Quick answer: Do not rely on Google Maps as your primary navigation tool in mainland China. For local routing, public transport, entrances and Chinese place data, Amap (Gaode Maps) is usually much more useful. Set it up before your trip and save important destinations in advance.
Why Google Maps is not my primary recommendation
There are two separate questions: can your connection reach Google services, and is Google Maps the best local map once it opens? Some roaming and travel-eSIM setups may route data outside mainland China and allow access to Google services, while ordinary mainland connectivity can behave differently. Either way, Google Maps is not the local mapping system I would depend on for everyday China travel.
For the connectivity side, see How to Use the Internet in China and China eSIM: Google, Gmail and WhatsApp.
Local map data, transit information, business listings and entrances can be more useful in Chinese mapping apps.
What should U.S. travelers use instead?
For most independent travelers, use Amap (Gaode Maps / 高德地图) as the primary local navigation app and keep Google Maps only as a secondary reference if your connection supports it.
Use Amap / Gaode Maps
Amap is one of China’s major navigation platforms and has expanded multilingual support for international visitors.
It can help with:
- walking routes
- subway directions
- driving and DiDi pickup context
- searching hotels and attractions
- estimating travel time
- finding station entrances and exits
Save your hotel before you arrive
Search for your hotel in Amap and save it before the trip.
Also save:
- airport
- railway station
- major attractions
- next hotel
If you have the Chinese name or address, keep that too.
Search can be easier with Chinese names
English support continues to improve, but Chinese place names are still valuable.
For an important destination, save both:
- English name
- Chinese characters
That also helps when showing the location to a driver or hotel employee.
Use maps together with DiDi
Amap is excellent for understanding where you are and where the pickup point should be.
DiDi is better for actually requesting a ride.
Using both makes unfamiliar airports, train stations and large attractions much easier.
What about Apple Maps?
Map behavior and available data can differ by device and region. For this site, I recommend Amap because it is built around China’s local mapping ecosystem and is useful for the practical travel steps we teach throughout the guides.
FAQ
Should I delete Google Maps before China?
No. Just do not make it your only navigation tool.
Is Amap available in English?
Amap offers an English-language experience for international users, although individual place names and some local details may still appear in Chinese. Saving the Chinese name or address remains useful.
Can Amap show subway routes?
Yes. It is useful for urban public-transport planning.
Should I save addresses offline?
Yes. Screenshots and saved Chinese addresses are useful backups.
Detailed guide: How to Use Amap (Gaode Maps) in China
Getting around: How Foreigners Use the Subway in China