What is Mapbox?

Mapbox is a location data platform that enables developers to create custom maps, geocoding, and other location-based services for web and mobile applications. It offers an array of tools for designing map styles, integrating navigation, and analyzing real-time data, making it a versatile solution for interactive and data-driven experiences.

Mapbox logo

Does Mapbox work in China?

No. By default, Mapbox maps and embeds encounter slow or incomplete loading issues when loaded from China.

Why doesn’t Mapbox work in China?

Mapbox does not support signups or provide support for users located in China due to China’s regulatory restrictions, so their mapping APIs and tools do not work as expected within the country.

Mapbox once attempted to address the local China market with a China-specific version (Mapbox.cn) that was tailored to meet local regulatory needs. However, this version has since been discontinued.

mapbox.com faces performance challenges in China

Why don’t Mapbox embeds work in China?

Mapbox embeds typically don’t work reliably in China because the Mapbox services (including vector tiles, styles, and APIs) due to the country’s unique internet and regulatory environment. This results in Mapbox embeds and other assets being either blocked, slow, or loading incompletely when loaded from within China.

Mapbox alternatives for China

Due to limitations with Mapbox services, developers and companies operating in China that are relying on map functionality typically turn to local mapping services like Baidu Maps, Gaode (Amap), or even Apple Maps (when used with a local data source), which work more effectively in China. These services are designed to provide accurate mapping data for users in the region.

If the functionality your site requires from Mapbox can be replaced by a first-party resource, such as text or an image, this is one way to simply eliminate the Mapbox-specific issues.

However, Mapbox is just one of hundreds of third-party resources that can cause issues with the way a website loads in China. The way these resources work in China also differs and evolves over time so there is no one-off list, making it challenging to detect and identify why a site might not be loading quickly or fully in China.

Using Chinafy to optimize a website for China

At Chinafy we combine both in-person and platform-level features to detect and replace third-party resources that cause loading delays, including Mapbox.

If your site isn’t working in China and you’re looking for a solution, get in touch with Chinafy today for more information.