Hi guys! I’m currently planning my trip to China in a spreadsheet (Hong Kong, Guilin, Zhangjiajie and Shanghai) but I want to create my itineraries in a map to navigate there.
I understand that Google Maps is outdated and to find restaurants and stores may be tricky, but the main tourist spots are still in the same place and with a VPN I could walk around the cities using it, right? Or can I use the maps i’ve downloaded in an offline mode? They can’t block what I’ve already downloaded, right?
I don’t speak Chinese and it’ll be very hard for me to learn enough as my trip is in June, so I was planning to use Amap for restaurants or small changes and Google Maps, Triplt or Wanderlog for everyday use.
What do you think?
Just to make sure, i’m not looking for an app map, but for a way to build my itinerary and walk around the cities during my trip.
[UPDATE] I’ve downloadedMaps.Meand it’s been really useful! Highly recommend it if you don’t speak Chinese
my strategy has been to find stuff on google maps then plug the directions into baidu. works pretty well. it’s also useful to get a guidebook, because they will list specific addresses, which you can (usually) find on google maps even if the specific place isn’t listed.
If you are on international roaming, nothing will be blocked - you will be able to use Google Maps like normal. (as soon as you connect to WiFi, then the GFW will kick in)
The issue with Google Maps, Apple Maps, etc is that China has a GPS offset. So any location within Google Maps will be slightly off - roughly 200 meters. This may prove challenging to find restaurants and such. Like, Apple Maps has integration with Dianping (which is cool), so you can easily type in a restaurant and find it, but the exact location will be incorrect.
So you can use Google Maps for general trip planning, but once you get on the ground you’ll want to use Baidu or amap or what have you.
Google Maps isn’t just outdated, it’s entirely offset, so navigation is going to be a problem. Do not use it in mainland China. It works well in Hong Kong.
Apple maps works significantly better in China due to Google’s refusal to engage with their GPS and maps security laws. No comment on that being a good / bad thing, just is what it is. If you want more convenience there, try Apple maps.
You can download maps to use offline in https://organicmaps.app (OpenStreetMap based app). Mark places, get walking directions, etc. It won’t give you transit directions or up-to-date businesses though.
I’d use something local. Google Maps is not up to date in China. The last time they’ve updated in China was like over 10 years ago so everything from place names to even GPS position will be off.
I use Dianping for restaurants and tourist sites. It’s all in Chinese but you could probably figure it out by looking at the icons. It’s a pretty well-designed app imo.
Same issue I have here. The problem with Baidu maps is that I can’t create an account and save pins, so it’s difficult to build an itinerary by days if I can’t visualise where the places are and which route would make logical sense
Yes, I was going to add that. I have upvoted but will also comment here in case OP doesn’t see. Apart from that, with a VPN it works fine. Ish. Most of the time. But that’s due to VPN hassles on phones.
So for touristic spots Google Maps may work, but then when in need for finding a restaurant or pub transport route it’d be better to use something else?
Built a macro view of the itinerary on Google Maps (mainly tourist attractions that don’t change their locations). This way you can trace the logical sense of your day;
Did a massive search on restaurants i’d like to try using blogs and Michelin Guide (for Bib Gourmands only, cuz they have accessible prices);
Used MAPS.ME to search the restaurants, as they have their updated location and see if it makes sense with the itinerary i’ve built so far;
yeah it works, but you have vpn anyway. Baidu is 10 times better tho, which is way more accurate.
google works only for walking/cycling, but pub transport is a no-go
