China Travel 2026 Which Apps Are Blocked?

China is considered one of the most attractive tourist destinations in the world for travel in 2026. As seen on social media, the number of people traveling to China this year has increased significantly. However, connecting to the online world in China might not be as easy as you think, because many of the apps we use daily might be unusable in China.

In this article, Brother Cow will take you through which apps are blocked, why they are blocked, and why preparing VPN that work in China is something you should do before flying there… 👲

Popular Apps Blocked in China in 2026 🧱

1. Facebook / Messenger 

Blocked since 2009 following the Xinjiang riots. The Chinese government claimed that Facebook was used as a communication channel for organizing protests, leading to a ban on access to all Facebook-owned platforms.

2. Instagram 

Blocked in 2014 during the Hong Kong protests. Photos and videos of the events were widely shared on Instagram, so China blocked it to control the content.

3. X (Twitter) 

Blocked since 2009. The government views Twitter (now X) as an uncontrollable source of news and information, often used to spread ideologies that conflict with the government.

4. TikTok 

Not officially blocked, but it cannot be used in mainland China because China has its own version called "Douyin," specifically designed for the domestic market with government-controlled content.

5. LINE 

Blocked around 2015 because it is not a Chinese app, does not comply with local censorship policies, and is highly popular among Japanese, Korean, and Thai tourists.

6. Google 

Restrictions began in 2010, followed by a full block in 2014 because Google refused to filter its search results according to government orders. All Google services (Gmail / Maps / YouTube / Drive / Translate) were blocked to limit access to information.

7. Netflix 

Has never been available in China because it does not pass the Chinese censorship system and lacks content licensing within the country.

8. Spotify 

Not directly available in China because the country has its own local music platforms, such as QQ Music and NetEase Cloud Music, where the government can control the content.

9. Reddit 

Blocked in 2018 because it is an open community featuring a large amount of political posts and content critical of China.

10. ChatGPT/Gemini and other popular AI 

Strictly blocked because the government cannot control the data and answers generated by AI. If you want to use an AI assistant, you should prepare a VPN in advance.

11. WhatsApp / Telegram 

End-to-End encrypted chat and communication apps from foreign countries are continuously blocked to prevent the transmission of data that escapes the government's surveillance.

12. Threads 

The new app from Meta also didn't survive. It was blocked by Chinese authorities, following in the footsteps of its sister apps, Facebook and Instagram.

13. Twitch

The famous live-streaming platform for gamers was blocked in 2018. During a time when e-sports were gaining massive popularity in China, the government couldn't control the content of foreign streamers or the chat rooms where sensitive topics might be discussed.

14. Disney+, Netflix (and other Western streaming platforms) 

These famous movie and series streaming platforms like Disney Plus or Netflix cannot be used in China because they do not pass the government's strict content censorship process. Furthermore, China prefers to push its own domestic streaming platforms (such as iQIYI, Tencent Video, or Youku).

Why are these apps blocked? 🔍

China has strict policies regarding the control of data, news, and online content to maintain social and political stability. Many foreign apps are viewed as "uncontrollable" and are therefore completely banned.

The mechanism behind this nationwide blocking of apps and websites is a cybersecurity system globally known as the Great Firewall (officially the Golden Shield Project). It is considered the largest and most complex internet censorship and control system in the world. The Chinese government uses this system in several ways, such as:

• IP Blocking: Blocking connections between servers in China and foreign app servers (e.g., Facebook or Google servers).
• Keyword Filtering: Intercepting and blocking content or search queries related to politics or topics the government deems sensitive.
• Controlling Data Traffic: Intercepting encrypted applications that the Chinese government cannot inspect or those that refuse to cooperate in disclosing user data.

Due to the strength of the Great Firewall, the global applications we use in our daily lives cannot transmit data across borders into China. This is the main reason why we must rely on VPNs that work in China to create a simulated data tunnel to pierce through this wall and connect with the outside world.

How are tourists affected?

• Users cannot access foreign content.
• Certain information is restricted or altered.
• Unprepared tourists will be instantly "cut off" from the outside world upon arriving in China.
• Unable to communicate with family (because LINE or Messenger won't work).
• Unable to navigate (Google Maps cannot be used).
• Unable to find restaurant or location reviews.
• Unable to access emails or work (Gmail is blocked).
• Unable to share experiences on social media as usual.

What is a VPN and how can BullVPN help you in China?

If you are wondering what is VPN, simply put, it is a Virtual Private Network that helps change your IP Address to make it look like you are browsing from another country. BullVPN is one of the VPNs that work in China, designed specifically for users who want to access the internet freely even in countries with strict usage restrictions.

What can BullVPN do?

• Change your device's location to appear as if you are in another country (e.g., Thailand, Japan, USA, etc.).
• Access apps blocked in China such as LINE, Google, Facebook, Gmail, ChatGPT, etc.
• Available on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, Android TV, and as a Chrome Extension.
• Keeps you safe with data encryption—no need to worry about being snooped on or having your data intercepted on public Wi-Fi.

Sign up for BullVPN at:https://www.bullvpn.com/signup

Things to know before using BullVPN in China

• Very Important: You must install BullVPN before traveling to China. Once you arrive in China, you will not be able to download the app from the App Store or Play Store.
• Download BullVPN:https://www.bullvpn.com/setup
• It is recommended to sign up and purchase a subscription package in advance for immediate convenience upon arrival.
• Choose an appropriate server. For example, if you want to watch content or use Thai banking apps smoothly, you should connect to a Server VPN for China, a VPN Server Thailand, or nearby servers like Singapore/Japan for the most stable connection.
• BullVPN has a Thai support team ready to assist. If you encounter connection issues in China, you can ask for help immediately.
• Preparing a VPN in advance is a normal practice for tourists and foreigners to stay connected. BullVPN is a popular choice among frequent travelers to China, making it one of the top VPNs that work in China to help make your trip convenient and easily connected to the outside world.

If you are planning to travel to China in 2026, besides preparing your itinerary, booking accommodations, and getting your essential documents ready, another indispensable thing for anyone looking for a VPN to use in China is preparing for internet access. Many of your daily apps might simply "disappear" the moment you arrive.

Therefore, installing VPNs that work in China like BullVPN in advance is an easy solution to keep you connected to the world just like before. We offer a Server VPN for China developed specifically for use in China, helping you bypass the Great Firewall to use LINE, Facebook, IG, catch up on trends, or seamlessly contact your family in Thailand throughout your entire trip. 🌏🐮🩵