About Me: Why This Guide Exists (And Why You Can Trust It)
Learn about Nancy, the creator of this guide, and the story behind why this comprehensive China travel resource was created.
Updated 2025-09-08
Hi! Who are you?
Hi everyone! I'm Nancy, and welcome to the guide. I created this website for one simple reason: I don't want you to feel lost or confused during your trip to China.
So, why did you create this website? Is there a story behind it?
There definitely is! The whole idea for this site sparked from a chance encounter I had at People's Square in Shanghai. One evening, I was taking a walk and ran into a French couple who looked visibly stressed and confused. They stopped me for help—they were trying to find the entrance to the metro station. Here was the problem: their Google Maps showed they had arrived at their destination, but they were completely lost on that crucial "last 50 meters." They couldn't find the entrance anywhere.
How did you help them? And what did that experience lead to?
I was happy to point them in the right direction, but we didn't just leave it at that; we started talking. I explained to them that ever since Google exited the mainland China market, its map data lacks crucial maintenance and updates. This causes it to fail precisely when you need it most—like when you're trying to find a specific metro exit. I suggested they download AMap (known locally as Gaode Map), the local tool that has pinpoint accuracy in China. This was especially important since their next stop was Hainan—a place where you definitely don't want a faulty map messing up your vacation.
So you realized this was a universal problem?
Yes. That encounter really stuck with me. I realized that small moment of panic they felt wasn't their fault; it was because of a huge "information gap." Out of curiosity, I went home and specifically researched the advice available online for tourists about China travel apps. The results were worrying: most of the information I found was scattered, outdated, overly complicated, or just plain inaccurate.
So, what is the mission of this website?
Your valuable vacation time shouldn't be wasted searching dozens of blogs, trying to piece together how to take the subway or order food. You shouldn't have to download five different useless apps just to find the one that actually works. I created this website for one simple reason: I wish that French couple could have this ultimate guide back then. My mission is to filter out all the noise for you. You don't need to guess. You just need to follow the essential, curated steps right here, get the right apps, and then go enjoy your trip to China with confidence and ease. /* The easiest way to get all my curated guides and future updates (the very ones I wish that French couple had) is by joining my free newsletter. */ Have a question that isn't answered in the guides, or just want to share your own travel story? You can always send me a personal email directly at: help@unlockchina.app I read every message.