Does Google Maps work in China, why is it off, and what to use instead

Can you use Google Maps in China? Do not plan to depend on it. The UK government names Google among services permanently blocked in China, and even when a map loads, the street layer can sit up to several hundred metres off because China uses its own coordinate system. Install a map app built for China, such as Amap or Baidu Maps, and treat Google Maps as an extra.

Does Google Maps work in China?

Do not plan on it working. The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office says the Chinese authorities control internet access and that some services are permanently blocked, naming Google, Facebook, YouTube and X.

So if Google Maps is not working in China, there is no official workaround to point to. The Government of Canada says in general terms that China blocks several online services, though its page does not name Google.

As of 6 November 2026, the China App Store carries a listing named Google 地图 (Google Maps). A store listing does not show that the service loads inside mainland China.

Why is Google Maps not accurate in China?

The street map in China uses a coordinate system that is deliberately shifted from GPS. Tencent Location Service's developer FAQ says GCJ-02 is the coordinate system specified by the State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping and is the domestic standard, while WGS-84 is the GPS coordinate system.

In plain words, your phone finds you with GPS (WGS-84), but the street map in China is drawn in GCJ-02. When the two meet, your blue dot may not land on the road you are standing on. Tencent says WGS-84 converts to GCJ-02 but not back, and that mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau can only use GCJ-02. The same FAQ lists Google among services whose default is GCJ-02.

The result is that the street map and the satellite layer may not line up. Wikipedia's article on restrictions on geographic data in China says Google uses GCJ-02 for its street map but leaves the satellite layer on WGS-84, so a GPS position matches the satellite layer but not the street map. Its figures are 100 to 700 metres for WGS-84 positions on GCJ-02 maps and 50 to 500 metres between Google's street map and satellite imagery. These are secondary figures measuring different things, so the safe summary is an offset of up to several hundred metres.

China's map rules bind providers and surveyors. Article 34 of the Map Management Regulations (State Council Order 664, effective 1 January 2016) requires internet map service providers to keep map data servers inside China. That is an obligation on providers, not on a visitor opening a route in an app.

What does Google list for China, and what about the metro?

The table below comes from Google's Maps Platform coverage page, last updated 3 November 2026. It is a developer page, not a guide to the consumer app, and having China data in the table does not show the service is reachable there.

On the question of seeing China metro routes in Google Maps, the table gives no answer. Google says some coverage data, such as public transit routes, is not available and does not appear in the list, and that coverage can change because of construction, government regulations and data licensing. For the metro in China, use another app.

What do you use instead of Google Maps in China?

China's Ministry of Culture and Tourism site recommends AMap and Baidu Maps, and says basic navigation works without an account while extended services such as ride hailing need a phone number or third-party login. The table gives one fact per app, with no ranking.

Amap's step-by-step use is covered in our Amap guide, and the full comparison sits in “Maps in China: Amap, Baidu, Apple and Google”.

Can you use Google Maps offline in China?

Google makes no promise that a China map can be downloaded. It says offline maps cannot be downloaded in some countries or regions because of contractual limitations, language support, address formats or other reasons, and it does not name China.

• Where it is offered: search for a place, tap More, Download offline map, Download; or go to your profile, Offline maps, Select your own map
• Offline is driving only: transit, bicycling and walking directions are unavailable, and driving has no traffic information or alternate routes
• Navigation works only if the entire route is inside the offline map

Does an eSIM or a VPN make Google Maps work in China?

No official source promises that any app will load on a given eSIM or network, so test on arrival and keep an app that works in China ready. That goes for Google Maps on an eSIM too: no Google, government or carrier page confirms it opens.

On VPNs, the UK government says only that China's cybersecurity laws state that online products and services, for example VPNs, need to be licensed by the Chinese government. This page gives no advice on using one.

Mobile data matters for maps because live navigation, ride hailing and route loading all use it, while offline maps are only a backup. If you are choosing a SIM or eSIM before the trip, see our China eSIM page, and read “Great Firewall of China Explained for Travellers” alongside this one.

Lihat pelan eSIM China

What should you save as a backup before you go?

The Government of Canada says most drivers in China do not speak English or French, and advises having your destination and the name and address of your hotel written in Chinese characters before you travel.

1. 1Get the Chinese addressAsk the hotel or booking agent for the hotel name and address in Chinese characters
2. 2Save it on the phoneTake a screenshot or save it as a note that opens without data
3. 3Prepare sample searchesKeep 地铁站 (metro station), 厕所 (toilet) and 机场 (airport) ready to search in a China app

What about Petal Maps, Organic Maps, OsmAnd and MAPS.ME?

These notes come from store and maker listings only; none of the makers mention China, so there is no claim about quality there. Huawei says that in places not covered, such as China, Petal Maps (花瓣地图) shows a message that the service is not available and tells users to use an alternative map app. Organic Maps and OsmAnd use OpenStreetMap data and work offline; OsmAnd's language list does not include Thai. MAPS.ME works offline and lists Thai. On 6 November 2026 the China App Store returned listings for Organic Maps and MAPS.ME but not OsmAnd, so download before leaving Thailand.