Macau Revolutionizes Accessible Travel with Gaode Maps: A New Era of Digital Navigation for All

Published on December 5, 2025

In a significant step toward improving accessibility in Macau, the city has become the 70th location to be included in Gaode Maps’ accessible navigation network. This milestone was celebrated on December 3, in observance of the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. Local officials launched the “Gaode Accessible Electronic Map Covering Macau,” a collaborative initiative between Alibaba’s Gaode digital mapping service and the local government. This map aims to make navigating the city easier and more accessible for individuals with disabilities.

The new accessible map aims to address the specific needs of people with mobility impairments, providing essential navigation tools that allow them to travel around the city with greater ease. With this addition, Macau joins a growing list of cities worldwide that are prioritizing accessible travel, ensuring that everyone, regardless of physical ability, can enjoy the city’s offerings.

Key Features of the Gaode Accessible Map

During the launch event, Zhang Man, the product manager for Gaode, shared insights into the key features of the accessible map. She highlighted that the map offers three main functions designed to improve mobility for people with disabilities. The first feature is pedestrian navigation, which aims to avoid obstacles such as stairs and difficult road sections, ensuring that pedestrians with mobility impairments can take safer, more convenient routes.

The second function is public transportation navigation, which prioritizes accessible Light Rapid Transit (LRT) and bus services. The system provides guidance for using accessible routes, ensuring that passengers can navigate through stations that offer direct access to LRT services, making public transport more inclusive for everyone.

The third feature focuses on enhancing the search functionality of the map. Users can search for and display accessible information, including facilities, transportation routes, and services that cater to the needs of people with disabilities. This is an important tool for ensuring that individuals can plan their travel efficiently, knowing that the locations they visit will meet their accessibility needs.

Comprehensive Coverage of Key Locations

The new accessible map covers a wide range of important locations across Macau, making it an invaluable resource for both residents and visitors. The coverage includes prominent sports venues such as the Macau East Asian Games Dome, along with 20 other sports facilities. These venues are now fully integrated into the digital map, ensuring that people with mobility impairments can easily access these spaces.

Additionally, major transportation hubs such as Macau International Airport, the heliport, Outer and Inner Harbour Ferry Terminals, and the Border Gate are all featured on the map. This will help individuals navigate the key points of entry into the city, ensuring that they have a smooth transition between different modes of transport.

The map also includes detailed information on 19 Light Rapid Transit stations, 98 bus routes, and many hotels and shopping malls. This makes it easier for people with disabilities to navigate the city’s transport and tourism infrastructure, helping them find the most accessible routes and services to their destinations.

Data Points and Facility Details

To date, the Gaode Maps team has uploaded extensive data regarding accessible facilities across Macau. According to Zhang, a total of 343 accessibility data points have been included in the system. This includes 52 accessible facilities, 137 restrooms, 91 doors, and 63 multi-level pedestrian bridges. Additionally, another 53 accessible facilities have been added to further enhance the map’s coverage.

These data points provide critical information about the city’s accessibility features, helping users identify where they can find the facilities that meet their needs. This includes locations such as accessible entrances, elevators, and restrooms that are specifically designed to accommodate people with disabilities.

Social Importance of Accessible Travel

Wilson Hon, the Director of the Social Welfare Bureau (IAS), emphasized the broader social implications of this project during the launch. He explained that the construction of accessible facilities is a crucial measure of a country’s or society’s civilization. The integration of accessible features into public infrastructure, such as transport networks and public spaces, helps create a more inclusive and equitable society.

Hon also highlighted the growing importance of accessible travel in Macau due to its rapidly aging population. As the city’s demographic shifts, more individuals are requiring accessible infrastructure to participate fully in society. He noted that accessible tourism is essential for Macau’s ambitions to become a top-tier destination for people with disabilities. This is particularly important for the tourism sector, as Macau is recognized worldwide as a leading center for leisure and tourism.

Facilitating Accessible Tourism for All

Macau’s goal of becoming an accessible tourism destination was further underscored by Hon, who pointed to the upcoming Special Olympics as a key event where accessible travel will play a crucial role. The 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities and the 9th National Special Olympic Games, set to be hosted by Macau, will bring athletes and their families from all over the country, along with a large number of tourists and local residents. Accessible travel will be a critical aspect of these events, ensuring that participants and visitors can move around the city with ease and safety.

A Collaborative Effort for Greater Inclusivity

Li Yanxia, Vice-President of Gaode Maps, also praised the collaboration between Gaode and the Macau government in creating the accessible map. She acknowledged the travel challenges faced by people with mobility impairments and noted that the map aims to provide a “new accessible and friendly travel scenario” in the city. The hope is that the Gaode service will help provide safer and more convenient navigation for people with disabilities, the elderly, and anyone in need of accessible travel options.

Li expressed the hope that this initiative would allow individuals with mobility issues to explore Macau with greater confidence and independence, encouraging them to discover the city’s beauty without the limitations that often come with inaccessible public spaces.

Looking Ahead: A More Inclusive Future for Macau

The launch of the Gaode Accessible Electronic Map is a significant milestone in Macau’s efforts to become a more inclusive and accessible city for all. By embracing digital solutions to improve mobility and access, the city is paving the way for a future where people with disabilities can enjoy the same freedom and opportunities as anyone else. This initiative is part of a broader global movement to make cities more accessible, ensuring that all individuals, regardless of physical ability, can fully participate in society and enjoy the world around them.