Useful Tips in China

• How to use Map?
• How to use Subway
• How to use WeChat?

How to use Map?

How to Use Amap in English for Navigation in China: A Guide for Foreigners

Traveling in China can be an exciting adventure, but navigating its bustling cities and rural areas can be challenging for foreigners, especially with language barriers and the unavailability of Google Maps. Amap (also known as Gaode Map or 高德地图), one of China’s leading navigation apps, is a powerful tool to help you get around. With its English-language support introduced in January 2025, Amap has become a game-changer for international travelers. This guide will walk you through how to download, set up, and use Amap in English to navigate China like a local.

Why Choose Amap?

Amap is China’s most popular navigation app, trusted by over 1 billion users for its accurate, real-time navigation and comprehensive features. Here’s why it’s ideal for foreigners:

• English Support: Amap now offers an English interface, making it accessible for non-Chinese speakers.
• Unmatched Accuracy: With National Class-A Navigation and Surveying Certification, Amap provides centimeter-level precision, especially in rural areas and smaller cities.
• Multi-Mode Navigation: Whether you’re walking, driving, cycling, or using public transit, Amap tailors routes with real-time traffic updates.
• Integrated Services: Book rides, find restaurants, or locate attractions—all within the app, thanks to its integration with Alibaba’s ecosystem.

Unlike Google Maps, which is unreliable in China due to outdated data and VPN requirements, Amap is designed specifically for China’s roads and services.

Step-by-Step Guide to Using Amap in English

1. Download Amap

• Where to Find It: Search for “Amap” or “Gaode Maps” in the App Store (iOS) or Google Play Store (Android). It’s listed as “Amap – Gaode Maps” or “高德地图”.
• Pro Tip: Download the app before arriving in China to avoid connectivity issues. If you’re already in China and can’t access Google Play, try Huawei AppGallery or Xiaomi Store.
• Note: As of April 2025, the English version is in beta and primarily available for overseas users in China. Ensure you have the latest app version (15.09.0.2022 or higher).

2. Set Up the App

• No Account Needed: You can use Amap in guest mode without a Chinese phone number, which is perfect for tourists.
• Change Language to English:
  1. Open the Amap app.
  2. Tap the “Me” (我的) tab at the bottom right.
  3. Go to Settings (设置), usually indicated by a gear icon.
  4. Find “Language” (语言) and select “English”.
  5. Restart the app to apply changes.
• Important: The English option may be grayed out on some devices, as the feature is still being rolled out. If this happens, ensure your phone’s system language is set to English, or check for app updates. Voice navigation will be in English if your phone’s language is set to English.

3. Navigating with Amap

• Search for Destinations:
  • Enter your destination in English (e.g., “Forbidden City” or “Hongqiao Airport”) or Pinyin (e.g., “Wangfujing” for 王府井) in the search bar (搜索).
  • Place names may appear in Pinyin or Chinese characters, but major attractions often have English descriptions.
  • Save frequent locations by tapping the star (★) to add them to Favorites (收藏夹). Rename them in English for convenience: long-press the name, tap “Rename” (重命名), and type.
• Choose Your Transport Mode:
  • Tap “Route” (路线) and select your mode: walking, public transit, driving, or cycling.
  • For public transit, Amap provides detailed subway and bus routes, including metro exit numbers and real-time bus locations.
  • Walking mode includes unique features like traffic light countdowns and shaded routes in hot weather.
• Follow Directions:
  • Amap offers turn-by-turn navigation with color-coded routes (green for smooth traffic).
  • Use offline maps for areas with poor internet. Download city or province map packs in advance via Settings.
• Pro Tip: Always have the Chinese address of your destination (e.g., from your hotel) to show taxi drivers or input into Amap, as English names may not always match local listings.

4. Booking Rides

• Ride-Hailing: Amap integrates taxi and ride-hailing services. Enter your destination, select a car type, and view nearby drivers with estimated wait times.
• Payment: Most rides require Alipay or WeChat Pay. Set up one of these before traveling, as cash is rarely accepted. Amap shows price estimates upfront.
• Tip: Use the in-app chat with auto-translate to communicate with drivers, especially for precise pickup locations.

5. Additional Features

• Real-Time Traffic: Amap’s traffic data helps you avoid congestion, saving 10–20 minutes in cities like Beijing or Shanghai.
• Local Services: Find restaurants, hotels, and attractions with English descriptions. Book services via integrations with Alipay, Fliggy, or Ele.me.
• Speed Camera Alerts: Useful for drivers, along with estimated tolls and multi-stop route planning.
• Privacy: Amap complies with China’s cybersecurity laws and encrypts user data. Disable unnecessary permissions (e.g., microphone) for added security.

Tips for Success

• Prepare in Advance: Download Amap and offline maps before your trip. Familiarize yourself with the interface to save time.
• Use a VPN Sparingly: Turn off your VPN when using Amap, as it can interfere with GPS accuracy.
• Translation Apps: Pair Amap with apps like Pleco or Google Translate to screenshot and translate Chinese text in the app.
• China eSIM: Stay connected with a China eSIM for real-time navigation and ride-hailing.
• Check for Updates: The English version is still evolving. Check the App Store or Google Play for the latest version to ensure full functionality.

Limitations

• Beta Phase: The English interface is not fully functional on all devices, and some menus may remain in Chinese.
• Pinyin Confusion: Place names may use Pinyin or unofficial translations (e.g., “South Luogu Lane” vs. “Nanluoguxiang”). Cross-check with travel guides or TripAdvisor.
• Ads: You may encounter ads when opening the app, but they can be closed quickly.

Alternative Apps

If Amap’s English version isn’t working for you, consider:

• Apple Maps: Decent for iPhone users in big cities, as it uses Gaode data, but lacks detailed features like subway exit info.
• MetroMan: Great for public transit navigation, but limited to transportation.
• LingoMap: A bilingual overlay for Amap, though no longer updated and only available on older devices.
• Baidu Maps: Similar to Amap but with fewer English options and more ads.

Conclusion

Amap is the go-to navigation app for foreigners in China, especially with its new English support. By following this guide, you can confidently navigate China’s complex streets, book rides, and discover local attractions. Download Amap today, set it to English, and explore China with ease. For more travel tips, check out our guides on must-have apps for China travel and top attractions in Beijing.

Happy travels, and enjoy your journey in China!

How to use Subway

How to Use the Subway in China as a Foreigner Using MetroMan App

China’s metro systems are efficient, affordable, and extensive—but navigating them as a foreigner can be challenging due to language barriers and complex routes. Fortunately, the MetroMan app makes it much easier. Here’s a step-by-step guide to using China’s subway with MetroMan.

Why Use MetroMan?

MetroMan is a must-have app for travelers in China because:

• English Support: Unlike many Chinese apps, MetroMan has an English interface.
• Route Planning: Helps you find the fastest subway routes.
• Real-Time Updates: Provides train schedules and delays.
• Offline Maps: Works without internet (after downloading city maps).
• Ticket Prices: Estimates fares before your trip.

Step 1: Download MetroMan

• iOS: Available on the App Store.
• Android: Download from Google Play
• Mi: Download from Mi Store or a Chinese app store like Huawei AppGallery.
• (Note: If Google Play is restricted, use a VPN or download the APK from a trusted source: Metroman website)

Step 2: Set Up the App

1. Open MetroMan and select your city (e.g., Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou).
2. Download the offline map for your city to use it without Wi-Fi.
3. Enable notifications for service alerts.

Step 3: Plan Your Route

1. Enter your starting station and destination.
2. The app will suggest the fastest route, including transfers.
3. Check the last train times if traveling late at night.

Step 4: Buying Tickets

China’s subway systems accept:

• Single-journey tickets (from vending machines—use MetroMan to check the fare).
• Transportation Cards (e.g., Shanghai’s Shanghai Public Transportation Card, Beijing’s Yikatong).
• QR Code Payments (via Alipay/WeChat Pay—link your card beforehand).

MetroMan Tip: The app shows fare prices, so you’ll know how much to pay.

Step 5: Navigating the Subway

• Follow MetroMan’s directions, including transfer stations.
• Check station signs (many have English or Pinyin).
• Listen for announcements in English (available in major cities).

Step 6: Exiting the Subway

• Some stations have multiple exits—MetroMan suggests the best one.
• Keep your ticket/QR code until you exit (you’ll need it to pass gates).

Bonus Tips

• Avoid Rush Hour: 7:30–9:30 AM and 5–7 PM can be extremely crowded.
• Use Alipay/WeChat Pay: Many stations now support QR code scanning instead of physical tickets.
• Ask for Help: Show station staff the MetroMan route if lost—they’re usually helpful.

Final Thoughts

With MetroMan, China’s subway system becomes much more foreigner-friendly. Download it before your trip, and you’ll navigate like a local!

🚇 Happy travels!

Have you used MetroMan in China? Share your experience in the comments!

How to use WeChat?

How to Download, Register, and Use WeChat: A Step-by-Step Guide

WeChat is one of the most popular messaging and social media apps in the world, especially in China. It’s not just a messaging app—it’s an all-in-one platform for chatting, making calls, sharing moments, paying bills, and more. If you’re new to WeChat, here’s a step-by-step guide on how to download, register, and use this versatile app.

Step 1: Download WeChat

For iOS (iPhone/iPad):

1. Open the App Store on your device.
2. Tap the Search tab at the bottom right.
3. Type “WeChat” in the search bar.
4. Locate the official WeChat app (look for the green icon with white speech bubbles).
5. Tap “Get” and then “Install”.
6. Once installed, tap Open to launch the app.

For Android:

1. Open the Google Play Store on your device.
2. Tap the Search bar at the top.
3. Type “WeChat” in the search field.
4. Locate the official WeChat app (look for the green icon with white speech bubbles).
5. Tap “Install” to download and install the app.
6. Once installed, tap Open to launch the app.

For PC/Desktop:

1. Visit the official WeChat website: https://www.wechat.com.
2. Click on “Download” at the top of the page.
3. Choose the version for your operating system (Windows or Mac).
4. Follow the installation instructions after downloading the file.

Step 2: Register for WeChat

Once you’ve downloaded and opened WeChat, it’s time to create your account.

1. Open WeChat: After launching the app, you’ll see the login screen.

2. Tap “Sign Up”: On the login screen, tap the “Sign Up” button to create a new account.

3. Enter Your Phone Number:

   • Enter your mobile phone number. Make sure it’s active because WeChat will send a verification code via SMS.
   • Select your country/region from the dropdown menu to ensure the correct country code is applied.

4. Verify Your Phone Number:

   • You’ll receive a text message with a verification code.
   • Enter the code in the provided field to verify your phone number.

5. Set Up Your Profile:

   • After verification, you’ll be prompted to set up your profile.
   • Add a profile picture, name, and other details like your gender and location.
   • You can also link your WeChat account to your Facebook or other social media accounts if you want to find friends easily.

6. Agree to Terms & Conditions: Read through the terms and conditions, then tap “Agree” to proceed.

Congratulations! You’re now registered and ready to start using WeChat.

Step 3: Using WeChat

Now that you’ve signed up, here’s how to use WeChat’s core features:

1. Adding Friends

• Scan QR Code: Tap the "+" icon in the top-right corner and select “Add Contacts”. You can scan a friend’s QR code to add them.
• Phone Contacts: Go to Contacts > Add Contacts > Phone Contacts to find people in your phonebook who are already using WeChat.
• WeChat ID: You can search for friends by their WeChat ID or username.

2. Sending Messages

• Tap the “Chats” tab at the bottom of the screen.
• Tap the "+" icon in the top-right corner and select “New Chat”.
• Select the contact you want to chat with and start typing your message.

3. Making Calls

• In the Chats tab, open a conversation with the person you want to call.
• Tap the phone icon at the top-right to make a voice call, or tap the video camera icon for a video call.

4. Sharing Moments

• WeChat has a feature called “Moments”, which is similar to Facebook’s news feed.
• Tap the “Discover” tab at the bottom, then select “Moments”.
• Tap the camera icon to post photos, videos, or text updates.

5. Using WeChat Pay

• WeChat Pay is a convenient way to send money, pay bills, or shop online.
• Go to Me > Wallet to set up WeChat Pay.
• Link your bank account or credit card to start using it.

6. Joining Groups

• You can join group chats with multiple people.
• To create a group, go to the Chats tab, tap the "+" icon, and select “Group Chat”.
• Add participants and start chatting!

7. Mini Programs

• WeChat has thousands of Mini Programs that allow you to do everything from ordering food to booking travel without leaving the app.
• Access Mini Programs by tapping the “Discover” tab and selecting “Mini Programs”.

Tips for Using WeChat Effectively

• Backup Your Chat History: Go to Me > Settings > Chat > Chat History Backup to ensure your messages are safe.
• Use Stickers: WeChat offers a wide range of stickers and emojis to make your conversations more fun.
• Enable Two-Factor Authentication: For added security, enable two-factor authentication in the settings.

Final Thoughts

WeChat is much more than just a messaging app—it’s a multifunctional tool that connects you with friends, family, and businesses. Whether you’re using it to stay in touch with loved ones, share your life through Moments, or even manage your finances with WeChat Pay, it’s an essential app for anyone living in or traveling to China.

So, what are you waiting for? Download WeChat today and start exploring its endless possibilities!

Feel free to ask if you have any questions about using WeChat! 😊

I hope it helps.