4 Recommended Transportation Apps to Navigate Beijing

Traveloka MY
23 Jun 2025 - 3 min read

Let’s be honest, navigating a megacity like Beijing can be daunting if you’re not armed with the right tools. The language barrier, the maze-like subway system, and the constant buzz of the city might feel overwhelming at first. But here’s the good news: with a few trusty apps downloaded before you land, Beijing transforms from confusing to cruisy.

From ancient alleys to space-age skyscrapers, these transportation apps will help you ride, walk, and zip your way through the capital like a seasoned local. No more awkward pointing at maps or wild gesturing at taxi drivers.

Activities to Enjoy in Beijing

With the right digital toolkit, you’ll glide through the city with confidence, and maybe even look like you’ve lived here all your life.

Top Transportation Apps to Download Before Landing in Beijing

1. MetroMan or Explore Beijing Subway

Let’s start underground. These offline-friendly subway apps are a total lifesaver. Clear, colour-coded maps make it a breeze to plan your route, even if you’ve just arrived and the Wi-Fi’s playing hide and seek. Bonus? You don’t need internet once it's downloaded. Ideal for first-timers and anyone who’s ever panicked while trying to switch lines in rush hour.

2. DiDi

Think of DiDi as China’s version of Grab or Uber, with some extra tricks up its sleeve. You can request taxis, private cars, or carpool options. In major areas, you might even find English-speaking drivers. Plus, it links to your Alipay or WeChat Pay account for cashless payments. Pro tip: select the “International” version of the app, it’s designed just for travellers like you.

3. AMAP (Gaode Map)

For ultra-accurate navigation around Beijing, AMAP is king. This all-in-one map app provides real-time directions for walking, driving, cycling, and public transport. Even better, it now has an English version, finally! Whether you’re finding the nearest dumpling shop or plotting your route to the Summer Palace, AMAP’s got your back (and your location).

4. Baidu Maps

Another local heavyweight, Baidu Maps is incredibly popular with Chinese locals and covers every nook and cranny of Beijing. The catch? It’s only available in Chinese. But if you’re feeling adventurous, or you’ve got a translator app on standby, it’s an excellent resource, especially for bus routes and hyper-local points of interest.

Bonus Tip: Get a Local SIM Card

Here’s the insider move: some of these apps require a Chinese mobile number to function properly. Pick up a local SIM card at the airport or convenience stores once you arrive. With that in hand, your app experience will be smoother, faster, and less reliant on spotty Wi-Fi. Trust us, future you will thank you.

How to Use These Apps Without Getting Lost

So you’ve downloaded all the essentials, now what? Here are some practical tips to keep your journey on track:

Set language to English (where available): DiDi and AMAP both offer English modes, so activate those as soon as you install them. It’s a game-changer.
Download offline maps: Before heading out to the Forbidden City or the Great Wall, download offline access for the area. It’ll save you loads of stress in low-signal zones.
Enable GPS and location access: It might seem obvious, but many apps rely on real-time location to work properly, especially when you're trying to find that hidden noodle bar.
Use Google Translate or Waygo: Some apps (like Baidu) are Chinese-only, but no worries. Just scan the text with a translation app and you’ll get the gist instantly.
Keep your hotel details in Chinese: Always have your hotel’s name and address written in Simplified Chinese. You can show it to taxi drivers or paste it into DiDi to avoid confusion and incorrect drop-offs.

Explore Beijing with Traveloka

With the right transportation apps, exploring Beijing becomes effortless, from ancient temples to neon-lit night markets. And with Traveloka by your side, it gets even easier. Book flights, hotels, attraction tickets, and cultural experiences all in one place, before you even touch down.

Best Hotels in Beijing To Stay

Plan smart, move smart, and discover every corner of this fascinating city with confidence. Explore Beijing the savvy way, with Traveloka.

Discover flight with Traveloka

Thu, 25 Sep 2025

Air Macau

Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Beijing (PEK)

Start from RM 505.11

Wed, 24 Sep 2025

China Eastern Airlines

Penang (PEN) to Beijing (PEK)

Start from RM 515.68

Mon, 15 Sep 2025

Philippine Airlines

Singapore (SIN) to Beijing (PEK)

Start from RM 565.14

In This Article

• Top Transportation Apps to Download Before Landing in Beijing
• 1. MetroMan or Explore Beijing Subway
• 2. DiDi
• 3. AMAP (Gaode Map)
• 4. Baidu Maps
• Bonus Tip: Get a Local SIM Card
• How to Use These Apps Without Getting Lost
• Explore Beijing with Traveloka

Flights Featured in This Article

Thu, 25 Sep 2025
Air Macau
Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Beijing (PEK)
Start from RM 505.11
Book Now
Wed, 24 Sep 2025
China Eastern Airlines
Penang (PEN) to Beijing (PEK)
Start from RM 515.68
Book Now
Mon, 15 Sep 2025
Philippine Airlines
Singapore (SIN) to Beijing (PEK)
Start from RM 565.14
Book Now
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