May 16, 2025 
Planning a trip to China?
Getting around Beijing can be a challenge, especially if you are visiting the Chinese capital for the first time or on a business trip.
With a population of over 20 million and a vast transport network, Beijing is one of the largest cities in the world. So it’s no surprise that getting around and organising travel within the city can be complex.
The good news is that there are several apps designed to make getting around Beijing a lot easier, from digital maps to taxi services, subway apps to restaurant finder solutions.
Here are the apps that work in China and the best apps for getting around Beijing.
1. Baidu Maps
If you’re wondering which apps work in China to replace Google Maps, the most reliable answer is Baidu Maps.
Baidu is the most widely used search engine in China, and its maps app is the leading digital solution for getting around cities, including Beijing.
Baidu Maps provides directions for walking, driving, public transport and even cycling.
Some of its most useful features include real-time traffic updates, the ability to calculate the fastest travel times, and access to the Beijing subway map in PDF format.
Although it is mostly available in Chinese only, Baidu Maps is still an essential tool: all you need to do is familiarise yourself with the main features or rely on the automatic translation with Baidu Translate to navigate without any problems.
2. MetroMan Beijing Subway
Beijing’s subway network is one of the largest and most complex in the world, with over 25 lines and hundreds of stations.
That’s why the MetroMan Beijing Subway app can be incredibly useful.
MetroMan provides a downloadable map of the Beijing subway that is perfect for consulting offline and avoiding connection problems.
It also helps you plan the fastest routes between two stations, calculate estimated travel times, and receive up-to-date notifications about service changes or closures.
3. LimoLane
Among the essential apps to download for your trip to Asia, LimoLane certainly stands out.
LimoLane is the premium mobility platform for chauffeur services, designed for corporate, event and discerning travellers.
With the LimoLane app, you can book, manage and monitor any transfer in over 500 cities worldwide, with 24/7 active support and a network of more than 10,000 professional drivers.
In 2025, LimoLane strengthened its presence in China thanks to a partnership with Asia Car Service (ACS), one of the leading mobility operators based in Hong Kong.
This strategic move extends LimoLane’s coverage across the Asia-Pacific region, providing direct and reliable access to mobility services in complex markets such as China, Japan, Singapore and Southeast Asia.
Key features of LimoLane:
- Digital booking: via app or web app, you can book a transfer up to one hour before departure with instant confirmation;
- Centralised management: real-time trip monitoring, detailed reporting, automatic billing and multi-account management for corporate clients;
- Diverse fleet: business, luxury, van and green vehicles, all driven by certified chauffeurs;
- Tailored services: event mobility, airport transfers, city transfers, bus rental and personalised solutions for events of all sizes;
- Continuous support: 24/7 active customer service to ensure a seamless travel experience.
Find out more by downloading the LimoLane app.
4. AutoNavi (Gaode Maps)
One of the best Mappe Cina apps (map apps for China), AutoNavi is a solid alternative to Baidu Maps for navigating in Beijing.
Praised for its accurate directions and real-time traffic information, AutoNavi offers optimised routes for cars, pedestrians, cyclists and public transport.
A major advantage of AutoNavi is its integration with in-car navigation systems and its ability to suggest intelligent routes based on real-time traffic conditions.
The main interface is in Chinese, but with a few settings adjustments (or by using the available international version), the app can be used relatively easily by foreign travellers.
5. Flight Radar
If you travel frequently for business or events, it is essential to monitor flights in real time.
Flight Radar is one of the most reliable applications in this field, available in both a free version and a premium version with additional features.
With Flight Radar, you can follow any commercial flight live, receive alerts about delays or gate changes, and better plan your transfers to and from the airport.
The premium version offers even more detailed information, such as weather forecasts along the route, estimated flight times and flight history records.
6. Amap
If you’re looking for the most efficient Chinese app to get around Beijing without a car, Amap is one of the best options.
With Amap, you can plan complete itineraries that combine different modes of transport, such as the Beijing subway, buses and footpaths, to optimise travel times and avoid congested routes.
The Walking Navigation function is particularly accurate, guiding you through complex subway stations and busy city intersections.
7. Meituan
Meituan is one of the most popular apps in China, combining transport, food and delivery services into a single platform.
For mobility, Meituan allows you to easily book taxis in Beijing and rent bicycles, providing an alternative to traditional modes of transport.
Meituan is also particularly useful for quickly finding nearby restaurants, ideal for combining business meetings with gastronomic breaks during a bleisure trip.
Travel with confidence in China with LimoLane
A business trip to Beijing requires organisation and reliable tools, especially when every minute counts.
With LimoLane, you are assured of a premium mobility service that operates in China and is designed to support you at every stage of your journey with efficiency, safety and discretion.
Thanks to our international network of professional chauffeurs, you can easily book airport transfers, city tours and business trips in all major Chinese cities.
Rely on LimoLane for smooth transportation wherever your next business trip takes you.
Find out more about our international services and book your transfer with LimoLane.