Why Gaode Map Beats Google Maps in China — A Foreigner’s Guide

If you’re traveling to or living in China, forget Google Maps.

Seriously.

While Google Maps is the global gold standard, it’s unreliable, outdated, and often completely broken in China — thanks to geo-restrictions, lack of local data partnerships, and censorship. The real MVP for navigation in China? Gaode Map 高德地图 (also known as Amap) — Alibaba’s homegrown mapping app that’s faster, smarter, and surprisingly foreigner-friendly.

In this guide, we’ll break down exactly why Gaode Map is better than Google Maps in China, how to use it in English, and tips to navigate like a local — even if you don’t speak Mandarin.

🚫 Why Google Maps Fails in China

Before we praise , let’s be clear: Google Maps is not banned in China, but it’s crippled.

Here’s what you’ll experience:

❌ Inaccurate or missing addresses — Especially for small shops, alleys, or new developments.
❌ No real-time traffic or public transit data — Buses, subways, and ride-hailing integration? Forget it.
❌ Satellite view is blurred or outdated — Due to Chinese regulations on geographic data.
❌ No walking or cycling directions in many cities — Or they lead you through construction zones.
❌ No integration with local services — Can’t book a Didi, order Meituan food, or find nearby Dianping-rated restaurants.

💡 Pro Tip: Even if you VPN into Google, the underlying map data is still restricted. You’re better off switching entirely to Amap.

🏆 Why Gaode Map Is China’s Navigation King

Amap, owned by Alibaba, is China’s #1 mapping app — and for good reason. Here’s why it’s the superior choice:

✅ 1. Pinpoint Accuracy — Even for Tiny Alleys

Amap is built with hyper-local Chinese data, updated in real time by millions of users and partnered with local governments. Whether you’re looking for a hidden dumpling stall in Xi’an’s Muslim Quarter or a coworking space in Shenzhen’s tech district, Amap finds it — and often shows the exact entrance.

🔍 Try searching: “星巴克近地铁” (Starbucks near subway) — Amap will show you every branch with walking directions from the nearest station.

✅ 2. Full Public Transit Integration

Amap doesn’t just show you subway lines — it tells you:

Which carriage to board for fastest exit
Real-time bus arrival times
Bike-sharing locations (HelloBike, Meituan Bike)
Walking directions that avoid construction or closed roads

🚇 Example: Search “上海虹桥火车站 to 外滩” — Amap gives you metro line + exit number + walking path with street view previews.

✅ 3. Seamless Ride-Hailing & Delivery Integration

Amap is deeply integrated with:

Didi (China’s Uber) — Book rides without switching apps
Meituan & Ele.me — See food delivery ETAs based on real traffic
AutoNavi Car Mode — For drivers: lane guidance, toll costs, gas stations

You can even hail a taxi directly from the map screen — no separate app needed.

✅ 4. English Interface & Voice Navigation

Good news: Amap supports full English UI and turn-by-turn voice navigation.

How to Switch to English:

Open Amap → Tap “Me” (profile) → Settings (设置)
Go to “Language” → Select “English”
Restart the app — done!

🗣️ Voice navigation in English is available for driving and walking. Just tap the speaker icon when starting directions.

✅ 5. Augmented Reality (AR) Walking Mode

Lost in a maze of hutongs or mega-malls? Use Amap’s AR mode:

Point your camera at the street — arrows and labels appear over the real world
Perfect for complex intersections or finding hidden shop entrances
Works even without data (download offline maps first)

✅ 6. Offline Maps & Data Light Mode

Download entire cities for offline use (Settings → Offline Maps)
“Lite Mode” reduces data usage — crucial for travelers on roaming plans

🆚 Gaode Map vs Google Maps: Quick Comparison Table

Feature	Gaode Map (Amap)	Google Maps in China
Address Accuracy	✅ Excellent (local data)	❌ Often wrong or missing
Public Transit	✅ Real-time, step-by-step	❌ Limited or outdated
English UI	✅ Full support	✅ But data is still broken
Voice Navigation (EN)	✅ Yes	✅ But unreliable routes
Ride-Hailing Integration	✅ Didi, taxis in-app	❌ None
AR Navigation	✅ Yes	❌ No
Offline Maps	✅ Full cities	✅ But less accurate
Local Business Info	✅ Dianping, Meituan, hours, etc.	❌ Sparse or outdated

🧭 Pro Tips for Foreigners Using Gaode Map

Use Pinyin or English Keywords
You don’t need perfect Chinese. Search “Wudaokou Starbucks” or “Sanlitun Bar” — Amap understands.
Save Frequent Locations
Home, office, favorite restaurants — save them under “My Places” for 1-tap navigation.
Scan QR Codes for Addresses
Many Chinese businesses display Amap QR codes — scan to navigate instantly.
Use “Near Me” Filters
Tap the compass icon → filter by “Food,” “ATM,” “Pharmacy,” etc.
Download Offline Voice Packs
Go to Settings → Navigation Settings → Download English voice for offline use.

🎯 Final Verdict: Ditch Google Maps. Embrace Amap.

For anyone in China — tourist, expat, or business traveler — Amap is not just better… it’s essential.

It’s faster, more accurate, deeply integrated with local services, and — yes — fully usable in English. Google Maps might work “okay” in major hotels or airports, but the moment you step into real China, you’ll be lost without Amap.