Internet access
Set up a VPN for China
Google, Instagram, WhatsApp, and most Western apps are blocked in China. A VPN lets you access them. The critical rule: install and test it BEFORE you arrive.
TL;DR
- ✓Google, WhatsApp and most Western apps are blocked — a VPN gets you back online.
- ✓Install and test your VPN before you arrive; you can't download one once you're behind the firewall.
- ✓Keep a second VPN as backup; Bing and Apple Maps usually work without one.
Understand what's blocked — and what isn't
China's internet firewall blocks most Western apps and websites. This includes Google (all services), social media, and most Western messaging apps.
A VPN routes your traffic through a server outside China, bypassing the firewall.
Chinese alternatives work well: Amap for maps, WeChat for messaging, Baidu Translate for translation. You may not need a VPN as much as you think — but for Google Maps and Instagram, you will.
Choose and download a VPN before you leave
Pick a VPN, pay for a plan, and install the app on your phone and laptop before departure.
Options reported working as of a June 2026 check (reliability can change — see the note below):
- Astrill — most consistent, pricier
- ExpressVPN — good balance of speed and reliability
You CANNOT download a VPN from inside China. The VPN websites and app store listings are blocked. If you forget to do this before you go, you'll have no way to install it once you're there.
Astrill is considered most reliable for China but costs more (~$12/month). ExpressVPN is a solid mainstream option. Buy at least a 1-month plan.
Test it before you go
Open the VPN app and connect to a server. Then verify it works by opening Google.com.
Also test on mobile data (not just WiFi) — some VPNs behave differently depending on the network.
If it works at home, it will almost certainly work in China.
Try connecting to a Japan or Singapore server — they tend to be fastest from China due to proximity.
Know what to do if it stops working
VPNs occasionally get blocked during sensitive periods (major political events, national holidays). If your VPN stops working:
- Try switching to a different server location
- Try switching protocols (OpenVPN → Lightway, or WireGuard)
- Contact your VPN's support chat — they usually update servers quickly
Most VPN apps have a 'best location' or 'smart connect' button that automatically picks the fastest working server. Use this first if you have issues.
Legal note:The legal status of VPN use in China is ambiguous, and circumventing the firewall is not formally sanctioned by Chinese authorities. Many foreign visitors do use a VPN, but we don't advise breaking local law — use one at your own risk and check the current rules before you travel. This is factual information, not legal advice. These are independent recommendations and we don't earn a commission on them; which apps get through can change, especially during major political events or holidays.
How we verified this
Medium confidence- Last checked
- June 2026
- What may change
- Which VPN apps and protocols get through the firewall shifts over time, and access can tighten during major political events or holidays. App-store availability inside China also changes.
- Confirm with
- Your VPN provider's live China status page ↗