Why You Need 高德
Google Maps works in China but is often imprecise — bus routes are outdated, walking paths are missing, and real-time transit data is unreliable. Apple Maps uses Amap data underneath and is better, but the full Amap (高德地图) app is the standard navigation tool everyone in China uses.
For hiking in Hangzhou, Amap is essential for three things: finding trailheads by their Chinese names, getting accurate public transport directions, and sharing your real-time location if you run into trouble. Download it before your trip.
Getting Started
Download 高德地图 from the App Store (iOS) or any Android app store. The app works without creating an account for basic navigation — tap "Skip" on the login screen. The interface is primarily in Chinese, but the English mode (Settings → Language → English) provides enough labels for basic use. Even in English mode, search results and directions remain in Chinese — this is expected and actually helpful for showing taxi drivers.
Grant location permissions when prompted. Amap uses GPS and Chinese satellite networks and is more accurate than Google Maps within China.
Search Trailheads by Chinese Name
Open the search bar at the top of the app. Type or paste the Chinese characters for your destination — each trail page on this site provides the exact characters. Tap the search result, and Amap will show the location on the map with a pin. Tap "路线" (Route) to get directions.
Key searches to save: 龙井村 (Longjing Village), 灵隐寺 (Lingyin Temple), 宝石山 (Baoshi Mountain), 北高峰 (North Peak), 九溪 (Nine Creeks). Paste these into your notes app for quick copying.
Get Public Transport Directions
After searching for a destination, tap the green "路线" (Route) button at the bottom of the screen. The default mode is driving. Tap the bus icon (公交车) to switch to public transport. Amap will show the fastest metro + bus combination, including walking time to the first stop, transfer points, and total fare.
Tap "详情" (Details) to see step-by-step instructions with platform numbers and bus stop names. The real-time bus arrival feature (显示实时公交) shows how many minutes until the next bus — helpful for deciding whether to wait or call a taxi.
Navigate During Your Hike
Switch to walking mode by tapping the walking person icon (步行). Amap will show a blue line on the map representing your walking route. The blue dot tracks your position in real time as you move.
On established trails like Longjing to Nine Creeks and Lingyin to North Peak, Amap's walking mode generally follows the main path. On smaller tea-terrace paths, the map may show a general direction rather than precise trail alignment. This is fine — Amap is best for confirming you are heading the right way, not for step-by-step trail navigation.
Pro tip: keep your phone charged. A 3-hour hike with Amap running in the background will use about 30–40% battery.
Share Your Real-Time Location
This is Amap's most important safety feature. Tap the location arrow icon on the map screen, then tap "共享位置" (Share Location). You can share your real-time location via WeChat, WhatsApp, or SMS for a set duration (15 minutes, 1 hour, or until stopped).
If you lose your bearings, get injured, or are delayed after dark, share your location with someone who knows where you are. This feature works even when you have no Chinese-language ability.
Save Offline Map Areas
Before heading into areas with patchy signal, download offline maps. Tap your profile icon (bottom right) → Offline Maps 离线地图 → City list. Search for 杭州 (Hangzhou) and tap the download button. The full Hangzhou city map is about 300 MB and covers all trail areas on this site.
Offline maps provide basic navigation (your blue dot still moves) but do not include real-time bus schedules or live traffic. Download over Wi-Fi before your trip.
Quick Reference: Chinese Names to Search
| Location | Characters | What to Search For |
|---|---|---|
| Longjing Village | 龙井村 | Trailhead for Longjing → Nine Creeks |
| Nine Creeks | 九溪 | Finish point of Longjing trail |
| Lingyin Temple | 灵隐寺 | Trailhead for Lingyin → North Peak |
| North Peak | 北高峰 | Summit of the Lingyin trail |
| Baoshi Mountain | 宝石山 | Start of the Baoshi Mountain walk |
| Baochu Pagoda | 保俶塔 | Landmark on Baoshi Mountain |
| Beishan Road | 北山路 | Access road for Baoshi Mountain |
| Meijiawu Tea Village | 梅家坞 | Tea village and planned trailhead |
Pro Tips
Battery: A 3-hour hike with Amap running and GPS active will drain 30–40% of your battery. Carry a power bank.
Signal: Amap works well on most trails. The upper section of North Peak and deeper Longjing tea fields have weak signal. Download offline maps before heading into these areas.
English mode: The English-language setting in Amap translates most buttons but not search results or addresses. This is fine — you want Chinese characters for showing taxi drivers and reading bus stop signs.
Voice navigation: Amap offers voice guidance in Chinese. Even if you do not understand the words, the beeps and tones signal turns and arrivals. Useful if you are navigating by scooter or taxi.
