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🗺️ Navigation and place search
Amap (Gaode)
As of September 2026 · app interfaces and menu names may change
Amap Global (高德地图) is the version for international users. The interface can be switched to English. Even so, the Chinese place name is often the most reliable search term — that's why this website provides the Chinese name to copy for every destination.
⚠ Sign-in may look different depending on region and app version. Install Amap first and test the search — only then check which account option your app offers.
What you need
- Smartphone with Google Play Store or App Store
- Internet
- This website with the Chinese place names
Step by step
Step 1 — Install at home
- Open Google Play Store.
- Search for “AMap Global”.
- Look for the developer “AutoNavi”.
- Install and start the app once completely.
SCREENSHOT 01 — Play Store – AMap GlobalPlaceholder — real screenshot to follow
Step 2 — Switch the language to English
- Open profile or settings.
- Look for “Language” and choose “English”, if offered.
- Close the app and reopen it.
If individual places are still shown in Chinese, that's normal.
SCREENSHOT 02 — Language → EnglishPlaceholder — real screenshot to follow
Step 3 — Allow location
- Allow location access when asked — for travellers “while using the app” is enough.
SCREENSHOT 03 — Location accessPlaceholder — real screenshot to follow
Step 4 — Find a place — example Forest Park
- Copy the Chinese name: 亚龙湾热带天堂森林公园
- Paste it into the search field in Amap.
- Choose the right result and check the address or location.
- Tap “Route” and leave “My Location” as the start.
- Choose the mode of transport: walking, bus, car.
- Check duration and distance.
亚龙湾热带天堂森林公园
Don't just tap the first English result. Well-known places often have several similar entries.
SCREENSHOT 04 — Search with Chinese namePlaceholder — real screenshot to follow
Step 5 — Save destinations
- Save hotels and important destinations as favourites.
- Also save hotel addresses as screenshots — in case the internet drops out.
SCREENSHOT 05 — Save favouritePlaceholder — real screenshot to follow
Typical pitfalls
| English search finds nothing | Copy and paste the Chinese name from this website. |
| Several similar results | Check the location on the map and the address; if in doubt, the result with the most reviews. |
| Sign-in required | Test the search first, then check the offered sign-in method. |
| Bus doesn't come | Route numbers change — Amap shows the current situation, guidebooks often don't. |
Video
🎬 Video to follow — a tested tutorial video will appear here.
Quick checklist before departure
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