Alibaba’s mapping app Amap set a new record with more than 360 million daily active users on the first day of China’s eight-day National Day holiday, the company said on Wednesday.
The surge demonstrates the app’s growing influence as it expands beyond navigation into lifestyle services, directly competing with Meituan.
Record-Breaking User Surge
The 360 million users mark the highest daily traffic in Amap’s history. People relied on the app for navigation to tourist destinations, checking restaurant and hotel options, and planning travel routes during the holiday rush.
Alibaba said the spike in users reflects both increased travel activity and the app’s expanding features.
From Maps to Lifestyle
Amap, which was traditionally focused on navigation, has now moved into local lifestyle services by launching rankings for restaurants, hotels, and tourist destinations.
This expansion puts Amap in direct competition with Meituan, which is a leader in China’s local lifestyle and food delivery market. Analysts say the strategy is aimed at capturing market share by leveraging Amap’s massive user base.
Importance of the Trend
The record shows that mapping apps are evolving into multi-functional platforms. By combining navigation with lifestyle and local recommendations, Amap is becoming a tool for travel and leisure planning while also creating new opportunities to monetize user traffic.
Holiday traffic spikes highlight how millions of travelers are seeking convenient tools for planning and booking during peak travel periods.
Competition in the Market
Alibaba and Meituan have been engaged in a competitive battle for dominance in local lifestyle services. With Amap’s recent expansion, Meituan faces a new challenger, while Alibaba strengthens its ecosystem by integrating navigation, travel, and lifestyle services.
Investors will be watching how these platforms compete for consumer loyalty in China’s massive domestic market.
The Future for Amap
Alibaba is expected to continue enhancing Amap’s features, possibly adding more travel, shopping, and lifestyle integrations. The app’s success during the holiday shows that users are adopting platforms that combine navigation with lifestyle convenience.
With 360 million users in a single day, Amap is demonstrating that it can compete with Meituan beyond mapping, signaling a shift in China’s app ecosystem.
