VPN and Internet Guide
Google, YouTube, Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook — all blocked in China. Here's how to stay connected.
⚠️ Install a VPN BEFORE You Arrive
VPN download sites are also blocked in China. You cannot download or set up a VPN after you arrive. Install and test it on all your devices before your flight.
What's Blocked in China
| Blocked Service | Category | Chinese Alternative | Works in China? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Search | Baidu / Bing | Yes | |
| Gmail | Outlook / QQ Mail / 163 Mail | Yes | |
| Google Maps | Maps | Amap / Baidu Maps | Yes |
| YouTube | Video | Bilibili / Youku | Need VPN |
| Social | WeChat Moments / Xiaohongshu | Need VPN | |
| Social | WeChat / Weibo | Need VPN | |
| Messaging | Need VPN | ||
| Twitter/X | Social | Need VPN | |
| TikTok (Intl) | Short Video | Douyin | Yes |
| Netflix | Streaming | iQiyi / Tencent Video | Yes |
| Spotify | Music | QQ Music / NetEase Cloud Music | Yes |
| Dropbox | Cloud Storage | Baidu Cloud | Yes |
| Telegram | Messaging | Need VPN | |
| Discord | Messaging | WeChat Groups / QQ | Need VPN |
| Zoom | Video Call | Tencent Meeting / DingTalk | Yes |
| Wikipedia | Reference | Baidu Baike | Yes |
| Forum | Zhihu / Tieba | Yes |
VPN Provider Comparison
| Provider | Price | Reliability | Speed | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Astrill VPN astrill.com ★★★★★ | $20/month | high | fast | 4 | 2 |
| ExpressVPN expressvpn.com ★★★★★ | $13/month | high | fast | 4 | 2 |
| Surfshark surfshark.com ★★★★★ | $13/month (2-year plan: $3/month) | medium | medium | 3 | 2 |
| VyprVPN vyprvpn.com ★★★★★ | $13/month | medium | medium | 3 | 2 |
| 12VPN 12vpn.net ★★★★★ | $4-10/month | medium | medium | 3 | 2 |
| Mullvad mullvad.net ★★★★★ | €5/month | low | medium | 4 | 2 |
Astrill VPN
Pros
- + Most reliable in China
- + Works consistently
- + Good speeds
- + StealthVPN protocol
Cons
- - Expensive
- - No free trial
ExpressVPN
Pros
- + Very fast
- + Easy to use
- + Good customer support
- + 30-day refund
Cons
- - Can be blocked during sensitive periods
- - Premium pricing
Surfshark
Pros
- + Cheap long-term
- + Unlimited devices
- + Clean interface
Cons
- - Less reliable in China than Astrill/Express
- - Slower speeds
VyprVPN
Pros
- + Own servers (no third party)
- + Chameleon protocol to bypass firewall
- + Works in China
Cons
- - Fewer server locations
- - Can be slow
12VPN
Pros
- + Designed for China
- + Good prices
- + RAILO protocol
Cons
- - Less well-known
- - Smaller network
Mullvad
Pros
- + Very private
- + Anonymous account
- + Cheap
- + Open source
Cons
- - May not work in China
- - No stealth mode
✅ VPN Setup Checklist
Subscribe & Download BEFORE China
Sign up on VPN website. Download the app on ALL your devices. VPN websites are blocked inside China.
Install on Every Device
Phone, laptop, tablet. Test each one. Enable auto-connect and kill switch.
Get a Backup VPN
Primary VPNs can get blocked during sensitive periods. Have a 2nd VPN subscribed just in case.
Set Protocol to Stealth / Obfuscated
Regular VPN protocols are detected and blocked. Use Astrill's StealthVPN, ExpressVPN's Lightway, or obfsproxy.
Download Offline Maps
Download Google Maps offline for your destination cities BEFORE you arrive. Also download offline translations.
📱 SIM Card and eSIM Options
China Mobile / China Unicom
Buy at airport or convenience stores
- • ~50-100 RMB/month
- • Need passport to register
- • Works with all phones
- • Includes data and some minutes
Trip.com China eSIM
Pre-purchase before arrival and activate by instructions
- • Good for short tourist trips
- • No passport needed
- • Works on eSIM phones
- • Data-only plan, no Chinese phone number
Ubigi / Holafly
Tourist eSIM specialists
- • ~$5-20 for tourists
- • Data-only plans
- • Good coverage in cities
- • Support varies by provider
💡 Get an eSIM before you arrive and confirm your phone supports eSIM. Most travel eSIMs are data-only and do not include a Chinese phone number.