Many travelers are surprised to find that Instagram does not load once they land in mainland China. Whether you’re visiting Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, or any other major city, Instagram won’t open unless you use a VPN. This guide explains everything clearly and simply, based on real experiences from tourists and expats.
Is Instagram Banned in China?
Yes.
Instagram has been blocked in mainland China since 2014. The app itself can be installed, but it cannot connect to Instagram servers without a VPN. Photos, videos, DMs, Reels, and Stories will all fail to load.
Is Instagram Banned in China in 2025?
Yes.
Nothing has changed in 2025 — Instagram remains completely inaccessible on mainland networks. The restriction applies to:
- Beijing
- Shanghai
- Guangzhou
- Shenzhen
- Chengdu
- All other mainland regions
Only Hong Kong and Macau are exceptions, where Instagram works normally.
Why Is Instagram Banned in China?
There are a few long-standing reasons:
- The government prefers domestic platforms like WeChat and Weibo.
- Instagram is owned by Meta (Facebook), which is also blocked.
- Content moderation on foreign platforms is hard to control.
- Instagram was widely used during certain political events, prompting stricter censorship.
In short, the ban is permanent and not expected to be lifted anytime soon.
Is It Illegal to Use Instagram in China?
No.
Instagram is blocked at the network level, but tourists are not breaking the law by using it.
Foreign visitors use VPNs every day to access Instagram, WhatsApp, Google, Gmail, and other overseas services.
China does not punish tourists for using Instagram with a VPN.
Does Instagram Work in China With a VPN?
Yes.
A VPN is the only way to make Instagram load in mainland China. Once the VPN is connected:
- Stories upload normally
- Reels play smoothly
- DM works
- Photo browsing is fine
The experience feels the same as using Instagram at home.
Which VPN Works?
This part is important:
Most VPNs are blocked, unstable, or slow. Tourists often find that their VPN works for a day or two, then stops.
Recommended: Tun Access VPN
Many travelers report that Tun Access VPN is one of the few VPNs that consistently works across China.
Its routing is optimized for Chinese networks, so Instagram loads quickly and videos play without constant reconnection.
You can also check the VPN Status page to see the latest availability reports before you arrive.
How to Access Instagram in China (Reddit Wisdom)
Reddit users frequently discuss this topic in communities like r/China and r/travel.
The advice is always the same:
- Download your VPN before you arrive — VPN websites are blocked in China.
- Have at least one backup VPN.
- Airport Wi-Fi may block VPN connections.
- Mobile data is sometimes more stable than hotel Wi-Fi.
- Instagram works perfectly once a VPN connects.
This advice matches real-world experience from frequent travelers.
Can I Use Instagram in China With an eSIM?
Yes.
An eSIM originating outside of China can bypass the Great Firewall when roaming in China..
As long as your phone has internet, Instagram will work.
You can use:
- your home SIM
- international roaming
- a travel eSIM
However, eSIM roaming services in China are often noticeably slower, and their data plans tend to be overpriced compared to using a VPN on a local SIM. In addition, roaming eSIMs do not provide a Chinese IP address, so many Chinese apps and online services will block or restrict access because they only allow traffic from mainland China IPs.
Can I Use Instagram in a China Airport?
Sometimes.
Airport Wi-Fi
Airport Wi-Fi often blocks VPN protocols. If your VPN doesn’t connect, Instagram won’t load.
Mobile Data
Mobile data (roaming or eSIM) usually works better.
In most cases, if your VPN can connect, then Instagram opens normally.
Can You Use Instagram in Shanghai?
Yes — with a VPN.
Shanghai has the same internet restrictions as the rest of mainland China.
Instagram is blocked on both Wi-Fi and mobile networks unless a VPN is active.
Tourists in Shanghai use VPNs every day to upload food photos, Bund night views, and travel stories.
Can You Use Instagram in Guangzhou?
Yes — with a VPN.
Guangzhou is also fully behind the Great Firewall. Instagram will not load at all without tunneling.
With a stable VPN:
- Stories upload
- Messages send
- Reels play
- Live streaming works
The experience is the same as any other country.
Do You Need a Chinese SIM for Instagram?
No.
The SIM card doesn’t matter.
Only your VPN matters.
Instagram will work with:
- foreign SIM
- Chinese SIM
- eSIM
- hotel Wi-Fi
- airport Wi-Fi
As long as your VPN can connect.
Conclusion: Can Tourists Use Instagram in China?
Yes, but only with a VPN.
Instagram has been blocked in mainland China for years, and it remains blocked in 2025. It is not illegal to use it, but you must prepare your VPN before entering the country because most VPN websites are blocked.
If you want stable access during your trip, Tun Access VPN is one of the few services that consistently work for Instagram, WhatsApp, and Google in China.
Before you travel, check the VPN Status page for the latest connection reports.
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