Yes—AMap (Gaode Maps, 高德地图) supports English. Update the official app, then look for its language setting and select English. The screenshots below show the Chinese labels used in an earlier interface; your version may arrange them differently.
Shanghai’s official city portal reports that AMap introduced English in January 2025 and added 14 more languages in July 2025. Its multilingual app is available for Android and iOS. Source: Shanghai International Services, July 2025.
How to switch AMap from Chinese to English
- Update AMap through your device’s official app store. Confirm you have the navigation app from AutoNavi/Gaode, rather than a similarly named app.
- Open the profile area, usually labelled 我的 (Me), and look for the settings gear, 设置.
- Find 语言 or a language/multilingual setting. Select English and confirm if prompted.
- Return to the map. Search for your hotel and check that the destination, city and street address match your booking.
Interface examples from the original guide are retained below. Menu names, layout and available features may differ in your current app.
What if the English option is missing?
First check for an app update and confirm which version your store supplies. The multilingual release and an older Chinese interface may not expose the same menus. Follow any in-app language instructions rather than repeatedly reinstalling or changing account regions.
If the map is in English but spoken directions are not, inspect the navigation voice settings separately. Translation may also be incomplete for business names, user reviews and merchant services. Keep the hotel’s Chinese name and address available to copy and show to a driver.
A useful check before leaving the airport
Try one real journey while you have a connection: airport to hotel. Check the transport mode, arrival terminal and final walking section. Save the destination and a screenshot of its Chinese address. A translated interface does not guarantee that every place name or entrance is correct.
For the wider navigation question, see whether Google Maps works in China. Use the map service that can load your route on your actual phone and connection.
Plan your arrival and stay
With AMap ready to guide you, take care of the next steps: getting from the airport to your hotel and choosing a place to stay. Explore transfer options with KiwiTaxi, or compare hotels on Agoda and Trip.com using the links below.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission if you book through these links, at no extra cost to you.
