How to Use AMap

Why AMap (Gaode)?

AMap (Gaode Ditu) is the "Google Maps" of China. It is significantly more accurate than Apple Maps or Google Maps (which is blocked).

✅ Accurate

Real-time traffic & construction updates.

🚕 Ride-Hailing

Built-in taxi booking (cheaper than Didi).

Optional: Sign Up

Account

1. Finding Your Way

AMap is primarily in Chinese, but it supports Pinyin (English letters) for searching.

Search in Pinyin

You don't need to type Chinese characters. Just type the name in English or Pinyin.

Type: Sanlitun
Result: 三里屯 (Sanlitun)

Star Your Favorites

When you find a place, tap the Star (收藏) icon to save it. This makes it easier to select as a destination later without typing.

Look for the Star icon at the bottom of the location card.

Search in English/Pinyin

Public Transport Route

2. Navigation Modes

AMap supports Drive, Bicycle and walk navigation with Multilingual Voice .

The 'Blue Button' Rule

In AMap, the Big Blue Button is almost always "Go" or "Start Navigation".

3. Booking a Taxi

! Important: Use Amap to book Taxi only when you have chinese local phone number. If you use data only eSIM without local number, use 'Didi Travel' in 'Alipay' app instead. Refer to detailed Taxi booking guide in Ride Hailing

Direct Booking

Route Booking

Pro Tips

Download Offline Maps

Download offline maps for the city you are in (e.g., Beijing) to save data and navigate faster. But be aware that it can only be done in Chinese language UI. First step : Tap the 'setting' icon at top right corner, then go to 'General' - 'Language Settings' to switch to Chinese language UI. After download, Tap the '我的' icon at bottom right then Tap the setting icon at top right corner, then go to '通用' - '语言设置' to switch back to English

Tool Box

Offline Map

Map Download

Back to English