When travelling in China, social media is a great way to share your best photos, keep in touch with friends and look things up. But in China, many familiar apps such as Facebook and YouTube are blocked under the government's strict information controls, so you need to plan ahead for how you will access them. This guide shows you how to use social media in China simply, quickly and safely.
Why do you need to be careful with social media in China?
Using social media in China is very different from using it elsewhere. Here are a few reasons to pay attention:
- Many familiar apps such as Facebook and Instagram are blocked by the country's Internet controls.
- Mobile data can be expensive, and costs add up quickly.
- Public Wi-Fi is not always secure and may expose your personal information.
Which social networks are blocked in China, and what are the alternatives?
In China you will not be able to use apps such as Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp, Twitter or Google Translate, as they are blocked by the Great Firewall (Google officially discontinued its online Google Translate service in China in October 2022, although offline language packs downloaded before your trip still work without a VPN). This makes it hard to post photos or message people as you normally would.
Travellers usually have two options for staying connected in China:
Option 1 β Use local alternatives:
- WeChat handles messaging, calls and payments, much like Zalo in Vietnam.
- Weibo lets you share status updates and photos, similar to Twitter.
- Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, is great fun for short videos.
- In addition, Xiaohongshu β now widely known internationally as RedNote (its English name translates as Little Red Book, and its display name on the App Store/Google Play changed in early 2025) β is a great place to find travel tips, restaurants and shopping ideas.
These apps are not blocked and are widely used by locals. However, you will need to create separate accounts, the interfaces are often in Chinese, and content is sometimes censored. If you want to give them a try, WeChat and Xiaohongshu/RedNote are two good choices for staying in touch and finding travel information.
Option 2 β Use a workaround to access blocked social networks: in many cases you will still need the blocked platforms above, so you will have to rely on a specific solution to access them. Read on for the details.
βΊ See also: How to access Google in China
How can you access blocked social networks in China? Top 3 ways
1. Install a VPN
Using Facebook, Instagram or YouTube in China takes just a few simple preparations. First, install a VPN app before you leave Vietnam. VPNs such as ExpressVPN or NordVPN help you get past the Great Firewall to reach blocked apps. Make sure you download and set up the VPN while still in Vietnam, because it is difficult to install one once you are in China. If you decide to use a VPN, pick a reputable provider for a stable connection and avoid free VPN apps that could put your personal data at risk.
That said, for short trips (under a month), a VPN may not be the best choice because of the complicated setup, the risk of being blocked and the subscription cost. That is why many travellers now opt for more convenient alternatives.
2. Use a travel SIM or eSIM
Instead of dealing with a complicated VPN setup, you can choose a travel SIM or eSIM with built-in firewall bypass.
A physical travel SIM is the traditional choice for most people travelling abroad. It is widely available and easy to use, but you have to remove your main SIM if your phone has only one SIM tray.
If your phone supports eSIM, try the most convenient option β a travel eSIM. It is an electronic SIM built into your device's circuit board, so you can install it without removing your main SIM. When shopping for a China travel eSIM, choose one that does not block social media, since some products on the market support TikTok and others do not. For example, TouriESIM's China eSIM is TikTok-enabled and gives you access to Google, Facebook, Zalo, YouTube, TikTok and more without a VPN; if you are also visiting Hong Kong and Macau, there is the regional China, Hong Kong & Macau eSIM.
Buy your eSIM before you travel (the QR code can be scanned within 30 days of purchase) and install it the day before or on the day of departure so you are connected from the start and avoid any interruptions in China. See the eSIM installation guide.
3. Turn on international roaming with your Vietnamese carrier
Another option is to turn on international roaming with a carrier such as Viettel, MobiFone or VinaPhone. When roaming, you can use social media just as you would in Vietnam, without being blocked by the Great Firewall. Be careful, though: heavy data use such as watching videos or posting photos can drive up your bill. Choose a suitable roaming package rather than paying as you go. Most major Vietnamese carriers offer roaming packages to suit a wide range of needs.
βΊ Learn more: Travel eSIM vs international roaming
What should you keep in mind when using social media in China?
- Avoid posting political or religious content on social media in China to stay out of unnecessary trouble.
- Check your data usage regularly in your phone's settings, as VPNs and social networks such as YouTube use a lot of data.
- Do not download unfamiliar apps or click links from unknown sources, to avoid malware that could leak your information.
- If you want to contact locals, use WeChat instead of WhatsApp β almost everyone in China uses it, from tour guides to shop staff.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a Chinese account to use WeChat or Xiaohongshu/RedNote?
No. You can sign up with an international phone number (including a Vietnamese number) or an email address. However, some payment features such as WeChat Pay may require linking a Chinese bank account or additional verification for accounts registered abroad.
Are Xiaohongshu, Little Red Book and RedNote the same app?
Yes, they are three names for the same platform: Xiaohongshu is the original Chinese name, Little Red Book is its literal translation, and RedNote has been its official international display name on the App Store/Google Play since early 2025.
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. Weigh the risks carefully before using one.
Can I use Facebook and WeChat at the same time without constantly switching a VPN on and off?
Yes. With a travel SIM/eSIM that has built-in firewall bypass, you can use international apps (Facebook, Instagram, etc.) and local apps (WeChat, Xiaohongshu, etc.) side by side, without toggling anything on and off as you would with a standalone VPN.
Do Chinese social networks censor content posted by foreigners?
Yes. Content on WeChat, Weibo and Xiaohongshu/RedNote is subject to censorship under Chinese domestic regulations, and this applies to foreigners' accounts as well.
Using social media while travelling in China takes some preparation, but it is not difficult. With a VPN, international roaming or a travel eSIM such as TouriESIM's China eSIM, you can use Facebook, Instagram or YouTube freely without worrying about blocks. Set everything up before you leave, keep an eye on your data plan and connect carefully so your trip to China goes smoothly!
