Category Archives: guangzhou

The Joy of Six: introducing the new, faster Explore Guangzhou 6 with tips

We’re proud to announce that Explore Guangzhou is the sixth of our award-winning subway maps for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch to reach version 6.

With version 6 we re-wrote the map code from the ground up to be faster. The app now loads quicker, and zooming in and out should be smooth, even on older devices.

The other big new feature is tips.

Ever wondered what points of interest are close to a subway stop? Now you can tap on any station, then tap on Tips to see what’s nearby. Tap the thumbs up button on any tip which you find useful.

You can also view a list of the most popular tips for the whole city. And if you know a great local restaurant, attraction or a clever shortcut, you can add your own tip:

Explore Guangzhou 6 is a free update for existing users. Not got Explore Guangzhou yet? Download it now from the iTunes App Store.

Introducing Explore Metro maps 3.0 for iPhone and iPad

Today, we’re launching a major update to our apps! Explore Beijing, Explore Shanghai, Explore Guangzhou, Explore Hong Kong, Explore Taipei and Explore Singapore have all been updated to version 3.0. This includes new native support for iPad and iPad 2!

We’ve taken the best features of the iPhone/iPod touch experience and redesigned them to work on the iPad’s larger screen. Here’s what you’ll see when you start Explore Shanghai.

 

Of course, the metro map takes centre stage. You can search for a station with the search bar, or tap on any station for timetables and route-planning:

 

Notice the “flip” button? A great new feature is the ability to “flip” the screen to see a large Google Map of the station and surrounding area:

Other nearby stations are highlighted. You can also tap the “locate” button  to centre the map on your current location.

Because the apps are “Universal” apps, they work both on iPhone/iPod touch (including retina graphics!) and iPad/iPad 2. If you’ve already bought one of our apps for iPhone, you can install it on iPad for free. And of course, updating to version 3.0 is free. Not downloaded yet? Our apps cost just $1.99 on the iTunes App Store: download now!

We’d love to hear your feedback about ways to improve our apps. Do get in touch if you find any bugs or have any suggestions!

The ExploreMetro Christmas Sale: Buy one app get one free!

Every app, every city, just $0.99

From now until December 15th you can buy any ExploreMetro iPhone app for just $0.99! That’s 50% off the regular price. Whether you live in Shanghai, Beijing, Guangzhou, Taipei, Singapore or Hong Kong, or are planning a trip there during 2011, be sure to grab a copy today!

Buy one for you, get one for a friend!

The first 100 people who buy an ExploreMetro app will be eligible for a FREE extra copy to send to a friend! That’s right, just purchase any ExploreMetro iPhone app, and forward your iTunes email receipt to iphone at exploremetro dot com. We’ll send you a promo code which you can give to your friend for a free copy of the same app! Hurry, stocks are limited, we only have 100 free apps to give away!

The small print:

  • Promo codes will work in any country, the recipient will require an iTunes account
  • Promo code will be for the same app you purchase.
  • Limited to one code per person
  • Only 100 free apps available, we’ll update this blog post once we’ve sold out

Going to the Asian Games? Three ways to access our Guangzhou metro map!

The Asian Games are now just 4 days away! One of the easiest ways to reach the Games venues will be by metro. Even better, there’s free transport on the Guangzhou Metro for local and long-term residents. Of course, you’ll need a metro map to help you get around! Here are three ways to access our maps:

1. Online:

Just visit exploregz.com on any computer to use our interactive Flash map. You can plan routes and search for stations in English or Chinese.

2. On your iPhone, iPod touch or iPad

Download Explore Guangzhou for iPhone from the App Store. Version 2.7 includes retina display and Google Maps for every station. Version 2.8 is currently being reviewed by Apple and will include station updates on Line 8, and new timetables.

3. On paper (print a PDF!)

We’ve made a handy printable version of our map as a PDF, which should print out in A4 size. You can fold it up and take it with you while you’re headed to the Games venues! Download it here: PDF in English or PDF in Chinese.

Guangzhou’s Line 3 reaches the airport

On October 30th, Guangzhou’s Metro Line 3 northern extension opens to passengers, connecting Baiyun Airport to the metro system. We’ve previously written about the extension, note that two stations (Airport North and Gaozeng) will not open until 2012.

The new stations from north to south, are listed below. Click any station name for the Metropedia page with a location map, photos and travel times:

We’ve updated our online interactive metro map at www.exploregz.com with the new stations. We’ve also launched an awesome update for our iPhone app, which not only includes the new stations, but adds beautiful hi-res retina display graphics: see our Guangzhou iPhone app post for more details!

We’ve also updated the map to include the Guangfo Line and marked the Automated Passenger Mover, a new driverless train in central Guangzhou. Both are expected to open in early November.

The wow is now! Explore Guangzhou 2.7 with retina display

We’re delighted to announce that Explore Guangzhou 2.7 is now available for download from the iTunes App Store.

The update includes new lines and stations including the Line 3 Airport Extension and the Guangfo Line.

As we previously blogged this is the first of our apps to include hi-res graphics for the iPhone 4/iPod touch 4th generation retina display, and the results are great!

Explore Guangzhou 2.7 is available in the iTunes App Store now!