Does Google Maps work in China?
Not really. Google's services are blocked in mainland China, and its place data is stale and misaligned. Use Amap or Baidu Maps — and map82 to find the place in the first place.
Updated:
Why it fails
Two problems. ① Access — Google Maps doesn't load on mainland networks (except roaming/VPN). ② Coordinate offset — China uses its own GCJ-02 coordinate system, so foreign map data can be hundreds of meters off.
What travelers actually use
| Need | Use |
|---|---|
| Find a place (any language) | map82 — blog link → Chinese address & location |
| Directions & navigation | Amap or Baidu Maps app |
| iPhone's built-in map | Apple Maps — works in China via Amap data |
| Taxi | map82's Chinese address card |
Worth knowing
Apple Maps does work in China — its mainland data comes from Amap (高德). On Android, install Amap or Baidu Maps instead of relying on Google Maps.
FAQ
Does Google Maps work with a VPN?
Even if it loads, the place data is outdated and offset. Chinese map apps are simply more accurate on the ground.
Do KakaoMap or Naver Map work?
They have almost no place coverage in China — not usable for finding shops.
Do I need offline maps?
Not essential with a local SIM or roaming. Still, keep the map82 address card open or screenshot it so you can show it without a connection.