Many familiar services are blocked or unreliable in mainland China, including Google services, WhatsApp, Instagram and some news sites. If you need them, VPN preparation belongs near the top of your checklist.
Before Departure
- Install two reputable VPNs, not one.
- Log in and test both on mobile data and Wi-Fi.
- Save support pages or setup instructions offline.
- Download offline maps, tickets and translation packs anyway.
During the Trip
VPN performance can change by city, network and week. Try nearby regions such as Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong or Taiwan if one endpoint fails. Always turn VPN off before using Alipay or WeChat Pay because payment apps may block transactions while VPN traffic is detected.