If you’re planning a trip to China, you’ve probably heard of the Great Firewall — the country’s internet censorship system that blocks access to sites like:
- YouTube
- Google services
But what if you could bypass all of that without installing a VPN?
Good news: you can — and I’ll show you how.
📱 Access the Internet in China Without a VPN: The Smart Way
After living in China for nearly 2 years, I’ve tested dozens of methods to stay connected. Here’s the best working solution in 2025 — no technical skills or shady hacks required.
✅ Step 1: Use an International eSIM like Airalo
The easiest and most reliable method is using a travel eSIM that connects your phone through international servers, avoiding Chinese censorship altogether.
Here’s why I recommend Holafly:
- Instant 4G/5G internet upon arrival
- No VPN required — access to Instagram, YouTube, WhatsApp just works
- Bypasses China’s Great Firewall using roaming from outside Mainland China (like Hong Kong)
- Quick setup: just scan a QR code
- Works in all major Chinese cities and most rural areas
💸 Get 5% off by using my link:
👉 Download the Holafly app here
💻 Need a VPN Alternative for Laptops?
While Airalo works great on smartphones, VPNs are still necessary for computers if you want to upload content, stream, or access blocked websites.
But here’s the catch:
Most big-name VPNs like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark are often detected and blocked in China.
That’s why I use and recommend LetsVPN — a lesser-known but highly reliable app that consistently works in China (even when the others fail).
🔒 Why LetsVPN Works:
- Designed to avoid detection by the Chinese firewall
- Available on App Store and Google Play
- Lightweight, fast, and doesn’t kill your battery
- Supports background connections — perfect for uploading large files (like YouTube videos)
🎁 Bonus: Use my link when signing up to get 5% off your next order!
❓ Why Does Holafly Work Without a VPN?
Here’s the clever part:
When you install Holafly’s international eSIM (like Asia Link or Global plans), your phone goes into roaming mode, connecting to internet servers outside Mainland China — usually via Hong Kong, Singapore, or Thailand.
That means:
✅ No Chinese internet restrictions
✅ No firewall
✅ Full access to Google, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and more
✈️ Final Thoughts: Stay Connected in China the Easy Way
Whether you’re a tourist, digital nomad, or content creator, staying connected in China doesn’t have to be hard.
TL;DR:
- Best eSIM: Holafly – use my link for 5% off!
- Best VPN for laptops: LetsVPN (use referral ID
506246218) - Best way to book hotels and trains in China trip.com
With this combo, you’ll enjoy fast, unrestricted internet in China — no tech headaches, no VPN drama.