Traveling to China can be an incredible experience — vibrant cities, ancient temples, world-class food, and some of the most efficient infrastructure you’ll ever encounter. But there’s one thing that catches most travelers off guard: the Great Chinese Firewall.
I learned this the hard way on my first trip to Shenzhen. I thought I was prepared. I’d watched videos, downloaded a VPN, and had everything set up before I left. But the moment I landed, I couldn’t connect to anything. No Google. No WhatsApp. No YouTube to figure out what was wrong. It took me two full days of troubleshooting to get back online — two days of complete digital isolation.
The second time? It was a breeze. And the difference wasn’t luck — it was preparation and knowing exactly what to do.
DON’T HAVE TIME TO READ THE WHOLE POST? HERE’S ALL YOU NEED TO STAY CONNECTED IN CHINA:
1.1 Trip.com eSIM (bypasses the firewall):
https://www.trip.com/t/nyFnXSCbEV2
1.2 Saily eSIM (bypasses the firewall + has security from NordVPN)
https://go.saily.site/SHv1,You can also get 10% off your Saily eSIM with our code “lackysteps10”
2. NordVPN (very reliable VPN):
https://go.nordvpn.net/SHAoX
3. Local Chinese SIM:
buy in China, we liked China Telecom the most
Read on for the full strategy, troubleshooting, and why this actually works.
Here’s everything I learned so you don’t have to spend those frustrating two days I did.
Either watch our video or keep on reading:
What Is the Great Chinese Firewall?
The Great Chinese Firewall is a system of internet controls operated by the Chinese government that blocks access to certain websites and services. Think of it like a massive filter.
The good news: it’s not a whitelist system (which would block everything except a few approved sites). It’s a blacklist system, which means most of the internet works normally — they just block specific things they don’t want accessible.
The bad news: the things they block are pretty significant if you’re used to Western internet.
Which Apps and Websites Are Blocked?
The major ones include:
- Google (search, Gmail, Maps, Drive, Photos, etc.)
- YouTube
- Discord
- Netflix
- Crunchyroll
- Major news outlets
- Wikipedia
It’s a pretty extensive list. You can see the full list of blocked websites here.
Which Apps Actually Work?
Here’s the pleasant surprise: most native Apple apps work perfectly. If you’re an iPhone user, you can use:
- Apple Maps
- iMessage
- FaceTime
- Apple Mail
- Safari (though you can’t use Google search through it)
You’ll also find that WeChat works without restrictions — and honestly, it’s such a comprehensive app (messaging, payments, shopping, everything) that many travelers don’t miss much else.
But if you’re not an Apple user, or if you need access to Google, your social media, or streaming services, you’re going to need either a VPN or an eSIM.
The Game-Changer: eSIM that bypasses the firewall
Before I talk about VPNs, I want to mention something that completely changed my second trip to China: the trip.com eSIM.
This is an eSIM based in Hong Kong that has roaming coverage in mainland China, and here’s the magic part — it bypasses the firewall entirely. You can use it the moment you land, still on the runway if you want. No VPN needed. No connection issues. Just unrestricted internet access.
When we landed the second time, we connected to this eSIM before we’d even left the airport. We could message family, check maps, access everything we needed. It was a total game-changer compared to that stressful first trip.
The only limitation: you only get as much data as you purchase. But for most travelers, this is perfect as your primary connection.
If you want extra security you can get the Saily eSIM (bypasses the firewall + has standard security from NordVPN)
You can also get 10% off your Saily eSIM with our code “lackysteps10”
VPNs: Your Second Line of Defense
If you don’t want to rely solely on the eSIM, or if you want a backup option, a VPN is essential. A VPN (Virtual Private Network) works by routing your connection through a server in another country, so the Chinese Firewall thinks you’re accessing the internet from outside China.
In theory, it’s foolproof. In practice, the firewall is constantly evolving and trying to detect and block VPNs, so no VPN works 100% of the time, 100% of the places. But they work most of the time, and that’s good enough.
NordVPN vs. Surfshark: What I Actually Tested
I tested two VPN providers in China: NordVPN and Surfshark. Here’s what happened:
NordVPN: Rock solid. We had occasional initial connection issues, but once connected, it stayed stable. Even on Wi-Fi, it worked reliably. We could count on it.
Surfshark: Constantly kicked us out. It was particularly problematic on Wi-Fi — we had a really hard time staying connected. It wasn’t reliable enough for us to depend on it.
Verdict: If I go back to China, I’m getting NordVPN again. It outperformed Surfshark by a massive margin.
The best part? One NordVPN subscription covers up to 10 devices, so if you’re traveling with family or friends, everyone can use the same account. Perfect for group travel.
Get NordVPN here (this is an affiliate link — if you use it, you support the channel at no extra cost to you)
The Setup That Actually Works: My Perfect China Internet Strategy
After two trips and lots of trial and error, I’ve landed on the setup that gives you the most reliability and the least stress:
1. The trip.com eSIM (Primary Connection)
- Connects the moment you land
- Bypasses the firewall entirely
- No VPN needed
- Limited data (buy what you need)
- Get it here
2. NordVPN (WiFi Backup & Data Stretcher)
- Use it to connect to WiFi without burning through your eSIM data
- More reliable on WiFi than Surfshark
- 10 devices covered with one subscription
- Must download before you enter China
- Get it here
3. Local Chinese SIM (Extra Backup)
- Buy it in person once you arrive (bring your passport)
- Gives you extra data backup
- We found China Telecom more reliable than China Unicom
- Allows you to use the VPN with cellular data if needed
With all three of these in place, we had zero disconnections on our entire second trip. Not one. It was that solid.
Critical: What to Do BEFORE You Enter China
You cannot download a VPN once you’re behind the Firewall (unless you have that eSIM, which bypasses it). So this part is crucial:
- Download your VPN at home — Don’t wait until you’re in the airport or on the plane
- Test it — Make sure it actually works before you leave
- Set it up properly — This is important enough that it deserves its own section
Setting Up NordVPN for China
When you use NordVPN in China, normal server locations sometimes don’t work. You might need manual IP addresses to connect.
Here’s what happened to me: I contacted NordVPN support, told them I was in China and having trouble, and they sent me 20 manual IP addresses to try. I went through the list methodically. Number 1 didn’t work. Number 2 didn’t work. Numbers 3 through 19 didn’t work.
Number 20 worked. The last one on the list.
After that, it worked flawlessly for days without dropping once.
NordVPN has a step-by-step setup guide specifically for China here — follow it before you go. It’ll save you a lot of stress.
Also, make sure you have Obfuscated Servers enabled in NordVPN (it’s called “No Borders Mode” on Surfshark). This helps the VPN evade Firewall detection.
Troubleshooting: What to Do If Things Break
Even with all this prep, sometimes things go wrong. Here’s what I learned:
Problem 1: VPN Won’t Connect at All
Make sure you have Obfuscated Servers enabled in NordVPN. This setting is crucial for bypassing the Firewall’s detection systems.
Problem 2: WiFi Connection Issues with VPN
Hotel and café WiFi often have extra security that blocks VPN connections. The solution: use your eSIM or cellular data instead of WiFi. Connect the VPN to your phone’s data connection, and it should work much better.
Problem 3: Still No Connection?
Download a couple of free VPNs as backup. I downloaded 4-5 free options before my trip, and when I first arrived in Shenzhen and couldn’t connect with anything else, a free VPN gave me just enough connection to email NordVPN support and ask for help. It was a lifesaver.
Having backups is smart travel.
Problem 4: Need to Translate Something?
If you’ve downloaded languages into Google Translate before you go, you can use them offline even without any internet connection. Just enable Airplane Mode, and you’ll be able to translate between your language and Mandarin without needing WiFi or data.
This is huge if you’re stuck somewhere and need to communicate.
Problem 5: Can’t Talk to Your Loved Ones?
Download WeChat and ask your family to do the same. WeChat works perfectly in China and works across borders, so people outside China can use it too. It’s not just messaging — it’s payments, shopping, everything. Most travelers find they don’t need much else once they have WeChat.
Final Thoughts: It’s Actually Manageable
Here’s the truth: staying connected in China is absolutely manageable. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
Yes, the Great Firewall exists. Yes, it can be a hassle sometimes. But with the right tools and the right preparation, you can have completely seamless internet access. You can message your family. You can access the internet you’re used to. You can enjoy your trip without stress.
My first trip was difficult because I wasn’t prepared properly. My second trip was easy because I was. The difference is just knowledge and planning.
So download your VPN before you go. Get that trip.com eSIM. Test everything at home. And you’ll have an amazing time in China.
The internet won’t be your problem — I promise.
Resources
- NordVPN (the VPN I tested & recommend): https://go.nordvpn.net/SHAoX
- trip.com eSIM (bypasses the firewall): https://www.trip.com/t/nyFnXSCbEV2
- Full list of blocked websites:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_websites_blocked_in_mainland_China - NordVPN setup guide for China:
https://support.nordvpn.com/hc/en-us/articles/19572011021457-I-can-t-connect-to-NordVPN-from-China
This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase through them, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you — and it helps support this blog. Thank you!
