Have you recently landed in China for a business trip or for a tour? And found popular social media platforms and email providers don’t work because of the firewall? If yes, you could definitely panic in this situation. However, if this happened to you, avoid panicking and try these ways that actually work to bypass the restrictions.
5 Quick Ways to Bypass Internet Restrictions in China
Let’s have a look at these solutions:
1. Use VPN Services
The initial thing that comes to mind for any foreigner to unblock sites and apps while staying in Beijing is a VPN. Virtual private networks, or VPNs, are definitely the first choice for accessing open VPNs worldwide. However, if you ask whether this option will work in China, the answer is both yes and no.
Yes, if you can download these VPNs from official mirrors, since official sites don’t work in China, that is great. After this, you must choose the most advanced protocols and encryption tools to achieve a good speed. The best VPNs that still work in China are Let’s VPN and Astrill. We would also advise you to avoid using VPNs during peak hours, as they can be sluggish then.
2. Use eSIMs
One of my favourite ways to avoid restrictions imposed by the GFW in Mainland China is to use an eSIM. Before entering China, you must buy an eSIM from a nearby country, such as South Korea, Taiwan, or Singapore, and activate it. These SIMs have built-in VPN functionalities. So, when data is routed through your home network, it often provides more consistent access to global apps without requiring changes to device settings.
The only drawback of this option is the high cost. Indeed, using eSIMs is definitely more expensive than using free or even premium VPN services.
3. Airport VPNs
Another widely effective solution is “机场” (jīchǎng) services. All in all, as a foreigner, you shouldn’t go with the translated version. Yes, this is Chinese slang for airports, but calling VPNs and proxies “odious” in China is considered odious, which is why they use a variety of terms for them. Locals usually say “上机场” (to “use an airport”) to unblock international websites and platforms.
In everyday use, “机场” now loosely refers to a range of third-party networking tools that exist outside conventional telecom infrastructure. Fortunately, this option is not only flexible to use but also 100% effective and economical. Yes, the majority of Airport service providers are Chinese companies, so their rates are in Yuan or lower, unlike VPN services from Greece, the US, and Switzerland.
4. Proxy Services
Proxy services are widely discussed as systems that help redirect internet requests via international servers. They provide a way to access websites and applications that may not function directly over local internet routes. The connection typically passes through an intermediary server rather than reaching the destination site directly, which may affect access, performance, or anonymity.
When it comes to their offerings, proxy solutions are available in different tiers, from lightweight web tools to subscription-based platforms built for stability and multi-device use. It is better to use a local proxy service provider because they are connected to the government and offer the best speeds. However, you can also avoid China-based subscriptions if sensitive data is involved.
5. Deploy Virtual Private Server
A VPS (Virtual Private Server) is a flexible technical tool used to run and manage internet services in a remote environment. In simple terms, it’s like renting a personal computer online that you can fully control. Since it operates independently of local devices and networks, some users configure VPS setups to route traffic through overseas servers, which can help access websites and services that may not load directly on a local connection.
In practice, a VPS isn’t a plug-and-play solution. It usually requires proper setup and a certain level of technical knowledge to function as an internet access bridge. People who use it this way often appreciate the stability and control it provides compared to shared or preconfigured services. Because it is highly customizable, a VPS can be adapted for secure browsing, remote work, or more consistent access to global platforms, depending on the user’s needs and technical comfort level.
Final Words
In the end, staying connected in Mainland China usually comes down to choosing the right tools for your specific needs. Options range from roaming data and local platforms to proxy services, “airport” networks, and VPS setups, each with different trade-offs in speed, stability, and ease of use.
What matters most is selecting an approach that fits your purpose, whether you’re travelling, working remotely, or staying long term. While the digital environment can seem complicated at first, understanding the available options makes it easier to find a setup that is practical, stable, and suited to everyday use.
