Google Maps in China: If you're traveling to China, your Google Maps experience may be completely different once you arrive. Map data may not load properly even after opening the app.
Google Maps is down in China
Google Maps in China: In India, Google Maps can be easily used to find directions to a road, restaurant, hotel or any other place, but if you are going to travel to China, then the experience of Google Maps after reaching there can be completely different.
Even after opening the app, map data doesn't load properly, features like live traffic and routes don't work, and sometimes your location isn't displayed correctly. This raises the question of why Google Maps doesn't work normally in China. So let's find out why Google Maps doesn't work in China and what the reasons are.
Why doesn't Google Maps work in China?
Google Maps doesn't work normally in China. The main reason for this is China's internet censorship system, known as the Great Firewall. Under this system, access to many Google services is restricted. In addition to Google Maps, many services like Google Search, Gmail, Google Drive, YouTube, and Google Photos are also not available in China. Google has removed most of its online services from the Chinese market. This is said to be due to long-standing disagreements between the company and the Chinese government regarding internet censorship, data, and the operation of services.
What's the reason behind this?
Even if you already have Google Maps installed on your phone, the experience won't be the same as in India once you arrive in China. Features like live traffic, latest business updates, public transport, and routes may not function properly due to the lack of regular access to Google's servers. Furthermore, China uses a different coordinate system called GCJ-02, while Google Maps is based on the global WGS-84 system. This is why your location on Google Maps may appear a few meters off from the actual location. Sometimes, the blue dot may appear somewhere near or on the road instead of the road itself. Using a VPN doesn't completely eliminate this issue, as it's linked to the map data and coordinate system.
How useful will offline Google Maps be?
Google Maps allows you to download an offline map of a city before traveling. This allows you to view a pre-saved map and get general directions when you're not on the internet. However, live traffic, public transport routes, business updates, and many other online features will be missing.
Which maps should I use in China?
For navigation in China, local map apps like Amap (Gaode), Baidu Maps, and Apple Maps are considered more useful than Google Maps. Amap uses local Chinese coordinate data and provides features such as walking, driving, public transportation, and ride-hailing. It also offers an English interface. Apple Maps is also a convenient option for iPhone users. In China, it works with local data providers, so its location accuracy is better than Google Maps.
