This is one of the most important things to prepare before you arrive in China. China operates the Great Firewall â a sophisticated internet censorship system that blocks Google, Gmail, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and most Western websites and apps.
VPN websites are also blocked inside China. You must download and configure your VPN before you arrive. Once you are in China, it becomes very difficult to set one up.
What is Blocked in China?
The following popular services are blocked and inaccessible without a VPN:
- Search engines: Google, DuckDuckGo, Bing (partially)
- Email: Gmail (app and web)
- Social media: Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X, Snapchat, LinkedIn
- Messaging: WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Line
- Video: YouTube, Netflix, Spotify, Twitch
- Maps: Google Maps (Apple Maps works fine in China)
- News: BBC, New York Times, many Western news sites
Step 1: Get a Reliable VPN
A VPN routes your traffic through a server outside China, bypassing the Great Firewall. Not all VPNs work reliably â the Chinese government actively blocks VPN servers. The most consistently reliable options in 2026:
| VPN | China Reliability | Speed | Cost/Month |
|---|---|---|---|
| ExpressVPN | âââââ Excellent | Fast | ~$8â13 |
| Astrill | âââââ Excellent | Very Fast | ~$10â30 |
| NordVPN | ââââ Very Good | Fast | ~$4â13 |
| Surfshark | ââââ Good | Good | ~$2â13 |
We recommend ExpressVPN or Astrill for the most reliable performance in China. Download, install, and test your VPN at home before your trip. Use the "Lightway" or "OpenVPN" protocol for best results inside China.
Step 2: Download Essential Chinese Apps
While your VPN keeps you connected to Western services, you will also need Chinese apps for daily life. These work without a VPN:
WeChat (垎俥) â Absolutely Essential
WeChat is how China communicates. Your hotel, your guide, restaurants, shops â everyone uses WeChat for everything. Download it and create an account before you arrive â new account creation can be restricted inside China. WeChat also has built-in translation, maps, and payment.
Alipay (ćŻäťĺŽ) â For Payments
China is largely cashless. Most daily transactions use WeChat Pay or Alipay. As of 2026, international visitors can link a foreign Visa or Mastercard to Alipay's Tourist Edition. Set this up before you travel â see our payments guide for full instructions.
DiDi (ćť´ćť´) â For Taxis
China's equivalent of Uber. The English version works well for foreigners. Download and set up your account in advance. Uber does not operate in mainland China.
AMAP / Gaode Maps (éŤĺžˇĺ°ĺž) â For Navigation
More accurate than Google Maps for Chinese addresses and public transport. Has an English interface and works offline. Save your hotel addresses before you go out.
Baidu Translate / Pleco â For Language
Google Translate works with a VPN. For offline use, download Pleco (dictionary) and enable offline Chinese on Google Translate or Microsoft Translator. The camera translation feature is invaluable for reading menus and signs.
Step 3: Get a Local SIM Card
A Chinese SIM gives you fast, affordable mobile data throughout your trip. Buy one at the airport on arrival from China Mobile, China Unicom, or China Telecom â bring your passport. Expect to pay ÂĽ100â200 (~$14â28) for a 30-day data plan.
Alternatively, set up an international eSIM before you travel (Airalo or Holafly are popular options). These are convenient but can be more expensive than local SIMs.
Pre-China Tech Checklist
- â Download and test your VPN at home
- â Create a WeChat account (easier outside China)
- â Set up Alipay Tourist Edition and link your card
- â Download DiDi taxi app
- â Download AMAP for offline navigation
- â Download Google Translate with offline Chinese pack
- â Screenshot your hotel name and address in Chinese characters
- â Save your guide's WeChat contact before you land
All China Cheat Sheet tour clients receive a complete pre-trip tech setup guide â including your guide's WeChat contact, all hotel addresses in Chinese, and local emergency numbers. Start planning your trip.