Quick Answer

Chinese addresses are one of the most important survival tools for foreign visitors in China. Save every important destination in Chinese: hotel, airport, train station, restaurant and meeting point. Use the Chinese address in Didi, Amap, food delivery apps and taxi situations. English names are useful for you, but Chinese names are more useful for drivers, riders and hotel staff.

A good China address note should include the Chinese place name, street address, district, city, phone number and a map pin. Screenshot it so you can show it even if your internet fails.

Why Chinese Addresses Matter

Drivers may not recognize English names

A hotel's English name may be a translation or brand name. The driver needs the Chinese place name and road address.

Apps search better in Chinese

Amap and Didi may understand English for some major places, but Chinese names are more reliable for smaller hotels, restaurants and local addresses.

Delivery riders need exact details

For food delivery, include hotel name, lobby, room number if appropriate, and phone contact instructions.

What to Save for Each Place

For your hotel:

  • English hotel name
  • Chinese hotel name
  • Full Chinese address
  • District and city
  • Hotel phone number
  • Booking number
  • Map pin screenshot

For a restaurant or attraction:

  • Chinese name
  • Branch name if it is a chain
  • Mall/floor if relevant
  • Nearest metro station
  • Phone number if available

How to Build a Useful Address Note

Example format:

Hotel: Example Hotel Shanghai

Chinese name: 上海某某酒店

Address: 上海市黄浦区某某路123号

Phone: 021-xxxx-xxxx

Show to driver: 请送我到这个酒店，谢谢。

Where to Use Chinese Addresses

Didi

Paste the Chinese name or select the Amap/Didi place result. Confirm the district and city before booking.

Taxi

Show the Chinese address and hotel phone number. If the driver is unsure, ask the hotel to speak by phone.

Food delivery

Use the hotel address and add delivery notes: “Please leave at hotel lobby” or “Please call hotel front desk.”

Hotel check-in

If you are lost, show your Chinese address to local staff or police.

Common Mistakes

Saving only an English hotel name

This may fail with taxi drivers and local map search.

Not checking the city

China has repeated road names and hotel brands. Confirm the city and district.

Using a screenshot without text

A screenshot is useful, but copyable text is better for apps.

Ignoring branch names

Restaurants and stores may have many branches. Save the exact branch.

Useful Chinese Phrases

  • This is my hotel address. 这是我的酒店地址。
  • Please take me here. 请带我去这里。
  • Please call the hotel. 请给酒店打电话。
  • I do not speak Chinese. 我不会说中文。
  • Is this the correct address? 这个地址对吗？

Sources Checked