Google maps works in China without VPN as long as you use the CN version (In English) in a brouwser:
www.google.cn/maps/@25.0251195,102.7620247,11z
This will give you Kunming but you can go anywhere you like. The app does not work here but the Apple Maps app does.
You can use as well QQ.map:
map.qq.com/[...]
(This will give you Salvadors coffee shop but again you can go anywhere and this gives you the QQ version of Streetview)
For an offline version you can use:
www.openstreetmap.org/#map=9/25.0134/102.7441
For the real freaks there is ofcourse Google Earth. Works both on line, and if you preload offline both on the net and as an app. (Streetview however does not work in China nor can you view pictures)

Indeed.

Avoid as well topics that have no topic in the topic line like this one. “Is this true” is not a topic.

Well then they even fooled the Embassy.
The YCG exist but the guys you had contacts with are scammers misusing the name of others.

When renting a place always insist that the landlord shows the ownership certificate and his ID card (The name should be the same of course). Photo copy this as well. If they refuse than you know you are scammed.