One of the first things I would tell a U.S. traveler is not to build a China trip around Google Maps.
For travel inside mainland China, install a map service designed for China.
My choice is Amap, also known as Gaode Map / Gaode Maps (高德地图). Travelers may search for it using either “Amap” or “Gaode Map”; they refer to the same mapping service. It is especially useful for independent travelers because local place data, entrances, transit and walking routes are built around China’s mapping ecosystem.
Can you use Amap in English?
Yes. Amap provides an English-language experience for international users. Do not expect every local listing to be translated perfectly, though. For important hotels, railway stations and attractions, save the Chinese name or address as a backup.
Think of it as a China-focused alternative to Google Maps or Apple Maps. For mainland-China travel, its local place information, transport routing and entrances are generally much more useful than relying on Google Maps.
Amap vs Gaode Map: are they the same?
Yes. Amap is the English/international name commonly used for Gaode Map (高德地图). If someone in China tells you to use “Gaode,” they are usually referring to the same app/service.
What Amap is useful for
Amap can help you:
- Search for hotels
- Find restaurants and shops
- Locate tourist attractions
- Find railway stations
- Get walking directions
- Plan driving routes
- Find subway and bus routes
- Check traffic
- Identify entrances, gates and pickup locations
For an independent traveler, these are exactly the day-to-day navigation jobs you need.
Why it matters for railway travel
Chinese cities can have multiple major railway stations.
For example, a ticket may not simply say the city name. It may use a station such as:
- North Railway Station
- South Railway Station
- East Railway Station
- West Railway Station
- A separately named hub
Always copy or search the exact station name shown on your 12306 booking.
Do not assume that two stations with similar city names are close to each other.
Why exact entrances matter
Some Chinese transportation hubs, malls and attractions are enormous.
The map pin for the overall complex may not be enough.
Amap can help you find:
- A specific station entrance
- A mall entrance
- A taxi/ride-hailing pickup zone
- A hotel driveway
- A subway exit
That can save a surprising amount of walking.
Search with the Chinese name when possible
English-language place names can be translated in different ways.
If you cannot find a location immediately:
- Copy the Chinese name from your hotel confirmation, 12306 ticket or attraction page.
- Paste it into Amap.
- Compare the address and surrounding landmarks before navigating.
Hotel staff can also show you the Chinese name and address. Save a screenshot of the hotel name, phone number and Chinese address so you can show it to a driver or station employee even if your data connection is weak.
Use Amap together with DiDi
These two tools solve slightly different problems:
Amap tells you where something is.
DiDi gets a car to take you there.
Before requesting a ride, I often use the map to understand:
- Which entrance I am standing near
- Which road the driver can access
- Whether I need to cross the street
- Which pickup zone makes sense
This is particularly useful around railway stations and airports.
Public transportation
Amap is also helpful when you do not want a car.
Use the route-planning feature to compare:
- Walking
- Subway
- Bus
- Driving
The interface and supported languages can change, so install the current version before your trip and spend a few minutes learning the basic search and route buttons.
If Amap cannot find the place
Try these in order:
- Search the Chinese name rather than the English translation.
- Paste the full Chinese address.
- Search the nearest station, mall or major landmark.
- Compare the map result with the address in your booking confirmation.
- Ask hotel or attraction staff to show you the exact map listing.
For a broader comparison, see Google Maps in China and the best alternatives.
Download and test it before your trip
Before leaving the United States:
- Install Amap.
- Allow location access while using the app.
- Search for your first hotel.
- Search for your arrival airport or railway station.
- Practice requesting a route.
- Save important hotel and station names in Chinese where possible.
You do not need to master every feature.
If you can search a place, see your location and start directions, you already have what you need for most tourist navigation.
The five-tool system is now complete
With these five essentials set up:
- Data keeps you connected.
- Weixin Pay / Alipay lets you pay.
- 12306 moves you between cities.
- DiDi handles point-to-point rides.
- Amap helps you find your way.
That is enough to remove most of the practical friction that makes first-time China travel look intimidating.
Back to overview: Travel in China Is Simpler Than You Think: The 5 Essentials
Related: How to Use DiDi in China