Foreign friends, when traveling and living in China, what navigation maps do you usually use? Domestic map apps didn’t have English versions. Whether you’re driving, walking around the city, or looking for restaurants and attractions, it can be quite inconvenient. But now, you no longer have to worry!
Gaode Maps (also known as AMAP), one of the leading maps products in China, officially launched the country's first English map for overseas users on Tuesday night. Foreign users can download the English version from the App Store and Google Play while abroad.
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Gaode Maps, also known as AMAP, officially launched the first English map in China for overseas users on January 21.
According to AMAP officials, the launch of China's first English-language maps app is specifically designed to provide foreign visitors with a more comfortable and convenient travel experience when visiting China. This move also aligns with the national call to implement measures that facilitate inbound tourism services for foreigners.
“Before, navigating China could be a real challenge for foreign travelers due to language barriers. But now, with the launch of the English version of AMAP, exploring China has never been easier,” an official at AMAP told Shanghai Daily.
“The English map can help overseas users to tackle some problems including unfamiliar place names to recognize and complex interfaces to operate,” she added.
The English version of AMAP offers real-time traffic updates and estimated times of arrival (ETAs).
According to AMAP's internal product evaluation, the English version not only features an all-English interface and information but also accurately labels key locations such as tourist attractions, restaurants and hotels in English, helping foreign visitors quickly understand their surroundings.
Notably, AMAP's industry-leading basic services, such as lane-level navigation and traffic light countdown, are seamlessly integrated into the English version, which can help foreign visitors navigate China's complex road conditions with ease. These features provide comprehensive safety services for international travelers.
The English version offers the same route planning features as the Chinese app, helping users design optimal routes and plan their trips with ease.
3D lane-level views and traffic light countdown
According to data released by the National Immigration Administration, a total of 64.882 million foreigners entered and exited China through various ports in 2024, representing an 82.9 percent year-on-year increase.
With the implementation of more convenient visa policies, including extending the visa-free stay for transit passengers from 72 or 144 hours to 240 hours, China has witnessed a surge in inbound tourism, sparking a "China Travel" fever overseas, with an increasing number of foreigners eager to explore the beauty of China.
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