Baidu Maps API
China's most popular maps API — essential for Chinese market apps
Freemium
✓ Verified
🇨🇳 China
Baidu Maps API is the most widely used mapping API in China, essential for any application targeting Chinese users. It provides maps, geocoding, routing, place search, and real-time traffic for China with the most up-to-date POI database. Uses China’s GCJ-02 coordinate system (offset from WGS-84 used globally). Key features include public transit routing, cycling routes, and indoor maps. Requires ICP filing for apps published in mainland China. Note: Chinese maps legally cannot use standard GPS coordinates — coordinate conversion is required for apps combining Chinese and international map data.
API Details
Auth Method
API Key
Pricing Model
Freemium
Free Tier
Yes — generous free tier for registered developers
Rate Limit
QPS-based
Format
REST / JSON
Versioning
v3, v3.0
SLA / Uptime
99.5%
Compliance
Chinese map regulations apply; ICP required
Geographic Restrictions
China (best coverage); GCJ-02 coordinate system
Last Verified
2026-02-20
Categories
Frequently Asked Questions
Google Maps is blocked in China and has poor data quality for Chinese locations even via VPN. Baidu Maps is the dominant navigation app in China with the most accurate local POI data, addresses, and road network information. All China-facing applications require a China-compliant mapping API u2014 Baidu Maps or AutoNavi (Gaode/Amap).
China mandates the use of encrypted coordinate systems. Baidu Maps uses BD-09, a further offset from the GCJ-02 system (China's national standard). Standard GPS coordinates (WGS-84) appear offset by ~500m in Baidu Maps without conversion. You must convert coordinates using Baidu's coordinate conversion API before displaying GPS data on Baidu Maps.
You need to register at lbsyun.baidu.com with a Chinese phone number. For commercial use, business verification (Chinese business licence) is required. Non-Chinese developers can access the API with personal accounts but commercial use requires a verified business entity registered in China or via a Chinese partner.
Baidu Maps has a free tier: 30,000 quota/day for most APIs. For higher quotas, paid plans are available. The pricing is significantly lower than Google Maps u2014 roughly 1/10th the cost for equivalent usage. However, the API documentation is primarily in Chinese, which can be a challenge for international developers.