How to Use Google, Facebook, Instagram, X and TikTok in China？
When you enter China and take out your phone connect to Facebook, Google, X or other Western websites, you find that none of them are accessible. This is because China's firewall prohibits access to these services.
For certain reasons, Google and all social medias are blocked in China mainland. As a result, you cannot use services, tools and APPs. However, there are solutions to unblock those services while traveling in China, such as using a VPN.
How to Use a VPN in China
A VPN, or "Virtual Private Network," allows you to bypass censorship by routing your information through unblocked servers. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you set up your VPN in China.
Step 1: Select a Reliable VPN
Start by searching for "VPN" on Google, Google Play, or the Apple Store to find a variety of providers. We do not suggest any specific VPN services, but generally, top-ranking websites and apps are known to offer reliable and user-friendly options.
When choosing a VPN, ensure that the provider confirms their service works in mainland China. After selecting a provider, sign up on their website and purchase a package or plan. Given that your trip to China is likely to be less than a month, we recommend a 30-day package with around 100GB of data.
Step 2: Download and Install the App
Most reputable VPN providers offer apps for various platforms, including Android, iOS, Windows, and Mac. Download the software for your device and follow the installation instructions. If you encounter any issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to customer service for assistance.
Step 3: Run the App and Connect to a Server Outside of Mainland China
Once the app is installed, launch it, log in to your account, and connect to a server. It's best to choose a server located near mainland China that doesn’t have censorship, such as those in Japan, South Korea, or Singapore. Although Hong Kong, Macau, and Taiwan are part of China, they have no internet censorship, so connecting to servers in these regions is also advisable.
Step 4: Access Google, X, TikTok, and Other Services in China
After connecting to an available server, you should be able to access online services as you would in your home country.
If you still cannot access these services or have trouble contacting your VPN’s customer service, please reach out to your travel consultant or guide for assistance. If you are traveling with us, we can also provide you with the VPN service we use.
By following these steps, you can enjoy a more open internet experience during your stay in China.
It is important to remember that when accessing websites in China after using these options, you may need to adjust the service settings. While bypassing the Chinese government's firewall may be illegitimate, there are generally no serious problems.
Try Using Other Services & APP without Censorship
There are some alternatives to the Google service that are available in China. Here are some common web pages:
- Bing: This is a search engine operated by Microsoft.
