Navigating around China does not need to be worrisome. Yes Google Maps is virtually useless in China, but there are some good alternatives. First and foremost, Apple Maps will be your best friend (if you don’t have an Apple phone, we suggest maybe getting one before you move to China – the Apple Store is completely functional in China, and Apple Maps is fully operational in China). If you opt against an Apple phone, you may need to become familiar with some of the Chinese map navigation apps. Baidu Map and Gaode (A Map) are our suggestions. Although they are not in English, with a bit of practice and patience it is easy to get to grips with how to use these apps. This article will focus on Gaode (A Map). Let’s start our quick crash course on using a Chinese map navigation app.
Follow our step-by-step guide below, and get navigating like a pro in no time.
Check out the following short video on how to use Gaode (A Map):
1. Using a Chinese map navigation app: FINDING AND DOWNLOADING GAODE MAPS
This app is easily searchable by entering its pinyin into the app store. Once you download it, open it up, and click through the ads, you are greeted with an all Chinese homepage. While most parts are familiar – the search bar, the GPS icon showing where you are, and the weather – the rest of the icons remain alien.
2. USING THE SEARCH BAR
Next on our quick crash course on using a Chinese map navigation app, you will search for a specific address, enter it into the search bar in this order: City, District, Street, Building No., Apartment No.
For example, the address of EF’s Shanghai headquarters would be searchable as such:
铜仁路258号
(Or type “258 Tongren”, it might show “九安广场”, which is the building’s Chinese name)
3. GETTING DIRECTIONS ON HOW TO GET THERE
What next when using a Chinese map navigation app? On the bottom right of the page showing you your destination, click the blue button to display all the calculated routes. You can select the different modes of transport: Easiest Mode, Taxi, Car, Public Transport, Bike, Walking, Plane, Train, Shuttle, Motor Bike routes, and Truck routes (in order of left to right).
4. Using a Chinese map navigation app: EXPLORING OPTIONS
Swiping the address up will reveal a series of other options.
• The magnifying glass: search for nearby restaurants, schools, or other establishments nearby.
• The star: if you register an account, you can favorite and save this location.
• The arrow: share this location on social media.
• The phone: call the establishment using the phone number listed.
• The picture below: Sometimes, a popular location will have a collection of pictures users posted for you to look inside or at the neighborhood around it.
5. SAVING YOUR MOST FREQUENTLY USED ADDRESSES
Finally, acknowledge you’re not always going to have the patience, time, or sound of mind to enter in the exact address each time. Many of your routes are going to be calculated with either your work or home.
To save those addresses, find the icon of a pin on the bottom right corner of the homepage.
Upon clicking it, you ‘ll find a house and briefcase icon indicating for you to save your home and work address.
To add, click the link circled in orange, and then the pencil icon to search. Upon entering your address, a list of possible options will display, and just like searching for the location, you will be asked to select the most accurate option available.
We hope this quick crash course on using a Chinese map navigation app really helps!
Check out more apps here.