Amap debuts English navigation app for intl tourists

Amap, a leading Chinese digital map provider, has launched the first English-language version of its popular navigation app, aiming to facilitate travel for the growing number of international tourists visiting China.

The app, available globally on both App Store and Google Play, provides a localized experience with English names and descriptions for attractions, eateries, accommodations and other key locations.

The initiative addresses the navigation challenges previously faced by foreign visitors due to language barriers and a lack of tailored services.

The app retains Amap's comprehensive features, including its detailed lane-level navigation and traffic light countdowns, ensuring a user-friendly experience for navigating China's complex roads.

The launch coincides with a significant surge in inbound tourism to China. According to the National Immigration Administration, 64.88 million international travelers entered and exited China in 2024, reflecting an 82.9 percent year-on-year increase.

The "China Travel" boom is attributed to factors such as the extension of visa-free transit stays and the implementation of more efficient immigration and travel services.

Luo Bin contributed to this story.