Tunnelz

China trip guide

Does Google Maps work in China?

No, but you may not need it. Google Maps is blocked in mainland China. Apple Maps works there, with directions, public transport and traffic, and Amap, a Chinese map app, now comes in English. Google Maps needs a roaming eSIM or a VPN.

Updated

Apple MapsWorksalready on your iPhone AmapWorksnow comes in English Google MapsBlockedneeds a roaming eSIM or a VPN Apple MapsWorksalready on your iPhone AmapWorksnow comes in English Google MapsBlockedneeds a roaming eSIMor a VPN
Fig. 01
Which map to use in mainland China. Simplified drawings, not real maps.

What to use instead

  • Apple Maps: already on your iPhone. Apple offers turn-by-turn directions, public transport and traffic in mainland China, so there’s nothing to set up.

  • Amap: a leading Chinese map app. It has had an English version since January 2025, and 14 more languages since July 2025, with directions for driving, walking, cycling and public transport, and an English screen for booking a ride. Get it from the App Store or Google Play at home.

Fig. 02
What to use instead of Google Maps.

If you still want Google Maps

On a phone with a roaming eSIM that routes data outside mainland China, Google Maps can work as it does at home. On hotel Wi-Fi or a Chinese SIM it needs a VPN.

Offline maps are a weak backup. Google says some countries and regions can’t be saved offline, so check before you fly. Where they can, offline maps give driving directions only: no walking or public transport directions. For getting around a city on foot and by metro, Apple Maps or Amap does the job better.

  • A roaming eSIM

    that routes data outside mainland China: Google Maps can work as it does at home.

  • Hotel Wi-Fi or a Chinese SIM

    It needs a VPN.

Offline Google Maps, where an area can be saved

  • DrivingDirections
  • WalkingNo directions
  • Public transportNo directions
Fig. 03
Ways to still use Google Maps. Google says some countries and regions can’t be saved offline, so check before you fly.

Before you fly

  1. 1. Install Amap at home and switch it to English.

  2. 2. Save your hotel’s address in Chinese, as text or a screenshot, to show a driver.

  3. 3. Save the places you want to see in Apple Maps or Amap, not only in Google Maps.

Fig. 04
Three things to do before you fly.

Where Tunnelz fits

Maps on the move are a phone job. Tunnelz runs on a Mac: on hotel Wi-Fi it sends Google Maps in your browser through your own server, so you can usually plan the next day there, with your saved places and reviews. The Smart route sends Chinese sites such as Amap direct, so they stay fast.

  • Google Maps in your browser

    Goes through your own server, so you can usually plan the next day, with your saved places and reviews.

  • Chinese sites such as Amap

    Go direct, so they stay fast.

Fig. 05
The Smart route on your Mac, on hotel Wi-Fi. Simplified. No route is promised to stay open.

Only have a phone? A roaming eSIM usually covers this today; Tunnelz for iPhone is coming.

Questions

Does Apple Maps work in China?
Yes. Apple lists China mainland for Maps: Turn-by-Turn Navigation, Transit and Traffic on its iOS feature availability page.
Is Amap in English?
Yes. Amap added an English version in January 2025 and 14 more languages in July 2025. It’s in the App Store and on Google Play.
Can I download Google Maps offline for China?
Check before you fly: Google says offline maps can’t be saved in some countries and regions. Where they can, offline maps give driving directions only, not walking or public transport.
Does Google Maps work with a roaming eSIM in China?
Often, on the eSIM’s own mobile data, if the plan routes data outside mainland China. On hotel Wi-Fi it needs a VPN.
Can I use Tunnelz for maps on my phone?
Not yet. Tunnelz runs on an Apple silicon Mac with macOS 14 or later today, and the iPhone and iPad app is coming to the App Store. On the move, use Apple Maps or Amap, or a roaming eSIM for Google Maps.

Sources