Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the significant growth and user engagement of Gaode's new feature, "Street Ranking," which has rapidly gained popularity and contributed to the overall increase in active users on the platform, reaching 400 million users within a short period [2][11][16]. User Engagement and Growth - Gaode celebrated reaching 300 million active users during the National Day holiday, surpassing last year's record by 60 million [3][11]. - The "Street Ranking" feature has attracted over 400 million users, with half of Gaode's monthly active users engaging with it [3][16]. - The feature's launch coincided with the National Day holiday, a peak travel period, which provided a substantial test of its capabilities [10][11]. Product Development and Feedback - The "Street Ranking" was developed under high secrecy and aimed to create an AI-driven list to enhance consumer trust and stimulate spending [4][6]. - The team received extensive feedback post-launch, leading to rapid iterations and improvements, such as adding features like "Nearby Good Stores" and administrative region switching [6][8]. - The ranking system incorporates various data points, including navigation behavior and user interactions, to ensure a comprehensive and objective representation of local businesses [7][8]. Market Impact and Business Opportunities - The launch of "Street Ranking" has transformed Gaode's positioning from a navigation app to a broader lifestyle service platform, enhancing its strategic importance within Alibaba [18]. - Local businesses have reported increased visibility and customer engagement due to their inclusion in the rankings, with some experiencing record-breaking customer turnout during the holiday [12][14]. - Gaode's user base is projected to grow significantly, with the "Street Ranking" feature achieving a nearly 50% penetration rate among its monthly active users within a month of launch [16]. Future Directions - The company plans to enhance the "Street Ranking" experience by integrating more user-generated content and reliable reviews, aiming to create a comprehensive decision-making tool for users [18][19]. - There is a focus on expanding the service offerings beyond dining to include various lifestyle categories, thereby increasing user engagement and satisfaction [18][19].

Core Insights - Alibaba's subsidiary, Gaode Map, launched the "Gaode Street Ranking" based on real user travel data, marking a significant step into the offline retail space [2][3] - The ranking system emphasizes user behavior and high-credit user evaluations, aiming to create a more authentic and reliable list compared to traditional rankings [4][5] Summary by Sections Launch of Gaode Street Ranking - Gaode Map introduced the "Gaode Street Ranking" on September 9, which integrates various recommendation dimensions such as food, attractions, and hotels [2] - The ranking is based on user navigation behavior and evaluations from high-credit users, distinguishing it from other market rankings that may rely on manipulated data [3] Unique Ranking Logic - The ranking features various categories like "Tire Wear Ranking" for long-distance visits and "Returning Customer Ranking" for frequent visitors, updated daily based on dynamic data [4] - The system aims to provide a trustworthy ranking by focusing on actual user behavior rather than likes or collections, ensuring that the rankings cannot be artificially inflated [4][5] Market Position and User Engagement - Gaode Map has over 800 million monthly active users and nearly 1 billion annual active users, positioning it as a potential super app for local services [6] - The app is increasingly used for navigation to businesses found on platforms like Meituan and Douyin, indicating its evolution from a navigation tool to a business lead generation platform [6][7] Competitive Landscape - Gaode's strategy is to create a new evaluation system that can compete with existing platforms like Dazhong Dianping and Xiaohongshu, which are popular among female users for decision-making [7] - The company aims to enhance user engagement by transforming from a tool used for quick navigation to a comprehensive daily life guide, potentially leading to a rebranding as "Gaode Life" [7][8] Strategic Importance for Alibaba - The launch of the ranking aligns with Alibaba's broader strategy to build a local service ecosystem, especially in the context of ongoing competition in the food delivery and local services market [8]