Tag: Shenzhen

  • Can Tourists Use Instagram in China? (2025 Guide)

    Can Tourists Use Instagram in China? (2025 Guide)

    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:

    1. The government prefers domestic platforms like WeChat and Weibo.
    2. Instagram is owned by Meta (Facebook), which is also blocked.
    3. Content moderation on foreign platforms is hard to control.
    4. 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:

    1. Download your VPN before you arrive — VPN websites are blocked in China.
    2. Have at least one backup VPN.
    3. Airport Wi-Fi may block VPN connections.
    4. Mobile data is sometimes more stable than hotel Wi-Fi.
    5. 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.

  • Does WhatsApp Work in China for Foreigners? A Practical Guide (2025)

    Does WhatsApp Work in China for Foreigners? A Practical Guide (2025)

    Many travelers, expats, and business visitors ask the same question before landing in China: does WhatsApp work in China?
    The short answer is: WhatsApp is blocked in mainland China, but it works normally with a reliable VPN. This applies whether you’re in Beijing, Shanghai, Shenzhen, or any other mainland city.

    This guide explains how WhatsApp works in China in 2025, how foreigners can use it on iPhone and Android, and what actually works in real life.

    Is WhatsApp Banned in China?

    Yes.
    WhatsApp has been blocked since 2017. Text messages, voice calls, and video calls cannot reach WhatsApp servers without a VPN.

    The app is not removed from app stores, but all connections are filtered by the Great Firewall.

    This applies everywhere in mainland China including:

    • Beijing
    • Shanghai
    • Guangzhou
    • Chengdu
    • Shenzhen

    If you open the app without a VPN, it usually stays on Connecting… and nothing sends.

    Does WhatsApp Work in China in 2025?

    Yes — with a VPN.
    In 2025, nothing has changed: WhatsApp is still blocked, but works fine once a VPN is connected.

    This is why many people search things like:

    • Does WhatsApp work in China Reddit?
    • Does WhatsApp work in China with VPN?
    • How to use WhatsApp in China for free?

    Expats and frequent travelers on Reddit say the same thing every year: it only works reliably with the right VPN.

    Our Recommendation: Tun Access VPN

    From actual testing, Tun Access VPN is one of the few services that works consistently in mainland China.
    It uses routes specifically optimized for China, so WhatsApp messages and calls run smoothly even during stronger censorship periods.

    You can check our VPN Status page anytime to see the latest WhatsApp/VPN availability reports before you travel.

    Does WhatsApp Work in Beijing?

    Yes — with a VPN.

    Beijing has the same Great Firewall restrictions as the rest of mainland China, so WhatsApp does not work on its own. With a stable VPN connection, messaging and calls work normally.

    Can I Use WhatsApp in Shanghai?

    Yes — with a VPN.

    Tourists, business travelers, and expats in Shanghai use WhatsApp every day by connecting to a working VPN.

    Does WhatsApp work in Shanghai Pudong Airport?

    Yes, but only if your VPN can connect on airport Wi-Fi.
    Some airport Wi-Fi networks block VPN apps, so using mobile data is more reliable.

    Can I Use WhatsApp in Hong Kong?

    Yes — WhatsApp is not blocked in Hong Kong, and you do not need a VPN there.
    The same is true in:

    • Macau
    • Taiwan

    Only mainland China blocks WhatsApp.

    Can I Use WhatsApp in China as a Tourist?

    Yes — tourists can use WhatsApp, but only with a VPN.

    If you’re coming for a short trip, make sure to:

    1. Install WhatsApp before arrival
    2. Install and activate your VPN before arrival
    3. Test the VPN at home first
    4. Bring multiple VPN apps in case one fails during your trip

    Tourists often rely on WhatsApp to contact family because their home SIM still works for verification.

    How to Use WhatsApp in China (iPhone & Android)

    How to use WhatsApp in China on iPhone

    1. Install WhatsApp outside China
    2. Install your VPN (Tun Access VPN recommended)
    3. Turn on VPN
    4. Open WhatsApp — messages and calls will work normally

    iPhone users should disable “Low Data Mode” on Wi-Fi because it sometimes interferes with VPN performance.

    How to use WhatsApp in China on Android

    Android works the same way:

    1. Install WhatsApp
    2. Install VPN
    3. Connect VPN
    4. Use WhatsApp as usual

    Some Android phones have aggressive background restrictions; allowing your VPN to run in the background helps maintain stable WhatsApp calls.

    How to Use WhatsApp in China for Free

    There is no reliable free method.

    Free VPNs get blocked quickly and often leak your information.
    For stable WhatsApp calling, you need a paid VPN that is actually tested inside China.

    China WhatsApp Download — Can You Install It?

    Yes.
    You can download WhatsApp in China from:

    • Apple App Store
    • Google Play (if using a foreign Google account / VPN)
    • WhatsApp’s official APK website

    But installing the app does not mean it will work without a VPN.

    WhatsApp in China: What Expats Say (Reddit Summary)

    Searches like “WhatsApp in China Reddit” or “Does WhatsApp work in China Reddit” appear often.
    Reddit users repeat the same points every year:

    • WhatsApp is blocked
    • VPN is required
    • Only a few VPNs work reliably
    • Airport and hotel Wi-Fi may block some VPNs
    • Bring multiple VPN backups

    This lines up with real-world experience from expats who live long-term in China.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    1. Does WhatsApp work in China without VPN?

    No.

    2. Does WhatsApp work in China with VPN?

    Yes — it works perfectly.

    3. Can you use WhatsApp video calls in China?

    Yes, with a VPN.

    4. Is WhatsApp banned in China?

    Yes, WhatsApp is blocked on the mainland.

    5. Can I receive WhatsApp SMS verification in China?

    Yes, but you may need a VPN to complete registration.

    Conclusion

    WhatsApp does not work in mainland China unless you use a VPN. This applies to Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, and every other mainland city.

    With a stable VPN — especially one optimized for China like Tun Access VPN — WhatsApp messages, calls, and video chats work the same as anywhere else in the world.

    If you rely on WhatsApp to stay connected, install your VPN before entering China and test it ahead of time. You can also check our VPN Status page for the latest WhatsApp availability reports.