One of the biggest concerns while traveling to China is internet access and connectivity. Unlike most countries, China operates behind a highly controlled internet system known as the Great Firewall.

This system restricts access to many global apps and services such as WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, and even Google Maps. As a result, staying connected with the outside world requires a bit of planning in advance.

Most travelers typically rely on either a local SIM card with a VPN or an international eSIM that comes with an inbuilt VPN to bypass these restrictions and access global apps.

In my case, I chose to get an eSIM from Trip.com. The plan included:

• 30 days validity
• 1 GB data per day
• Cost: approximately INR 1300
• Built-in VPN functionality

This made the setup extremely convenient, as I didn’t have to install or configure a separate VPN.

In terms of performance, the internet speed was on the slower side, but it was reliable enough to manage all essential tasks. I was able to:

• Use AMaps for navigation
• Browse and research using DeepSeek/Chatgpt 
• Book cabs via DiDi
• Manage bookings for trains, stays, activities, and tickets on Trip.com

However, the limitation was noticeable when using heavier apps like Instagram. Instagram would often lag, keep loading, or get stuck, making it difficult to use smoothly.

So while the setup worked perfectly for navigation, bookings, and communication, it wasn’t ideal for content-heavy usage like uploading or browsing on social media.