Do not rely only on Google Maps.

Coordinate-system differences and outdated local data can make the blue location dot, business entrances or route guidance appear in the wrong place. The size of the mismatch varies, so confirm important locations in Amap or Apple Maps.

Many newly built roads, internal community roads and pedestrian passages simply don't exist on Google Maps or are still the old version. The result: navigation sends you on a detour, into a dead end, or repeatedly prompts "re-routing."

Large metro stations can have many exits spread across several blocks. Exit information may be incomplete in Google Maps, while local maps usually provide more detailed exit guidance.

Walking navigation often ignores pedestrian overpasses, underpasses, gate barriers and community fences, planning routes that are actually impassable. Local apps like Amap handle pedestrian infrastructure far more carefully.

Restaurant, hotel and attraction operating status and addresses update very slowly on Google Maps and may point to a relocated or closed shop. Local maps have more real-time merchant reviews, hours and contact numbers.

Download and install from a domestic app market or the Amap official website. Open it and grant location permissions; in settings you can switch the voice prompt language and navigation preferences (avoid overpasses when walking, avoid tolls when driving, etc.). The interface is Chinese, but the icons and flow are intuitive — workable with a translation app.

Searching with the full Chinese name has the highest accuracy, e.g. "故宫博物院" (Palace Museum) or "全聚德前门店" (Quanjude Qianmen branch). English or pinyin searches often fail to match or match the wrong place. Compile the Chinese names of attractions and restaurants you plan to visit before departure, and copy-paste them for the most reliable search.

Save your hotel, airport and major stations' Chinese name and full address to "Favorites" or "My Places," and also save a screenshot. You can pull it up directly when heading back to the hotel, hailing a ride or showing the address to a driver — no need to type on the spot.

Select "Transit" mode and Amap gives you metro, bus and walking combinations, labeling transfer stations, estimated time and fare. Crucially, it tells you which exit to use — follow it, because choosing the wrong metro exit can add a ten-minute walk.

Use walking mode for the last mile. Amap prompts overpasses, underpasses and pedestrian turns — far more reliable than Google Maps. After starting navigation, watch the direction arrow; it auto-reroutes if you go off course.

Amap aggregates multiple ride-hailing platforms, so you can request a car directly in the app without installing DiDi separately. Enter your destination and choose "Ride-hailing" to compare prices, pick a car type, see the plate number and route during the trip, and pay via Alipay or WeChat.