Internet in China: eSIM, Carriers & Travel Guide
eSIM from 1,00 USD · 100 MB. Networks: China Mobile (5G), China Telecom (4G), China Unicom (5G).
⚠ Great Firewall — What's Blocked in China
- Google (Search, Maps, Gmail, YouTube) is blocked.
- WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter are blocked.
- Download & configure a VPN before arrival — once in China you cannot access VPN websites.
- Recommended alternatives: Baidu Maps, WeChat, Weibo, Didi (ride-hailing).
- Hong Kong SAR has unrestricted internet access.
- Some international hotel Wi-Fi may have VPN pre-configured.
Current eSIM Plans (examples)
Carriers & Coverage in China
China Mobile
Best for: Widest coverage including rural China
- Largest network in the world by subscribers
- Best for rural countryside, Yangtze gorges and Tibet route
China Unicom
Best for: Urban speeds and international roaming
- Good 4G/5G in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou
- More international-friendly: some foreign eSIMs partner with Unicom
China Telecom
Best for: Southern and coastal China
- Strong in Guangdong, Fujian and coastal cities
- Some eSIM plans specifically use CT for Hong Kong crossings
Known Weak Signal Areas
- Tibet Plateau and high-altitude Sichuan roads
- Remote karst mountains in Guangxi (Guilin countryside)
- Beijing subway tunnels (improving)
- Underground portions of the Great Wall (cave sections)
Coverage by City
- Beijing — Excellent coverage; Great Wall tourist sections have 4G.
- Shanghai — World-class 5G coverage; Metro line LTE on most lines.
- Hong Kong — Unrestricted internet; different operators from PRC; 5G everywhere.
- Guangzhou — Strong coverage; Pearl River Delta manufacturing corridors well-connected.
- Chengdu — Good urban coverage; panda reserve area covered; Tibetan plateau road gets thinner.
- Xi'an — Good coverage; Terra Cotta Warriors site has 4G.
Useful Apps in China
- Ride-hailing: DiDi, Meituan taxi
- Maps: Baidu Maps, Apple Maps (offline downloads work), MAPS.ME (offline)
- Messaging: WeChat, Line (may need VPN)
Everything About Internet in China
Cities
Internet in Beijing
Internet in Shanghai
Internet in Hong Kong
Internet in Guangzhou
Internet in Chengdu
Internet in Xi'an
Internet in Guilin
Internet in Shenzhen
Getting There
Carriers
Coverage
Prices & Plans
Data Prices
Roaming vs SIM vs eSIM
7 / 15 / 30-Day Plans
Unlimited Data & Fair Use
How Much Data Do I Need?
Practical
Uber, Maps & Taxis
How to Activate an eSIM
No Signal / APN Troubleshooting
SIM Scams & Where to Buy Safely
WhatsApp, 2FA & Banking