Why Alibaba Launched Gaode Street Food Guide And How to Use It

In the ever-evolving landscape of Chinese technology, Alibaba Group continues to make strategic moves that reshape how both locals and foreigners experience daily life in China. One of the most significant developments in 2025 is the complete restructuring of Gaode Map (Amap) and the launch of the innovative “Gaode Street Food Guide” (高德扫街榜). This revolutionary feature is not just changing how Chinese people discover local eateries but is also becoming an indispensable tool for international visitors eager to explore China’s rich culinary landscape.

The Strategic Rebuild: Alibaba’s Vision for Gaode Maps

Alibaba’s journey with Gaode Maps began in 2014 when the e-commerce giant completed its acquisition of the mapping service. Over the past decade, Gaode has evolved from a simple navigation tool into a comprehensive lifestyle platform. However, in 2024, Alibaba made the bold decision to completely rebuild Gaode’s infrastructure and user experience.

Key reasons behind the restructuring:

Data Integration Excellence: Leveraging Alibaba’s vast ecosystem of e-commerce, payment systems, and user behavior data to create a more intelligent mapping service.
Local Life Service Expansion: Transforming Gaode from just a navigation app to a complete local life companion, focusing heavily on food discovery, travel recommendations, and daily services.
AI-Powered Personalization: Implementing advanced artificial intelligence to provide hyper-personalized recommendations based on user preferences, location, and behavior patterns.
International User Focus: Recognizing the growing number of foreign visitors to China and creating features specifically designed for international users.

Introducing Gaode Street Food Guide: A Game-Changer for Food Discovery

Officially launched on September 10, 2025, the Gaode Street Food Guide represents the pinnacle of Alibaba’s vision for Gaode Maps. This innovative feature is the world’s first lifestyle service ranking based on real user behavior data, covering over 300 cities across China and featuring more than 1.6 million offline service merchants.

What Makes Gaode Street Food Guide Unique?

1. Behavior + Credit System

Unlike traditional food review platforms that can be manipulated through fake reviews, Gaode’s ranking system is built on real user actions:

Actual navigation-to-store behavior
Repeat visit patterns
Distance traveled specifically for a restaurant
Integration with Alipay’s 芝麻信用 (Sesame Credit) system

2. Innovative Ranking Categories

Ranking Category	What It Means	Perfect For
Tire Wear Ranking	Restaurants people are willing to travel long distances for	Special occasion dining, famous local specialties
Repeat Customer Ranking	Establishments with high customer retention rates	Reliable local favorites, consistent quality
Local’s Choice	Most popular among city residents	Authentic local experiences, hidden gems
Food Stall Stars	Highest-rated small eateries and street food vendors	Budget-friendly authentic cuisine
Must-Eat Classics	Time-honored establishments with decades of history	Cultural culinary experiences

3. Daily Dynamic Updates

The rankings are updated daily based on real-time user data, ensuring that recommendations are always current and relevant.

How Foreigners Can Use Gaode Maps in English

Recognizing the challenges foreign visitors face in China, Alibaba launched the English version of Gaode Maps in January 2025. This international version has been specifically designed to make navigation and food discovery easy for non-Chinese speakers.

Step-by-Step Guide for Foreign Users:

1. Downloading the App

Available on both App Store and Google Play
Search for “Gaode Maps” or “高德地图”
The English version will automatically detect your device language

2. Basic Navigation Features

English Interface: Fully localized English menus and instructions
English Search: Type destinations in English (e.g., “Beijing Capital International Airport”)
Multiple Transportation Options: Bus, metro, driving, taxi, biking, and walking directions
Real-time Traffic Updates: Accurate traffic condition information

3. Accessing the Street Food Guide

Open Gaode Maps and tap on the “Street Food Guide” icon on the homepage
Browse different ranking categories or search for specific cuisines
View detailed information including address, opening hours, price range, and user reviews

4. Ordering Transportation

The English version includes Gaode’s ride-hailing service covering over 360 cities
View price estimates, vehicle options, and track your driver in real-time

Exploring China’s Culinary Landscape with Gaode Street Food Guide

China’s culinary diversity is legendary, with each region offering unique flavors and specialties. The Gaode Street Food Guide makes it easy for foreigners to navigate this vast food landscape and discover authentic local cuisine.

City-by-City Food Exploration Guide

Beijing – Imperial Flavors

Must-Try Dishes:

Peking Duck: The iconic dish of Beijing, with crispy skin and tender meat
Jianbing: Savory breakfast crepe with egg, scallions, and crispy crackers
Luzhu Huoshao: Traditional stew with pork offal (for adventurous eaters)

Best Areas to Explore:

Qianmen Street: Tourist-friendly with famous restaurants like Quanjude Peking Duck
Huguo Si Snack Street: Authentic local atmosphere and traditional snacks
Guijie: Famous food street open until 4 AM

Shanghai – Cosmopolitan Cuisine

Must-Try Dishes:

Xiaolongbao: Soup dumplings with delicate wrappers and flavorful broth inside
Shengjianbao: Pan-fried pork buns with crispy bottoms
Hairy Crab: Seasonal delicacy (autumn) with rich 蟹黄 (crab roe)

Best Areas to Explore:

Nanjing Road: Famous shopping street with diverse dining options
Yu Garden Area: Traditional Shanghai snacks in a historic setting
Xintiandi: Modern restaurants in restored shikumen buildings

Chengdu – Spicy Sichuan Delights

Must-Try Dishes:

Mapo Tofu: Silky tofu in spicy Sichuan peppercorn sauce
Chuanr: Grilled skewers, typically lamb with cumin and chili
Hot Pot: Spicy broth with various meats and vegetables

Best Areas to Explore:

Kuanzhai Alley: Historic district with traditional Sichuan cuisine
Jinli Ancient Street: Tourist-friendly with street food and snacks
Local Wet Markets: For the most authentic Sichuan street food experiences

Guangzhou – Cantonese Culinary Excellence

Must-Try Dishes:

Dim Sum: Morning tea with various small dishes like har gow (shrimp dumplings)
White Cut Chicken: Simple preparation highlighting the natural flavor of the chicken
Wonton Noodles: Al dente noodles with flavorful broth and plump wontons

Best Areas to Explore:

Shamian Island: Colonial architecture with excellent Cantonese restaurants
Liwan District: Traditional Cantonese food and tea houses
Temple of the Six Banyan Trees Area: Local food markets and casual eateries

Xi’an – Ancient Silk Road Flavors

Must-Try Dishes:

Rougamo: Chinese hamburger with shredded pork in a crispy bun
Yangrou Paomo: Lamb soup with bread that you tear into pieces
Liangpi: Cold noodles with spicy sauce, perfect for hot weather

Best Areas to Explore:

Muslim Quarter: Famous for rougamo and other halal snacks
Giant Wild Goose Pagoda Area: Tourist-friendly with diverse dining options
Local Night Markets: For authentic Xi’an street food experiences

Practical Tips for Foreign Food Explorers

Language Tips

Use the English Version: The English interface makes navigation much easier
Take Photos: Show pictures of dishes to vendors if language is a barrier
Learn Basic Phrases:

“这个多少钱？” (Zhège duōshǎo qián?) – How much is this?
“不要辣” (Bùyào là) – No spicy
“很好吃” (Hěn hǎochī) – Very delicious

Cultural Considerations

Street Food Etiquette: It’s normal to eat while standing or walking
Cash is King: Many small vendors don’t accept mobile payments
Meal Times: Chinese meals are typically earlier than Western times
Sharing is Common: Order multiple dishes to share with your group

Health and Safety Tips

Choose Busy Stalls: High turnover means fresher food
Watch for Cleanliness: Observe food preparation practices
Stay Hydrated: Especially important when eating spicy food
Carry Hand Sanitizer: Useful when soap and water aren’t available

Conclusion: Transforming the Foreign Food Experience in China

The launch of the Gaode Street Food Guide represents a significant step forward in making China’s culinary treasures more accessible to international visitors. By leveraging Alibaba’s technological expertise and deep understanding of Chinese consumer behavior, Gaode Maps has created a tool that not only helps foreigners navigate China’s cities but also guides them on a delicious journey through the country’s diverse food culture.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor to Beijing eager to try Peking Duck, a food enthusiast in Chengdu ready to tackle Sichuan spice, or a traveler in Guangzhou wanting to experience authentic dim sum, the Gaode Street Food Guide is your perfect companion.

So download Gaode Maps, open the Street Food Guide, and get ready to embark on the culinary adventure of a lifetime in China!

Have you used Gaode Street Food Guide during your travels in China? Check more useful guide on Gotochina.Guide!