Google and many other international Internet services are blocked in China under the country's strict Internet controls, which can make life difficult for visitors. Although there are several ways to reach Google from China, the authorities keep introducing new blocking measures. Below are the most effective ways to access Google in China.
Why is Google blocked in China, and what are the alternatives?
Google and related services such as Gmail and Google Maps are blocked in China by the Internet censorship system known as the Great Firewall. As a result, both locals and visitors have to find workarounds or use domestic search engines instead.
The top 4 popular alternatives to Google in China are:
- Baidu: The largest search engine, offering many services similar to Google's.
- Sogou: Known for its translation features and owned by Tencent.
- 360 Search: Focuses on user security.
- Bing: Still accessible, but results are censored; it has occasionally been blocked temporarily without notice, so its availability is not fully guaranteed.
How can you access Google in China on your phone?
Visitors to China can access Google in four ways:
1. Use a VPN (virtual private network)
A VPN (virtual private network) is the most popular solution. It creates a secure, private connection to another network over the Internet. With a VPN you can hide your real IP address and reach blocked websites such as Google. VPNs work on phones, computers and tablets alike.
Popular VPN services include ExpressVPN, NordVPN, Surfshark, VPN Proxy Master and Snap VPN. Keep in mind that how reliably each VPN works in China changes constantly, so nothing is 100% guaranteed — check the latest reviews before choosing one.
To use a VPN, you need to download the app, sign up for an account and pick a suitable server (nearby countries such as Japan or Singapore usually give better speeds). You will also need to update the app regularly, as the Chinese authorities keep adjusting their blocking methods. Download and sign up for your VPN before you arrive in China, because VPN download pages and app stores offering VPNs may also be blocked once you are there.
2. Use a proxy
A proxy is an intermediary server that lets you browse the Internet through a different IP address. By hiding your real IP address, a proxy can help you get around geographic restrictions and access Google.
Popular proxy services include Hide.me, Kproxy and Proxysite, which usually offer proxy servers in many different countries. However, a proxy does not guarantee access to Google in China, as these services can also be blocked or throttled by the Great Firewall.
Proxies are easier to set up and use than VPNs: there is no software to install — you simply visit the proxy website and enter the address you want to open. Some services even offer free options, saving you money compared with a VPN.
3. Use a travel SIM or eSIM
Most China travel SIMs today come with built-in firewall bypass, so you do not need a VPN to access apps and websites that are blocked in China, such as Google. This is especially useful because VPNs are coming under increasingly tight control in China.
Physical travel SIMs are familiar to most people, but they have to be swapped in and out, which makes them easy to lose. Swapping SIMs also means you may miss important calls and messages to your main number while you are in China.
If your phone supports eSIM, a China travel eSIM is a better and more convenient option than a physical SIM. It is installed online by scanning a QR code, with no need to remove your physical SIM. Most travel eSIMs today have built-in firewall bypass, giving you access to Google without a VPN. Take a look at TouriESIM's China eSIM — a TikTok-enabled eSIM that gives you access to Google, Facebook, Zalo, YouTube, TikTok and more without a VPN. TouriESIM offers several plan types (daily, total data or unlimited, depending on the plan) to suit different needs, and if you are also visiting Hong Kong and Macau, you can choose the regional China, Hong Kong & Macau eSIM.
4. Rent a pocket WiFi
A travel WiFi device, also called a pocket WiFi or WiFi router, creates a mobile hotspot that several devices can connect to at once. In practice, the device uses a SIM card to get online and then shares that Internet connection with the devices around it.
You can rent a pocket WiFi by the day in Vietnam. Once in China, a few simple steps are all it takes to get online and access Google. However, you have to return the device at the end of your trip, which is rather inconvenient, so it is not the best option for solo travellers. A pocket WiFi is most useful for large groups that need to share a connection or for people with several devices to use at the same time (see also can an eSIM be used as a WiFi hotspot?).
Each method has its pros and cons, but an eSIM is clearly the most modern and convenient way to access Google and many other blocked apps and websites in China. Choose the option that best fits your needs and circumstances.
Frequently asked questions
Is Google completely blocked in China, or only some services?
Gmail, Google Search, Google Maps, YouTube and almost all other Google services are fully blocked by the Great Firewall, with no automatic exception for foreign tourists.
Is using a VPN in China illegal?
Individuals using a VPN to reach the foreign Internet is fairly common among tourists and rarely leads to direct penalties, but China strictly controls the unauthorised provision and sale of VPN services. Assess the risks yourself and never use a VPN for any other unlawful purpose.
Can a travel eSIM access all blocked apps, or only Google?
It usually covers many popular blocked apps such as Google, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and WhatsApp, while support for some other apps varies by app. Check the list of supported apps for each specific eSIM plan before buying, as it may differ between providers. See also how to use social media when travelling in China.
Can hotel WiFi in China access Google?
No. Hotel WiFi still goes through China's domestic ISP infrastructure, so it is blocked just like a regular mobile network, unless you install a VPN on your device while using that WiFi.
Why can travel SIMs/eSIMs bypass the firewall while VPNs are unreliable?
Because traffic from international travel SIMs/eSIMs is routed through the home carrier's international gateway (bypassing China's domestic ISP infrastructure), whereas VPN traffic still has to pass through the domestic network before it is encrypted, making it easier for the Great Firewall to detect and block.
