On the Chinese mainland, some overseas websites and apps (Google, Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, YouTube) are not directly accessible - part of the country's internet governance.
Solutions: (1) buy a local SIM or international roaming from China Mobile/Unicom/Telecom - full access to all domestic sites; (2) use compliant international leased lines/VPNs (individual use: understand the policy risks yourself); (3) hotels and airports offer international Wi-Fi access points.
Airport Wi-Fi: major airports offer free Wi-Fi - connect, open the browser, and verify by phone number or passport; some airports issue codes at self-service kiosks.
SIM cards: airports and carrier shops sell short-term data plans (7/15/30 days, about 50-200 yuan) with your passport; eSIM is not yet broadly offered by Chinese carriers, so consider an overseas roaming eSIM.
Practical tips: navigate with Gaode Maps or Baidu Maps (English interfaces available); ride-hail with Didi (international version) or Gaode. These apps need a Chinese number or verification code - hotel staff can help.
