According to a recent report by NetEase Smart News on January 16, there are growing rumors that Google Maps is preparing to re-enter the Chinese mainland market. Currently, Chinese users can access two URLs for Google Maps: http:// and http://ditu.google.cn. However, the official Google Maps app remains unavailable within China.
In response to these reports, a source close to Google confirmed that the web version of Google Maps is now accessible in mainland China, though its map data has not been updated for some time. This suggests that while the service is technically available, it may not be fully functional or current for users.
During our own testing, we found that the Google Maps app is still not working properly. When we reviewed the two websites, we noticed that most of the data is outdated. For example, the subway lines shown on Google Maps for Beijing have not been updated in over two years. However, it's worth noting that the maps aren't as old as when Google left China in 2010. The Beijing Metro Line 7, which opened in December 2014, is already visible on Google Maps, indicating that the data has been partially refreshed.
Last week, Japanese media outlet Nikkei also reported that Google is set to restart its mapping services in China after an eight-year absence. According to the report, the company is developing a special version of Google Maps tailored for the Chinese market and plans to launch a dedicated map app for iPhone users in China.
The report further mentioned that Google will collaborate with Gaode Map. When Chinese users try to use the navigation feature on Google Maps, they may be automatically redirected to the Gaode Map app. This partnership could help Google regain a foothold in the country while complying with local regulations.
However, when asked about this, Google responded cautiously, stating, “Google Maps has not changed in China.†This vague statement leaves many questions unanswered.
Gaode Map, one of China’s leading mapping platforms, also commented on the situation. They stated that, in accordance with government policies, they have no plans to further cooperate with Google Maps. This suggests that any potential collaboration between the two companies may face significant regulatory hurdles.
As the situation continues to evolve, it remains to be seen whether Google will successfully reintroduce its services in China and how this might affect the local mapping landscape.
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