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China · Public Transport & MapsBaidu Maps
Navigate buses, subways and walking routes across Chinese cities in real time, using the map app that actually works in China - Google Maps doesn't.
What it helps with
- Finding small local shops and addressesBaidu Maps has detailed points of interest in Chinese cities, including small shops and residential compounds.
- Seeing a place before goingStreet-level panoramas show building entrances and surroundings.
- Transit and walking routesRoutes combine metro, bus and walking with live bus positions in many cities.
About Baidu Maps
Baidu Maps (百度地图, Baidu Ditu) is one of China's two dominant mapping and navigation apps (alongside Amap/Gaode), developed by Baidu, and the tool most residents and long-term visitors rely on for getting around, since Google Maps is not accessible inside mainland China. It offers turn-by-turn navigation for driving, walking, cycling and public transport, along with real-time traffic data, street-level panoramic views covering most Chinese cities, and AI-powered route recommendations.
Key Features
- Real-Time Public Transit Routing: Get live bus arrival times and subway transfer guidance, including which carriage lines up closest to your exit.
- Multi-Mode Navigation: Switch between driving, walking, cycling and public transport directions from the same search.
- Panoramic Street View: Street-level photos covering roughly 95% of Chinese cities, useful for confirming you've found the right entrance or stop.
- Usable Without a Chinese Number: Baidu Maps can be used with an international phone number, though some features (ride-hailing, location sharing) are more limited without a Chinese SIM.
How to Get Started
- Download Baidu Maps from your app store, or search "Baidu Ditu" if browsing a Chinese app store directly.
- Search for your destination - pasting a Chinese address copied from a hotel or booking confirmation works well if you can't type Chinese.
- Tap the route button (路线) and choose your travel mode (car, bus, walking) from the icons at the top.
- Follow the turn-by-turn or transit-transfer directions to your destination.
Before you use it
- Good to know: The app is only in Chinese; type destinations in Chinese characters or pinyin for reliable results.
- Good to know: Amap offers an English mode; many foreigners use Amap for navigation and Baidu Maps to double-check addresses.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Baidu Maps work with a foreign bank card in China?
- Not reliably - a foreign card may be declined. Check the notice above, or plan to use a local payment method.
- Is Baidu Maps available in English?
- Not officially - the interface is mainly in the local language.
- Do I need a local phone number to use Baidu Maps?
- No, an international phone number generally works for Baidu Maps.
- Do I need local ID or residency for Baidu Maps?
- No, Baidu Maps doesn't require local ID or residency for visitors.
- Where can I use Baidu Maps?
- iOS · Android · Web
- How much does Baidu Maps cost?
- Free app
