What apps and websites are blocked in China?
All Google services (Search, Gmail, Maps, Drive, YouTube), Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter/X, TikTok, Netflix, Spotify, Telegram, Signal, Dropbox are blocked in mainland China. Install a VPN before arrival. Working alternatives: Baidu (search), WeChat (social), Amap (maps), Bilibili (video), NetEase Music (music).
Quick answer
All Google services (Search, Gmail, Maps, Drive, YouTube), Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter/X, TikTok, Netflix, Spotify, Telegram, Signal, Dropbox are blocked in mainland China. Install a VPN before arrival. Working alternatives: Baidu (search), WeChat (social), Amap (maps), Bilibili (video), NetEase Music (music).
Detailed answer
Complete Blocked List by Category
Search & Email: Google Search, Gmail, Google Images, Google Scholar, Bing (sometimes), DuckDuckGo.
Social Media: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X, TikTok/Douyin international, Snapchat, Pinterest, Tumblr, Reddit (sometimes), LinkedIn (sometimes).
Messaging: WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Line, KakaoTalk, Discord, Slack (unreliable).
Video & Streaming: YouTube, Netflix, Hulu, HBO Max, Disney+, Vimeo, Twitch, BBC iPlayer, Spotify (limited).
Productivity & Cloud: Google Drive, Google Docs, Dropbox, OneDrive (sometimes), GitHub (unreliable), Medium, WordPress.com.
News: New York Times, BBC, CNN, Reuters, Bloomberg, Guardian, Wikipedia (Chinese version blocked, English sometimes works).
Working Chinese Alternatives
Search: Baidu (baidu.com) — dominant Chinese search engine, has English version. Bing China sometimes works.
Maps & Navigation: Amap (Gaode) — best for China, has English interface. Baidu Maps is also good.
Social & Messaging: WeChat — universal messaging, moments (like Facebook), mini programs.
Video: Bilibili (bilibili.com) — like YouTube with anime/gaming focus. Youku, iQiyi, Tencent Video for TV/movies.
Music: NetEase Cloud Music, QQ Music, KuGou — large libraries, some international music.
Food & Reviews: Dianping (like Yelp), Meituan (deals & delivery), Ctrip/Trip.com (travel booking).
Rides: Didi (like Uber) — has English version.
VPN Setup Before You Go
CRITICAL: Install and test your VPN BEFORE arriving in China. VPN websites and app stores are blocked — you cannot download them after landing.
Recommended: ExpressVPN (most reliable), Astrill, NordVPN (use obfuscated servers), Surfshark (Camouflage mode).
Enable obfuscation/stealth mode in settings — this hides VPN traffic from Chinese detection.
Test with your phone on cellular data before departure — confirm it connects and WhatsApp/Google works.
Expect occasional disconnections. Keep WeChat as primary communication. Have a backup VPN installed (2 providers).
Hong Kong and Macau: no VPN needed — all apps work normally there.