Dining: Restaurants, street food stalls, cafes, and bars
- Shopping: Local markets, boutiques, and specialty shops
- Attractions: Historical sites, parks, and cultural landmarks
- Nightlife: Bars, clubs, and evening entertainment
- Scenic Spots: Beautiful views and photo opportunities
2. Filter by Location
You can filter rankings by:
- City (e.g., Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu)
- District within a city
- Proximity to your current location
3. Understand the Ranking System
Each location in Street View Ranking is displayed with:
- A ranking number (e.g., #1, #2, #3)
- A rating out of 5 stars
- The number of reviews
- Photos uploaded by users
- Distance from your current location
**

Detailed view of a ranked restaurant showing ratings, reviews, and photos
4. Read Reviews and View Photos
Tap on any location to see:
- Detailed reviews from other users (many with photos)
- Opening hours and contact information
- Directions from your current location
- Related recommendations
5. Save Your Favorites
When you find a location you want to visit, tap the “Favorite” (收藏) button to save it to your list for easy access later.
Practical Tips for Using Street View Ranking
1. Check the “Newly Added” Section
The “Newly Added” (新上榜) section highlights recently popular locations that might not be in traditional guidebooks. This is a great way to discover hidden gems.
2. Use the “Nearby” Feature
When you’re out exploring, use the “Nearby” (附近) filter to find popular spots within walking distance of your current location.
3. Look for “Locals’ Favorites”
Some rankings include a “Locals’ Favorites” (本地人推荐) badge, indicating spots that are particularly popular with local residents.
4. Plan Your Route Based on Rankings
You can use Street View Ranking to plan an entire day of exploring. For example, if you’re visiting Shanghai, you could:
- Start with breakfast at a highly-ranked local restaurant
- Visit a top-rated cultural attraction
- Have lunch at a popular local eatery
- Explore a trendy shopping area in the afternoon
- End with dinner at a highly-rated restaurant
5. Consider the Time of Day
Some locations are more popular at certain times. For example:
- Breakfast spots are most popular in the morning
- Markets are busiest in the afternoon
- Nightlife spots peak in the evening
Street View Ranking can help you plan your visits for the optimal time.
Examples of Popular Locations Featured on Street View Ranking
Beijing
- Nanluoguxiang: A historic hutong street with traditional shops and cafes
- 798 Art District: A trendy area with art galleries and creative spaces
- Wangfujing Snack Street: Famous for its variety of local street food
Shanghai
- Nanjing Road: One of China’s most famous shopping streets
- The Bund: A waterfront area with colonial-era architecture
- Tianzifang: A charming neighborhood with narrow lanes and boutique shops
Chengdu
- Kuanzhai Alley: A historic district with traditional courtyard houses
- Jinli Ancient Street: Known for its traditional architecture and local snacks
- Taikoo Li: A modern shopping area with luxury brands and restaurants

Map view showing the distribution of ranked locations in Chengdu
How Street View Ranking Compares to Other Travel Tools
Feature | Gaode Map Street View Ranking | Traditional Guidebooks | Other Map Apps |
Real-time updates | Daily | Rarely | Monthly |
Local relevance | High (based on user data) | Medium | Medium |
Language support | Chinese and English | Usually English | Varies |
Photo previews | Extensive | Limited | Moderate |
Personalization | Yes | No | Limited |
Offline access | Yes (with downloaded maps) | Yes | Limited |
For travelers in China, Gaode Map’s Street View Ranking offers a unique combination of real-time data, local relevance, and user-generated content that’s hard to find in other travel tools.
Final Thoughts
Gaode Map’s Street View Ranking is a powerful tool that can transform your travel experience in China. By leveraging the collective wisdom of millions of users, it helps you discover authentic local spots, navigate language barriers, and stay up-to-date with the latest trends in Chinese cities.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Street View Ranking can help you explore China like a local. From hidden food stalls serving authentic regional cuisine to charming alleyways with traditional architecture, this feature opens up a world of possibilities for discovery.
Before your next trip to China, make sure to download Gaode Map and familiarize yourself with the Street View Ranking feature. Your future self—exploring the vibrant streets of Beijing, Shanghai, or Chengdu with confidence—will thank you!
Ready to start planning your China adventure? Visit gotochina.guide for more travel guides, cultural insights, and practical tips for your trip to China!