Amap English Guide: Walking Directions for Foreigners in China

To use Amap (Gaode Maps) for walking directions in China, simply enter your destination in the search bar and tap the walking person icon to initiate real-time GPS navigation. While the interface is currently only available in Chinese, the intuitive visual cues, blue directional arrows, and AR-overlay features make it the most reliable tool for foreigners navigating mainland China. Pair the app with an uncensored data connection to use translation tools simultaneously for the best experience.\n\n## Why Amap is Essential for Walking in China\n\nFor many international travelers, Google Maps is the default choice for exploring new cities. However, in mainland China, Google Maps is not only blocked by the Great Firewall but also suffers from a significant technical flaw known as the 'GPS shift.' Due to local regulations, coordinates in China use the GCJ-02 coordinate system, which causes Google Maps to show your location several hundred meters away from where you actually are. Amap (known locally as Gaode DiTu) uses the correct mapping data, providing pin-point accuracy that is essential when you are trying to find a specific alleyway in Shanghai or a hidden temple in Beijing.\n\nTo use Amap effectively, you need a reliable data connection that bypasses local internet restrictions. While you could try to use a local SIM card, these are often difficult for tourists to acquire and are subject to strict censorship. Instead, many travelers choose to see plans for a roaming eSIM. These plans allow you to access the uncensored internet, meaning you can use Amap for navigation while keeping your WhatsApp, Instagram, and Google Translate apps running in the background without needing a separate VPN.\n\n## Navigating the Amap Interface as an English Speaker\n\nAlthough the app is in Chinese, the layout is remarkably similar to Western map apps. Here is a breakdown of the key elements you will encounter:\n\n1. The Search Bar (顶部搜索框): Located at the very top of the screen. You can often type the names of major hotels, malls, or landmarks in English. If the English name doesn't appear, use a translation app to find the Chinese characters and paste them here.\n2. The Directions Button (路线): Usually a blue circular button at the bottom right of the screen. Tapping this opens the route planning menu.\n3. Walking Mode (步行): After tapping the directions button, you will see several icons at the top. Look for the icon of a person walking. This will give you the most accurate pedestrian routes, including shortcuts through parks and pedestrian-only streets.\n4. Start Navigation (开始导航): A large blue button at the bottom of the screen. Once pressed, the map will transition into a 3D view that follows your movement.\n\n### Using AR Walking Directions\n\nOne of Amap’s standout features for foreigners is the AR (Augmented Reality) walking mode. When you start a walking route, look for a camera icon on the screen. Tapping this will open your phone's camera, and Amap will overlay giant blue arrows onto the real-world street view. This is incredibly helpful when exiting complex subway stations like those in Chongqing or Guangzhou, where it is easy to lose your sense of direction.\n\n## Connectivity and Coverage Realities\n\nWhen navigating on foot, your map needs to update instantly to reflect your movement. This requires a strong 5G or 4G signal. In China, the infrastructure is world-class, with even remote areas often having better coverage than major European cities. ChinaRoam eSIMs connect to the country’s top networks: China Mobile, China Unicom, and China Telecom. All three provide extensive 5G coverage in urban areas.\n\n- China Mobile: Known for having the best overall coverage, particularly in rural areas and on high-speed trains.\n- China Unicom: Offers excellent speeds in major cities like Shanghai, Beijing, and Shenzhen.\n- China Telecom: A reliable alternative that ensures you have a backup signal in dense urban environments.\n\nFor a more detailed look at which network might be best for your specific trip, you can read our comparison of China Unicom vs China Mobile for Tourists. Regardless of the carrier, our eSIMs provide a 'data only' service, which means you won't have a local phone number, but you can still make calls via WhatsApp, Skype, or FaceTime using your data.\n\n## Comparing Roaming Costs: ChinaRoam vs. UK Carriers\n\nFor British travelers, using a home SIM from EE, Vodafone, O2, or Three can be a costly mistake. Most UK providers charge between £5 and £7 per day for a very limited amount of roaming data. Budget carriers like Lebara, Talkmobile, and Plusnet often have even more restrictive policies or high pay-as-you-go rates for China.\n\n| Provider | Typical Daily Cost | Data Limit | Uncensored? |\n| :--- | :--- | :--- | :--- |\n| EE / Vodafone / O2 | High (£5-£7) | Often 500MB - 1GB | Yes |\n| ChinaRoam eSIM | Low (Fixed Price) | Up to 50GB or Daily | Yes |\n| Local Chinese SIM | Low | High | No (Censored) |\n\nBy choosing to see plans for an eSIM before you depart, you avoid these daily charges and ensure you have enough data for heavy map usage. If you are curious about the technical side of how these eSIMs work without a VPN, check out our guide on what is a China Roaming eSIM?.\n\n## How to Install and Activate Your eSIM\n\nSetting up your connection is simple and can be done before you even board your flight. First, you should check your phone compatibility to ensure your device supports eSIM technology. Most modern iPhones (from the XS onwards) and flagship Android devices are compatible.\n\n### Installation Steps:\n\n1. Purchase your plan: Select from fixed plans (like 5GB/30 days or 20GB/30 days) or daily passes if you need unlimited-style data (up to 10GB per day).\n2. Scan the QR Code: You will receive a QR code via email. Go to your phone's settings (Cellular/Mobile Data) and select 'Add eSIM' or 'Add Data Plan.'\n3. Enable Roaming: This is a crucial step. Because the data is routed through international servers to bypass the Great Firewall, you must turn on 'Data Roaming' for the eSIM in your settings. Follow our full setup guide for detailed screenshots.\n4. Arrival: Once you land in mainland China, Hong Kong, or Macau, your phone will automatically connect to the local 5G network, and your plan will activate.\n\n## Data Usage for Walking Navigation\n\nWalking navigation is generally efficient, but downloading high-resolution map tiles and using AR features can consume data. We recommend the following plans based on your activity level:\n\n- The Casual Walker (1GB - 3GB): Best for short trips or those who only check the map occasionally to find a specific restaurant.\n- The Urban Explorer (5GB - 10GB): Ideal for those spending 1-2 weeks in China, using Amap daily, and sharing photos on social media.\n- The Power User (20GB - 50GB or Daily Passes): Perfect for long-term travelers, digital nomads, or anyone who wants to stream video and use navigation features without any limits.\n\nRemember that our plans are flexible; if you run out of data while exploring a new city, top-ups are available so you are never left without a map.\n\n## The bottom line\n\nAmap is the undisputed king of walking navigation in China, offering accuracy that Western apps cannot match. By mastering its visual interface and securing an uncensored ChinaRoam eSIM, you can navigate the streets of China with ease, avoiding high roaming fees and the frustrations of the Great Firewall.