The short answer? Yes, it is. But that doesn’t mean it’s inaccessible.
Imagine this: you’ve just landed in China for work, eager to jump on a Zoom call with your team, check urgent emails on Gmail, or catch up on Slack messages.
Or maybe you’re a backpacker arriving in Beijing, ready to navigate the Middle Kingdom with Google Maps. Suddenly, reality hits—none of it works!
The good news? While VPNs might seem like the obvious fix, eSIMs offer a smarter, more reliable path to digital freedom that most travellers overlook.
In this guide, I’ll break down everything you need to know from understanding why your favourite apps suddenly disappear behind the Great Firewall to staying connected in China.
The Great Firewall of China
The Great Firewall of China is the world's most sophisticated internet censorship system, designed to control what information flows in and out of the country.
Think of it as a massive digital filter that sits between China's internet users and the global web, deciding what gets through and what gets blocked.
China's Great Firewall isn't just blocking your favorite social media platforms; it's systematically cutting off access to the digital tools that keep modern businesses running.
We're talking about complete blocks on Google services, Microsoft Teams, Slack, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and even productivity essentials like Dropbox, as well as many VPN websites themselves.
The system operates through sophisticated deep packet inspection technology that doesn't just block websites by URL, but analyzes the content and patterns of your internet traffic.
This means even if you find a workaround today, it might mysteriously stop working tomorrow as the system adapts and learns.
What Google Services Are Blocked in China?
Here's the reality check every traveler needs: China doesn't mess around when it comes to Google. The Great Firewall blocks:
- Gmail
- Google Search
- Google Drive
- Google Maps
- YouTube
- Google Photos
- G Suite (Docs, Sheets etc)
While Google.cn used to redirect to Google.com.hk, even the Hong Kong version is heavily filtered, turning search results into digital tumbleweeds when you try anything remotely sensitive.
There are zero Google services officially available in mainland China.
Unlike other countries where you might find workarounds or local partnerships, China has drawn a hard line in the digital sand since their 2010 fallout with Google over censorship demands.
Why Is Google Blocked in China?
The Google-China breakup of 2010 reads like a tech industry soap opera.
When Chinese authorities demanded that Google self-censor search results and filter content, Google essentially said "thanks, but no thanks" and packed their bags for Hong Kong.
The final straw came when state-sponsored hackers allegedly targeted Google servers to access Chinese dissidents' accounts. Since then, the Great Firewall has treated all Google traffic like an unwelcome party crasher.
What started as a political standoff over information freedom has evolved into a permanent digital border wall, forcing millions to rely on workarounds just to access the world's most popular search engine.
Disadvantages of Using VPN in China
- VPNs in China often cause major frustrations that can disrupt your work schedule.
- Connection speeds frequently drop to unusable levels, especially during peak hours when millions are online.
- Even simple tasks like checking email can become painfully slow, eating into your billable hours.
- Connections can cut out without warning—sometimes right before important moments like client presentations.
- Many travellers keep multiple VPN subscriptions as backups, but this means paying $30–50 monthly for services that work only sporadically.
- You still need a local Chinese internet connection to use VPNs, creating a double-cost scenario that adds up fast, especially on longer stays.
Why eSIMs Are a Better Alternative
- eSIMs bypass the Great Firewall by routing your traffic through international networks, not Chinese infrastructure.
- Google and other blocked services work instantly upon landing, just like in your home country—no software setup or connection struggles.
- Most blocked apps and sites remain accessible through international routing, giving you uninterrupted access to essential work tools.
- eSIMs are highly reliable, which is crucial when working across time zones or during important calls and file transfers.
- Unlike VPNs, eSIMs operate through legitimate international roaming agreements, not circumvention.
- Chinese authorities fully recognize these agreements, so there’s no legal gray area or risk.
- eSIMs provide consistently faster speeds, making them ideal for bandwidth-heavy tasks like video conferencing and uploading large files.
3 Ways to Access Google in China
China eSIM for International Data
China eSIMs are brilliant because they use international routing that never touches Chinese networks, meaning Google works perfectly from the moment you land.
Airalo's China eSIM plans offer an impressive variety with coverage across all major cities and provinces:
- Large variety of plans: 1 GB, 2 GB, 3 GB, 5 GB, 10 GB, 20 GB, Unlimited
- Enjoy unlimited data for only $3.50 per day
- Skip airport queues entirely
- Avoids the intrusive SIM registration that requires passport details
- Activate instantly using a QR code
- Purchase effortlessly through apps like Airalo
- Connect as soon as you arrive at your destination
- Say goodbye to expensive roaming fees
- Compatible with dual-SIM devices
- No hassle with swapping out SIM cards
- Convenient top-ups available anytime
Asia Regional eSIM
The Asialink regional eSIM works on the same international routing principle but covers multiple Asian countries, making them ideal for travelers hitting several destinations.
- Enjoy seamless access to Google in China, plus coverage in countries like Japan, South Korea, Thailand, and Singapore
- Airalo’s Asia regional eSIMs cover over 15 countries
- Plans range from $9 for 1GB (valid 7 days) to $71 for 10GB (valid 30 days)
- Enjoy unlimited data for only ~ $1.03 per day
- These eSIMs use international infrastructure, so Google services work smoothly throughout Asia with no technical setup needed
VPN Services
VPNs create encrypted tunnels to servers outside China, effectively making your internet traffic appear to originate elsewhere.
Here's the catch: you need a local Chinese SIM or WiFi connection (which blocks Google), then layer VPN software on top to unblock it.
This creates unnecessary complexity compared to eSIMs, which bypass Chinese networks entirely and eliminate the need for circumvention software altogether.
Short Step-by-Step Guide on Accessing VPN in China
Getting a VPN running in China requires strategic preparation and realistic expectations about performance.
- Step 1: Before traveling, purchase and download your VPN software (LetsVPN, ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or Surfshark tend to be the most reliable options).
- Step 2: Test the connection thoroughly from your home country since VPN provider websites become inaccessible once you're in China.
- Step 3: Upon arrival, connect to local WiFi or purchase a Chinese SIM card, then launch your VPN app and experiment with different server locations: Hong Kong, Singapore, and Japan typically offer the best speeds for China users.
- Step 4: If your primary VPN fails, switch to your backup service immediately rather than wasting hours troubleshooting. Also, remember that during politically sensitive periods or major government events, even the best VPNs can become unreliable for days at a time.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Use eSIMs to Access Google Tools in China
Step 1: Purchase Your eSIM Before Departure
Visit Airalo’s website or download the app and select a country eSIM for China or a regional eSIM that covers multiple destinations.
Complete your purchase and keep your confirmation email handy, as it contains your installation instructions and QR code.
Step 2: Install the eSIM Profile
- Go to Settings > Cellular > Add eSIM or scan the QR code provided by Airalo.
- Follow the prompts to label your new eSIM (for example, “Airalo China”).
- Alternatively, if you’re using the Airalo app, you can install the eSIM directly by tapping “Install eSIM” and following the on-screen instructions.
- Open Settings > Network & Internet > SIMs > Add SIM (the path may vary by device).
- Scan the QR code or input the activation code manually.
- Confirm the prompts, and label your new eSIM for easy identification.
Step 3: Activate Upon Arrival
Once you land in China, open your device’s Settings and set the Airalo eSIM as your active mobile data line. Enable roaming if prompted.
Wait a few minutes for your phone to pick up the local network. If you purchased and pre-installed your eSIM, it should connect automatically.
Step 4: Verify Google Services
Open Google Maps, Gmail, or any other Google app to check connectivity.
With an international eSIM, your data is routed through networks outside of mainland China, allowing you to access Google and other restricted services just like at home.
Step 5: Troubleshooting Connection Issues
- If you can’t access data, restart your device.
- Make sure “Mobile Data” and “Data Roaming” are enabled.
- If you still have issues, double-check that the Airalo eSIM is set as your primary data line and remove any conflicting VPNs or proxy settings.
- For persistent issues, open the Airalo app and use the in-app troubleshooting or contact Airalo’s support for fast help.
Stay Connected, No Matter Where You Land
With China’s Great Firewall blocking Google and most essential apps, having a reliable way to stay online is a must.
Thanks to Airalo’s China eSIM, you can skip the VPN headaches and enjoy instant, hassle-free access to Google, Gmail, and all your favorite tools the moment you touch down.
Whether you’re working remotely, navigating new cities, or simply keeping in touch with loved ones, a country or regional eSIM keeps your data secure and your connection fast:
- No software tricks
- No legal grey areas
- Just pure digital freedom
Make your trip to China stress-free. Grab an Airalo China eSIM before you fly and experience true internet freedom on your next adventure.
FAQs About Accessing Google Services and Apps in China
Is YouTube allowed in China?
No, YouTube is blocked in mainland China by the Great Firewall. This means you can’t access or upload videos on YouTube using standard internet connections while in China. To watch or use YouTube, travelers often rely on international eSIMs with external data routing or VPNs.
Are Chinese citizens allowed to use Google?
Chinese citizens do not have access to Google services using standard local networks within mainland China, as Google is completely blocked. Some may use VPNs to circumvent these restrictions, but doing so exists in a legal gray area and is not the norm. Most people in China use domestic alternatives for search, email, and cloud storage.
What is China's version of Google?
Baidu is widely considered the “Google of China” and is the country’s leading search engine. It offers web search, maps, cloud services, and other features similar to Google, but the content is subject to strict government censorship. It may differ significantly from what’s available on Google.
Does Google Maps work in China?
Google Maps is blocked in China and won’t function normally on local networks. While you can access the app via a global eSIM or a working VPN, local apps like Baidu Maps or Amap (Gaode) are far more commonly used for navigation and offer more accurate local mapping data.
Can you use Google in Hong Kong?
Yes, Google services are fully accessible in Hong Kong, as the Great Firewall restrictions do not apply there. However, be mindful that internet freedoms in Hong Kong are changing, so it’s always wise to check for the latest updates before traveling.
Is Gmail allowed in China?
Gmail is blocked in mainland China, and you won’t be able to send or receive emails through the Gmail app or website using regular local data connections. To access Gmail, travelers usually rely on an international eSIM that routes traffic outside China or use a VPN.
