That Beijing tourist map app completely failed me during rush hour

I was stuck at Wangfujing station around 6pm with a dead phone and the app's directions kept routing me through closed exits. Ended up walking 20 extra blocks in the heat before a local shop owner just pointed me the right way. Has anyone else had these transit apps send you totally wrong routes at peak times?

2 comments

2 Comments

emerycarr18h ago

Well, a dead phone and a wrong turn is a hassle but walking 20 extra blocks in Beijing heat doesn't sound like the end of the world. These apps get glitchy during peak hours because the stations actually close off some exits to control crowds, so it's not really the app's fault for not being psychic. Could just be the map data was outdated or the crowds changed things since it was last updated. Next time just pull up a paper map or ask a station attendant before you head out, saves a lot of headache.

milar4617h ago

Whoa wait, paper map?? Like an actual physical paper map? lmao I didn't think anyone under 50 carried those around anymore, especially in Beijing where everything is digital. That honestly sounds more stressful than just dealing with a glitchy app, having to unfold a giant map on a crowded street and figure out where you are without GPS lol. But I guess if your phone dies it's better than nothing, just feels so old school. Respect to anyone who can actually read those things without getting lost though, I'd probably end up walking the wrong way even more.