Best China Map Apps for Foreign Travellers 2025

Planning a trip to China but just realised Google Maps won’t work there? 😅 Don’t worry—you’re definitely not the only one. Many Singaporean travellers are surprised to find that their go-to navigation app becomes nearly useless once they land in China.

But here’s the good news: China has its own powerful map apps that locals swear by. And yes, some of them even have English interfaces! 

This guide will walk you through the best China map apps for foreign travellers, plus the top Google Maps alternatives that actually work in China.

Why You Need a Local Map App in China?

Due to internet restrictions, Google services, including Google Maps, are blocked in China. Even with a VPN, the connection can be unstable or super slow.

That’s why most travellers (and all locals) rely on China-based map apps like Amap (Gaode Map) or Baidu Maps. These apps offer real-time directions, public transport info, and way more accurate location data. It’ll save you time, stress, and a lot of wandering around.

What Map App to Use in China?

With so many apps out there, you’re probably wondering: Which one’s actually useful in China? We’ve tried them, and here’s the truth: not all map apps are made equal.

Here's a quick comparison to help you pick the right one:

Best Local Map Apps in China

If you want accurate directions, live traffic, and reliable transport info in China, local map apps are the way to go. These apps are what locals use every day, and while some may look overwhelming at first (especially in Chinese), they offer real-time data that Google Maps just can’t match.

Here are the top 3 local China map apps that foreign travellers should know about.

1. Amap (Gaode Map) | 高德地图

Amap feels like the "Google Maps" of China for locals, but it’s even more detailed. The app loads fast and gives accurate results. It covers multiple transport modes, including driving, walking, cycling, bus, and subway. And it supports real-time traffic updates.

For a foreign user, the English mode covers most of the basics, but some place names remain in Chinese, which can be a little confusing at first. Many travellers appreciate how reliable Amap is for taxi rides and metro transfers.

✔️Pros:

• Settings allow switching to English, so it’s user-friendly for foreigners.
• Can search popular landmarks and attractions with English names.
• Accurate real-time updates to help you avoid traffic jams and delays efficiently.

❌Cons:

• Some place names and detailed info may still appear in Chinese.
• App menus and some advanced features require patience for first-time users.

👍Best for:

Travellers who want a reliable all-rounder for driving, walking, and public transit in major cities with some English support.

💡Pro tip: 

• Set your app to English before arrival. 
• Use the “Explore” feature to find tourist hotspots and read user reviews to help plan your day.

2. Baidu Maps | 百度地图

Baidu Maps offers arguably the best public transport data across China. The extensive bus and metro routes that foreign travellers find invaluable for getting around large cities, or plan intercity trips. 

However, the app’s predominantly Chinese interface can feel overwhelming for new users. Searching places in English often returns limited results, so many users rely on Pinyin or combine the app with translation tools. Despite this, Baidu’s accurate arrival times and detailed street view are standout features.

✔️Pros:

• Extensive coverage of public transport and long-distance travel routes.
• Street view available for major cities.
• Very detailed POI database, including many local businesses and tourist spots.

❌Cons:

• Primarily Chinese interface with limited English support.
• Searching in English often yields fewer or inaccurate results.

👍Best for:

Experienced travellers who want detailed public transit info and don’t mind a mostly Chinese interface.

💡Pro tip:

• Use Pinyin spellings for place names and combine with a translation app. 
• Save your routes offline to access maps without mobile data.

3. Tencent Maps | 腾讯地图

Tencent Maps is well-known among locals in southern China, particularly Shenzhen and Guangzhou. The app’s design is clean and less cluttered than some competitors, which helps with usability. 

For tourists, its strengths lie in accurate walking directions and detailed building-level data. Integration with WeChat means users can easily book rides or check local services without leaving the app. 

However, lack of an English interface means tourists might need to rely on visuals or a basic knowledge of Chinese to navigate smoothly.

✔️Pros:

• Clean and user-friendly interface.
• Integrated with WeChat mini programs for seamless ride-hailing and food delivery.
• Good detail for walking routes and building locations.

❌Cons:

• No official English interface.
• Less comprehensive data in northern and smaller cities.

👍Best for:

Tourists visiting southern cities like Shenzhen or Guangzhou who want simple walking routes and WeChat integration.

💡Pro tip:

• Access Tencent Maps through mini programs inside the app for a more integrated experience. 
• Download maps offline when possible.

Best Global/Offline Map Apps for Tourists in China

When visiting China, having an offline or global map app can be a lifesaver. It's especially useful if you don’t want to rely on constant internet access or struggle with apps mostly in Chinese. 

While they might not offer the same detailed real-time updates as local apps, their ease of use and offline features make them an essential backup.

4. Apple Maps | 苹果地图

Apple Maps works well on iPhones and iPads and offers decent coverage of China’s main cities with public transit options and turn-by-turn directions. It supports offline map caching, which is useful in areas with patchy data. 

While it lacks some detailed local info compared to Chinese apps, it’s familiar and easy for iPhone users to navigate, especially tourists who prefer sticking to what they know.

✔️ Pros:

• Smooth integration with iOS devices.
• Offline caching of maps and routes.
• Easy-to-use interface with English support.

❌ Cons:

• Less detailed POI and public transport info in China.
• Offline features limited compared to dedicated offline apps.

👍 Best for:

iPhone users who want basic offline support and simple city navigation without downloading extra apps.

💡 Pro tip:

Before entering China, open Apple Maps and load your planned routes to cache maps offline.

5. Organic Maps

Organic Maps is an open-source, privacy-focused map app designed for offline use. It is lightweight and perfect for tourists who enjoy hiking, walking tours, or exploring off-the-beaten-path destinations. 

While it doesn’t have real-time traffic updates, its clean design and offline search make it reliable for self-guided exploration, especially in natural or less urbanized areas.

✔️ Pros:

• Fully offline, no data needed after download.
• Privacy-focused with no ads or tracking.
• Clear walking and hiking routes with useful local info.

❌ Cons:

• Limited real-time updates and public transport info.
• Smaller user base means fewer POI reviews.

👍 Best for:

Outdoor lovers and independent travellers who want privacy and offline hiking/walking navigation.

💡 Pro tip:

Pair Organic Maps with a local transport app for city travel, as it focuses mostly on walking and outdoor paths.

6. Maps.me

Maps.me is a popular choice among travellers worldwide for its fully offline maps and extensive database of tourist spots. It offers detailed walking and driving routes and highlights many POI, including restaurants, museums, and landmarks. 

The app is easy to use, supports multiple languages, and doesn’t require mobile data once maps are downloaded. So it's ideal for travellers with limited or expensive data plans.

✔️ Pros:

• Fully offline maps and navigation.
• User-friendly interface with multiple language support
• Detailed POIs with reviews and photos from users.

❌ Cons:

• Traffic and public transport info are unavailable.
• Occasionally outdated map data in less popular areas.

👍 Best for:

Tourists wanting offline navigation and easy access to popular tourist attractions without relying on internet.

💡 Pro tip:

Download maps for your entire trip area before arriving in China to avoid slow downloads or restrictions.

Bonus: Metro Apps for Fast City Travel

When you’re in China’s bustling cities, the metro is often the quickest and cheapest way to get around. But navigating complex subway networks can be confusing. That’s why dedicated metro apps are a lifesaver for fast, hassle-free city travel. It focuses solely on metro routes, making it easy to plan your journey, find the quickest transfers, and avoid long waits. All with offline maps and real-time updates.

7. MetroMan

MetroMan is a specialised app focusing exclusively on metro and subway navigation in major Chinese cities. It’s perfect for tourists who rely heavily on urban rail transit and want a simple, clean interface without extra clutter. The app supports offline use, so you can plan routes even without internet. 

While it doesn’t cover buses or taxis, its step-by-step metro navigation, transfer info, and station details make it a must-have for metro-heavy travellers.

✔️ Pros:

• Detailed metro maps for multiple Chinese cities.
• Offline functionality for route planning without data.
• Simple and easy-to-understand interface.

❌ Cons:

• No bus, taxi, or walking directions.
• Limited to metro systems only.

👍 Best for:

Tourists who mainly use metro/subway systems in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen.

💡 Pro tip:

Combine MetroMan with a local taxi or bike-share app to cover last-mile travel beyond the metro.

Tips for Using Map Apps in China

📶 Download maps offline before you arrive.

🔐 Use VPN if you still want to try Google Maps (not reliable though) and many other apps.

🗺️ Search places using Pinyin or Chinese characters for better results.

🔄 Enable GPS and app permissions for accurate navigation.

🧩 Pair with a translator app if possible.

🧳 Pin your hotel, major landmarks, and metro stations in your map app ahead of time.

Traveling in China requires reliable map apps. Using local or offline map apps will help you navigate cities, public transport, and tourist spots smoothly. Make sure to prepare by downloading maps in advance and enabling GPS for the best experience. With these tips, you’ll have an easier, stress-free trip exploring all that China has to offer.