Yes, Google Maps is effectively blocked in mainland China by the "Great Firewall," making it unreliable or inaccessible without a VPN, as the Chinese government restricts most Google services for data control and censorship. While some map data might show up (often outdated or offset due to data regulations), locals and travelers rely on domestic apps like Amap (Gaode Maps) and Baidu Maps for accurate, real-time navigation.
China's Great Firewall: What Tourists Need to Know
This nationwide filter blocks access to many Western websites and applications, including Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, WhatsApp, and all Google services.
Chinese citizens do not have access to Google services using standard local networks within mainland China, as Google is completely blocked.
Baidu Maps — A must for getting around, since Google Maps doesn't work well in China. Whether you're figuring out the metro or walking to your next spot, Baidu Maps has you covered.
The "Three Ts" in China refer to the highly sensitive topics of Taiwan, Tibet, and Tiananmen Square, which are major taboos and subjects of strict censorship, with discussions often discouraged or forbidden due to their challenge to the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) narrative and authority. Foreigners are often advised to avoid these topics to prevent discomfort, legal issues, or awkwardness with Chinese citizens.
TL;DR: No, WhatsApp is blocked in China by the Great Firewall. However, travelers can easily bypass this restriction using a travel eSIM (like Nomad eSIM) or a VPN. For most tourists, a travel eSIM is the most reliable and hassle-free solution to ensure WhatsApp works in China for messaging and calling.
Baidu is the most used search engine in China, controlling 76.05 percent of China's market share. The number of Internet users in China had reached 705 million by the end of 2015, according to a report by the internetlivestats.com.
Netflix is one of the world's leading entertainment services and is available in over 190 countries. Our library of TV shows and movies varies by country and changes periodically. Netflix is not available in: China.
China's restrictive government blocks access to tons of websites and online services, and Instagram is one of its victims.
The legality of VPN use in China isn't black and white. Officially, only government-approved VPNs are legal. These are typically used by corporations for internal communications, not by individuals. However, in practice, millions of expats and tourists use VPNs daily without facing penalties.
Not without a VPN. Google and all its services (Gmail, Maps, Docs, etc.) are blocked in China and require a reliable VPN to access.
China's Web Browser Market in 2025
Due to internet restrictions, Google services, including Google Maps, are blocked in China. Even with a VPN, the connection can be unstable or super slow. That's why most travellers (and all locals) rely on China-based map apps like Amap (Gaode Map) or Baidu Maps.
Even outside of China, Baidu still beats Google. While Google evaluates content equally, Baidu prioritises and gives a higher ranking to Chinese content. Naturally, Baidu will have a better performance in the Chinese search engine market.
No, the standard Baidu Maps app does not have a full English interface, focusing primarily on the Chinese market, but recent developments introduced "Beijing Map," a specific English version for tourists in Beijing. For general use in China, you can use translation apps with Baidu or try other apps like Amap (Gaode Maps) which has an English version, or Apple Maps.
YouTube, along with many other websites, is blocked in China. This is due to censorship measures enforced by the country's "Great Firewall". You can use our EXPERTE.com Internet censorship check to find out which websites are banned in China.
In the U.S, it is legal to use a VPN with Netflix, although the company doesn't allow it, technically. However, some countries ban VPNs, so make sure that you're following the law, wherever you may be.
Like many other famous websites or web services, Spotify doesn't work in China, people living or traveling in China are typically unable to listen their favorite songs and any other song on Spotify.
Popular Chinese Social Media Apps
On the date of the sale, Google's stake in Baidu was worth about $63 million, and the search heavy paid $5 million for the share in June 2004, Reuters reports. Google is by far the global leader in search, but Baidu currently owns the Chinese search space.
We recommend you use one of the top VPNs for China and will demonstrate with the best of them, NordVPN.
Is a VPN Illegal in China? It's not illegal to use a VPN in China, but you may get in trouble for using a service the government hasn't approved. Even then, you're more likely to get your phone confiscated and wiped than to be fined or sent to jail.
Yes, Gmail is blocked in China. And it's not just Gmail; China blocks all Google apps including, YouTube, Blogger, Google Sheets, Google Docs, etc. Anything that is owned and hosted by Google is currently inaccessible in China.
Working with the internet in China
These regulations mean people in China are blocked from using social networks, such as Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter. For travelers who want to stay in touch with people back home, we recommend connecting to WeChat and sharing your travel news that way. It's easy to do.