What will not open

Connecting

FCDO (27 Aug 2026): Google, Facebook, YouTube, and X are permanently blocked. Other sites may be blocked.

Plan as if WhatsApp, Telegram, Instagram, and Gmail will not work on ordinary mainland Wi-Fi and SIMs. That is this site’s planning guidance, not an FCDO list. WeChat is the working local network.

This page does not recommend a VPN, name a product, or give setup steps. Follow Chinese law.

UK FCDO China, 27 Aug 2026 · 27 Aug 2026

FAQ

Will Google or Instagram open on mainland Wi-Fi?

FCDO (27 Aug 2026) lists Google, Facebook, YouTube, and X as permanently blocked. Other sites may be blocked. Instagram is not in that FCDO paragraph; this site still plans as if Instagram will not work on ordinary mainland Wi-Fi and SIMs. Official: UK FCDO China, 27 Aug 2026.

Which messaging works on the mainland?

WeChat is the working local network. Plan as if WhatsApp and Telegram will not work on ordinary mainland Wi-Fi and SIMs. That is this site’s planning guidance, not an FCDO list.

Will Gmail work on a Chinese SIM?

Plan as if Gmail will not work on ordinary mainland Wi-Fi and SIMs. That is this site’s planning guidance. FCDO’s listed paragraph covers Google, Facebook, YouTube, and X — it does not list Gmail there.

Does this page recommend a VPN?

No. This page does not recommend a VPN, name a product, or give setup steps. Follow Chinese law.

What is the source of the blocking guidance?

The permanent-block list for Google, Facebook, YouTube, and X is from UK FCDO China travel advice (27 Aug 2026). Other apps named on this page are site planning guidance, not items FCDO listed in that paragraph. Official: UK FCDO China, 27 Aug 2026. Last checked: 27 Aug 2026.