Digital map services expand support for international visitors

International visitors planning a trip to China can now access a wider range of multilingual services through Amap, known in China as Gaode Map. The services cover entry information before departure, arrival guidance, city navigation, local recommendations, and emergency contact information during their stay.

The services are available in multiple languages, including English, Japanese, Russian, French, Spanish, and Korean.

Before departure, users can access information on entry requirements, guidance on completing arrival cards, and tips on local cultural customs. They can also save hotel details or planned destinations in advance, making it easier to arrange transportation after arrival.

After arriving in China, visitors can find guidance on clearing customs, accessing the internet, and traveling onward to their accommodation. Based on a user's current location and saved hotel information, Amap can suggest route options via taxi or public transportation.

The platform also provides bilingual cards for asking directions to help travelers communicate with drivers, hotel staff, or passers-by.

During their stay, users can search for nearby restaurants, attractions, shopping areas, and other places of interest based on their location and saved destinations. For multi-city trips, users can organize hotel and destination details by city and switch easily between plans.

City-specific recommendations are also available. In Shanghai, the service features new "Shanghai Style" and "Made in Shanghai" lists highlighting local brands, time-honored businesses, craftsmanship, customized products and services, and cultural and shopping destinations.

Emergency contact numbers and public service hotlines are also available. The main services can be accessed without logging in, making them easier for international visitors to understand and use.