AsiaBeijingChina Mainland eSIM and Travel Guide: Stay Connected with Google, WhatsApp and All Apps
China mainland has the world's most extensive 5G network, operated by China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom, covering all cities and most rural areas. However, the Great Firewall blocks Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and many Western platforms on local SIM connections. A Roamix China mainland eSIM routes your traffic internationally, so all blocked apps work normally without needing a VPN. Budget 8 to 15 GB for two weeks and always download offline maps before venturing beyond city areas, as Google Maps requires the international routing a Roamix eSIM provides.
Key Takeaways
- A Roamix eSIM routes traffic internationally, so Google, WhatsApp, Instagram and FaceTime all work normally without a VPN.
- China Mobile has the largest 5G network in the world with the widest coverage across both cities and rural areas.
- WeChat and Alipay dominate local digital life and payments, making them worth installing alongside your usual apps.
- China's high-speed rail network is one of the most impressive in the world and ideal for inter-city travel.
- Download offline maps over Roamix data before city excursions, as Google Maps requires the international routing that Roamix provides.
Quick Facts
China mainland Connectivity
Get a Roamix China mainland eSIM and land with Google, WhatsApp and all your apps working from day one.
How to Stay Connected in China mainland
Hotels and cafes offer wifi but local wifi is subject to the Great Firewall, meaning Google, WhatsApp and Western apps are blocked on those connections too. Your Roamix eSIM's international routing works independently of wifi and is the most reliable way to access all your usual apps.
Option
Best For
Notes
RecommendedRoamix eSIM
All international travellers
International traffic routing means Google, WhatsApp and FaceTime work normally. No VPN needed. Connects to China Mobile, Unicom or Telecom for local network speeds.
Local physical SIM
Travellers who only need WeChat and local apps
Local SIMs are cheap but subject to the Great Firewall, blocking Google, WhatsApp and most Western apps. Requires passport registration in a Chinese operator store.
Pocket wifi
Groups travelling together
Some international pocket wifi devices route traffic internationally, similar to Roamix. Check whether the device uses international routing before purchasing or renting.
Carrier roaming
Very short trips
International carrier roaming in China can be expensive and many carriers also route through the Great Firewall, blocking Google and WhatsApp. A Roamix eSIM avoids both issues.
For international travellers to China mainland, a Roamix eSIM is the only connectivity solution that gives you both full local network speeds and unrestricted access to Google, WhatsApp and all your usual apps from the moment you land.
Get connected the moment you land in China mainland.
Get your China mainland eSIMMobile Networks in China mainland
China mainland has the world's largest and most advanced 5G network, operated by China Mobile, China Unicom and China Telecom across all major cities and most rural areas. A Roamix China mainland eSIM connects to these networks but routes your traffic internationally, meaning Google, WhatsApp, FaceTime and other blocked apps work normally from the moment you land at PVG, PEK or any Chinese airport.
World's largest mobile operator with the highest 5G base station count. Dominant in rural areas, Tibet, Xinjiang and western China where other operators are weaker. Best for travellers going off the beaten track.
Co-builds 5G infrastructure with China Telecom in major cities under a network sharing agreement. Strong in eastern China, the Yangtze River Delta and major tourist cities. Shared towers mean near-identical urban coverage to Telecom.
Shares 5G infrastructure with China Unicom in cities. Strong in southern China and coastal provinces. Reliable 4G in most provincial capitals and county towns.
Typical Speeds
5G in Beijing, Shanghai and major cities delivers 150 to 500 Mbps. 4G delivers 50 to 150 Mbps in all cities and most towns.
5G Status
China has more 5G base stations than the rest of the world combined, with full coverage in all prefecture-level cities and expanding to county and rural areas.
The single most important thing to know about using a phone in China mainland is that the Great Firewall blocks Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube on local SIM connections. A Roamix eSIM bypasses this completely by routing traffic internationally. You get full 5G speeds on Chinese infrastructure with all your usual apps working normally.
Despite the world's densest urban coverage, remote areas including the Tibetan Plateau, Gobi Desert interior, Sichuan mountain routes and parts of Yunnan and Guizhou can have limited 4G and 2G-only coverage. Always download offline maps before venturing into rural or mountain areas.
Chinese 5G uses 3.5 GHz (n78) and 2.6 GHz (n41) bands. 4G uses bands 1, 3, 5, 8 and 40. Most unlocked phones from iPhone XS onward and recent Android flagships are fully compatible.
Data Usage Guide
Data needs in China mainland are moderate for city travel but can be higher if you rely on Google services or streaming via Roamix's international routing, which adds a small overhead compared to local content.
Download Google Maps offline packages for each city before you arrive. Roamix international routing works seamlessly but for maps in areas with limited signal, offline packages are more reliable.
Data by Activity
Light Use
5 to 8 GB
One week city trip in Beijing or Shanghai
Metro navigation via Google Maps, WhatsApp communication, social uploads, light streaming and daily messaging.
Standard
10 to 15 GB
Two-week trip covering Beijing, Shanghai and Yunnan
Train bookings, offline map downloads, Google Maps navigation, video calls home and social sharing across multiple cities.
Heavy Use
20 GB or more
Remote work base in Shanghai or Beijing
Video calls, Google Workspace access via international routing, cloud uploads and regular messaging alongside daily sightseeing.
Apps & Internet Freedom
China mainland operates the Great Firewall, which blocks Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube and many Western platforms on local SIM connections. A Roamix eSIM routes your traffic internationally, bypassing these restrictions so all your usual apps work normally. This is the single most important connectivity advantage for travellers to China mainland.
The Great Firewall of China blocks Google Search, Gmail, Google Maps, WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, X (Twitter), Snapchat and many other Western services on local network connections. WeChat, Weibo, Baidu and Alipay are the dominant Chinese alternatives.
Blocked on local Chinese SIMs. Works normally on Roamix because traffic routes internationally, bypassing the Great Firewall.
FaceTime
Blocked on local Chinese SIMs. Works fully on Roamix with international traffic routing.
Google Maps and Search
Blocked on local Chinese SIMs. Works normally on Roamix. Install Google Maps offline packages before trips outside major cities.
Instagram and Facebook
Blocked on local Chinese SIMs. Both platforms work normally on a Roamix eSIM through international routing.
Roamix routes traffic internationally rather than through a restricted local breakout, so apps like WhatsApp, FaceTime and Google work normally without a VPN. This is the most important connectivity advantage for travellers visiting China mainland.
How to Set Up a China mainland eSIM
Install your Roamix China mainland eSIM over wifi before departure. It activates automatically when you land and connects to China Mobile, Unicom or Telecom with international traffic routing, meaning Google and WhatsApp work from the moment you clear customs.
Works on eSIM-capable unlocked phones including iPhone XS and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and recent Samsung Galaxy models. Ensure the device is carrier unlocked and compatible with Chinese 5G bands.
- 1
Buy your plan on the Roamix China mainland eSIM page before departure.
- 2
Scan the QR code or tap to install the eSIM over wifi at home.
- 3
Label it Roamix and keep your home SIM as primary for calls and SMS.
- 4
Enable data roaming for the Roamix line only.
- 5
Land in China and the eSIM connects automatically with Google, WhatsApp and all apps working.
APN Note
Roamix sets the correct APN and routing configuration automatically on most devices. If data does not start on arrival, apply the APN from your activation email and toggle airplane mode.
Troubleshooting
If apps appear to be blocked, check that your data is routing through the Roamix line and not your local SIM. Ensure data roaming is enabled only for the Roamix profile and restart.
Get connected the moment you land in China mainland.
Get your China mainland eSIMArrival Checklist
Confirm your Roamix eSIM is connected and that WhatsApp and Google are working before leaving the arrivals hall.
Download the WeChat app before arrival as it is essential for local communication, restaurant menus and venue bookings.
Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay before departure or at the airport, as many Chinese vendors are now cashless and do not accept foreign cards.
Download offline Google Maps packages for your first destination over Roamix data before leaving the airport.
Save your hotel address in Chinese characters and offline, as showing it to taxi drivers and metro staff is essential.
How locals communicate
WeChat dominates all communication in China mainland, from personal messaging and video calls to business contact, restaurant bookings and payment. Most local services will not use WhatsApp or international platforms. Having WeChat installed before arrival is essential.
Set up WeChat before departure linked to your home phone number. Keep your home SIM active for SMS verification. Use Roamix data for all Google, WhatsApp and international communication.
Airports in China mainland
Beijing Capital International Airport
Beijing
Free wifi across all three terminals, though speeds on public wifi can be limited. Your Roamix eSIM will be far faster and ensures all apps work.
Confirm your Roamix eSIM is connected and check that WhatsApp and Google work before exiting the terminal. The Airport Express train reaches Dongzhimen in 25 minutes; use Roamix data to check the schedule.
Beijing Daxing International Airport
Beijing
Full 5G coverage throughout the terminal via China Mobile and China Unicom. Free public wifi is available.
Daxing is served by the Daxing Airport Line metro connecting to the city in 35 minutes. Use Roamix data to buy your ticket via WeChat Pay or confirm your transfer before leaving baggage claim.
Shanghai Pudong International Airport
Shanghai
Free wifi across both terminals with 5G coverage throughout the airport. Public wifi is slow but adequate for messaging.
The Maglev train from PVG reaches Longyang Road in 7 minutes at 431 km/h, or take the Metro Line 2 for 50 minutes into central Shanghai. With Roamix data active, you can confirm your route and buy tickets before you exit baggage claim.
Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport
Shanghai
Good 5G coverage and free wifi throughout the terminal.
Hongqiao connects directly to the high-speed rail hub for trains to Beijing, Hangzhou, Nanjing and Suzhou. Use Roamix data to access train schedules and confirm your connection before arrival.
Visa & Entry for China mainland
Most foreign nationals require a visa to enter China mainland. The 144-hour transit visa-free policy and 15-day visa-free entry for citizens of certain countries expanded significantly in 2024 and 2025. Citizens of France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Netherlands, Switzerland and around 40 other countries now have access to 15-day visa-free entry. US citizens currently require a visa.
eVisa / ETA
China offers an e-visa through the Chinese Embassy website. Processing typically takes 4 to 7 working days. The 144-hour transit visa exemption is available at major international airports. Check the current visa-free country list on the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs website, as it has expanded frequently.
Passport validity
Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond your visa's end date. Ensure you have at least one blank page for stamps.
Onward ticket
Proof of onward travel out of China is required for most entry types. Ensure your departure ticket is accessible and within the validity period of your visa or visa-free entry.
Download your visa documents, hotel addresses in Chinese characters and onward travel details to offline storage. Use Roamix data at the airport to access maps and translation apps from the moment you clear customs.
Chinese visa and entry rules change frequently. Confirm current requirements with the Chinese Embassy or consulate in your country before booking. The visa-free country list has been expanding since 2024.
Get connected the moment you land in China mainland.
Get your China mainland eSIMMoney & Payments in China mainland
China is increasingly cashless. WeChat Pay and Alipay are accepted virtually everywhere, including street food stalls and taxis. International travellers can now link a foreign Visa or Mastercard to Alipay for most payments without a Chinese bank account.
Cash vs Card
Link a foreign card to Alipay before or immediately on arrival at the airport for day-to-day spending. Carry a small amount of CNY cash for markets, temples and very small vendors. UnionPay cards are accepted more widely than Visa in local shops.
ATMs
ATMs at Bank of China and ICBC accept foreign Visa and Mastercard. Use bank ATMs rather than standalone machines. The fee per withdrawal is typically 25 CNY. Always choose to be charged in CNY.
Payment Apps
Alipay is essential for daily spending in China. Download it and link a foreign card before departure. WeChat Pay requires a local bank account for foreigners, though tourist mini-programme wallets with foreign card linking have expanded in recent years.
Daily Budget
Budget travellers spending on hostels and street food can manage 200 to 350 CNY per day. Mid-range travel is 500 to 800 CNY. Luxury hotels and fine dining in Shanghai or Beijing push costs significantly higher.
Data cost: A Roamix China mainland eSIM typically costs far less than international carrier roaming for a two-week trip, and is the only option that also solves the Great Firewall problem.
Getting Around China mainland
China has the world's largest high-speed rail network and an excellent domestic aviation sector, plus metro systems in over 40 cities. Data is essential for navigating, booking trains and using the dominant local apps including DiDi for rideshare, Alipay and WeChat for payments.
High-speed rail (HSR)
China's high-speed rail network covers most major cities, with trains reaching 350 km/h. Book tickets on the 12306 app or website using Roamix data. Most HSR lines have 4G coverage throughout the journey.
City metro
Over 40 Chinese cities have metro systems. Navigate with Google Maps (via Roamix international routing) or Gaode Maps. Pay with Alipay or WeChat Pay via your phone wallet. Most metro lines have 4G coverage.
DiDi rideshare
DiDi is the dominant rideshare app in China and requires an active data connection. The international version of DiDi works with foreign payment methods. Roamix data keeps DiDi running throughout your trip.
Domestic flights
Essential for covering China's vast distances quickly. Book on Ctrip or Qunar using Roamix data. Check-in online and store boarding passes offline for use in the airport.
Intercity bus
Buses serve destinations not reached by HSR, including towns near national parks and remote areas. Use Roamix data to confirm schedules and book through Ctrip before each journey.
Regions & Travel
China mainland rewards travellers who prepare well. Distances between highlights are enormous, the language gap is significant without local apps, and the Great Firewall means connectivity planning is essential before departure. A Roamix eSIM solves the internet access problem while China's world-class high-speed rail, domestic aviation and increasingly tourist-friendly infrastructure handles the rest.
Best time to visit: April to May and September to October for most of the country, with mild weather, fewer crowds and clear skies. December to February for Chinese winter festivals and off-season travel, but cold in the north. Avoid Golden Week (October 1 to 7) and Chinese New Year (January to February) when domestic travel crowds are extreme.
Beijing and the North
China's capital, with the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Great Wall, the Temple of Heaven and the Summer Palace making it the country's most visited destination. Xi'an and its Terracotta Warriors are a high-speed rail day trip or overnight journey away.
Signal: Excellent 5G across central Beijing and all tourist sites. China Mobile and China Unicom are both strong. The Great Wall sections at Mutianyu and Jinshanling have coverage, while more remote sections may drop to 4G.
Shanghai and the Yangtze Delta
China's most international city, where the Bund waterfront, Pudong skyline, French Concession lanes and proximity to ancient water towns like Suzhou and Zhujiajiao make it the country's most cosmopolitan destination.
Signal: Best 5G coverage in China, with speeds often exceeding 300 Mbps in central Shanghai. Pudong, the Bund, all metro lines and the Maglev train to the airport are all excellently covered.
Southwest China and Yunnan
The most scenically diverse region of China, where Yunnan's minority cultures, Lijiang's ancient Naxi old town, the Tiger Leaping Gorge, Dali's Erhai Lake and the Shangri-La plateau sit alongside Guizhou's rice terraces and Chengdu's giant pandas.
Signal: Good 4G in Yunnan cities and tourist towns including Kunming, Lijiang, Dali and Shangri-La. Mountain routes between towns and Tiger Leaping Gorge can drop to 3G or no signal. China Mobile has the best rural reach.
Eastern China and the River Towns
China's most densely visited region beyond Shanghai, including Hangzhou's West Lake, the Huang Shan yellow mountains, the ancient water towns of Tongli and Xitang, and Nanjing's historic sites.
Signal: Excellent 5G and 4G coverage throughout eastern China. All major tourist destinations including Huangshan summit and Hangzhou's West Lake area have strong signal.
Silk Road and Northwest China
The ancient heartland of Dunhuang's Mogao Caves, the Gobi Desert, Zhangye Danxia Landform, Turpan's grape valleys and the edge of Xinjiang, where the geography transitions to Central Asian landscapes and Islamic culture.
Signal: China Mobile has the strongest coverage in the northwest, with 4G in Dunhuang, Zhangye and Turpan. The Gobi Desert interior, remote dune areas and the Qilian Mountains can have limited signal. Download all navigation offline before remote drives.
Hidden Gems
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
National ParkHunan Province
The towering sandstone pillars draped in cloud that inspired the floating mountains of Avatar, with the world's longest and highest glass bridge, a vertiginous cliff-face walkway and the Tianmen Sky Door natural arch.
Signal: China Mobile 4G covers the Zhangjiajie park area, the Glass Bridge at Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon and the Tianmen Mountain cable car zone. Some remote trail sections between peaks have limited signal.
Glass Bridge and cable car tickets sell out days ahead in peak season. Book online over Roamix data from Shanghai or Beijing before the journey, as on-site availability is extremely limited.
Dunhuang Mogao Caves
unesco world heritageGansu Province
The greatest treasure of Buddhist art in China, with 735 caves containing murals, sculptures and silk manuscripts spanning 1,000 years of history on the ancient Silk Road, requiring advance booking for limited daily visitor numbers.
Signal: China Mobile 4G in Dunhuang town. The cave complex has limited coverage. Download the official Mogao Caves app and offline content before the visit.
Mogao Caves require advance ticket booking through the official Chinese portal, which is blocked on local SIMs. Use Roamix data from Shanghai or Beijing to book your timed entry weeks ahead.
Jiuzhaigou Valley
National ParkSichuan Province
A UNESCO World Heritage site in northern Sichuan, famous for brilliant turquoise, green and sapphire-blue lakes fed by snowmelt and waterfalls, flanked by Tibetan villages and ancient forests.
Signal: China Mobile 4G in the main valley and visitor centre area. Narrow side valleys and higher elevation sections can have intermittent signal.
Jiuzhaigou visitor numbers are strictly controlled and advance booking is required. Use Roamix data to book timed entry and the Jiuzhaigou-Chengdu bus or flight well in advance.
Lijiang Old Town
unesco world heritageYunnan Province
A UNESCO World Heritage town of cobbled canals, wooden Naxi architecture and mountain backdrop in northwest Yunnan, serving as the base for Tiger Leaping Gorge trekking, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain and access to Shangri-La.
Signal: Good China Mobile and China Unicom 4G throughout Lijiang Old Town and the surrounding area. The Jade Dragon Snow Mountain cable car zone has reliable 4G.
Tiger Leaping Gorge trail guesthouses and Shangri-La accommodation book out in peak October. Confirm bookings and transport connections over Roamix data before leaving Kunming.
Xi'an Terracotta Warriors
archaeological siteShaanxi Province
The funeral army of China's first emperor, Qin Shi Huang, with over 8,000 individual warrior figures, horses and bronze chariots buried in three enormous underground pits near Xi'an, one of the most significant archaeological discoveries in history.
Signal: China Mobile 4G covers all three exhibition pits and the visitor centre. Xi'an city has 5G in the main districts.
The site is hugely popular and timed entry should be booked in advance on peak days. Use Roamix data to check ticket availability and pre-book your entry slot.
Guilin Karst Landscape and Li River
natural landscapeGuangxi Province
The iconic karst limestone peaks rising from the Li River between Guilin and Yangshuo, reproduced on the 20 CNY banknote, with the Longji Dragon's Backbone Rice Terraces an hour away offering equally spectacular scenery.
Signal: Good 4G on the Li River boat cruise from Guilin to Yangshuo. The mountains around Yangshuo including Moon Hill have reliable 4G. More remote cycling routes into the rice terraces may have intermittent signal.
Li River cruise boats require advance booking and sell out during Golden Week and summer. Book your cruise over Roamix data before arriving in Guilin.
Zhangye Danxia Rainbow Mountains
geological parkGansu Province
Striped red, orange, yellow and purple layers of mineral-stained sandstone create a landscape that looks more like a geological painting than a natural formation, photographed most dramatically in the golden light of early morning and late afternoon.
Signal: China Mobile 4G at the park viewing platforms. En-route across the Hexi Corridor from Dunhuang, coverage is intermittent on the open desert highway.
The park has timed entry and shuttle buses with limited capacity during peak season. Book your entry over Roamix data before the drive from Zhangye city.
Huang Shan (Yellow Mountains)
National ParkAnhui Province
The quintessential Chinese mountain landscape of granite peaks, ancient pines and sea of cloud that has inspired Chinese poetry, painting and calligraphy for centuries, with a two-day loop trail and sunrise from Beihai the classic experience.
Signal: China Unicom and China Mobile both provide 4G at the summit area, the western cable car station and Beihai Hotel. Trail sections on the northern peak are well covered. Remote western trails can have limited signal.
Beihai Hotel and other summit accommodation must be booked weeks ahead for peak season. Use Roamix data to confirm your mountain lodge booking and weather forecast before the cable car ascent.
Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding
wildlife centreSichuan Province
The world's leading giant panda conservation and research centre, where over 200 pandas live in naturalistic enclosures and morning feeding sessions offer intimate encounters with the world's most beloved endangered species.
Signal: Excellent China Mobile 5G throughout the Chengdu panda base. The city's metro and tourist areas are fully 5G covered.
Arrive at opening time (7:30 AM) for the best panda encounters. Book a Chengdu hotel via Ctrip over Roamix data and confirm the 20-minute rideshare route from the city centre the evening before.
Fenghuang Ancient Town
historic townHunan Province
One of China's best-preserved ancient towns, with stilt houses on the Tuojiang River, Ming and Qing dynasty architecture, traditional Miao minority culture and vibrant red lanterns reflected in the green river.
Signal: China Mobile 4G covers the Fenghuang old town and the Tuojiang River banks. The scenic boat rides and surrounding hills have reliable coverage.
Fenghuang is a 6-hour bus from Zhangjiajie and works well as a two-day stop. Use Roamix data to book guesthouse accommodation on the river and confirm the bus schedule from Zhangjiajie.
Events & Best Seasons
Chinese New Year (Spring Festival)
CulturalNationwide · January to February (lunar calendar)
The world's largest annual human migration, as over a billion people travel home for the New Year. Cities transform with lantern displays, temple fairs, fireworks and dragon dances. The two weeks around the new year are a spectacle of cultural energy.
Network note
Network congestion is extreme during Spring Festival travel peak. Download offline content and confirm all reservations before the festival begins.
Roamix tip
Trains and flights book out months ahead of Chinese New Year. Use Roamix data to monitor 12306 train release windows and book immediately. Many businesses close for a week.
Lantern Festival
CulturalNationwide, especially Zigong and Nanjing · 15th day of the first lunar month (February)
The final day of Chinese New Year celebrations, marked by elaborate lantern displays, lantern riddle games and sweet tangyuan rice balls. Zigong's International Dinosaur Lantern Festival and Nanjing's Confucius Temple fair are the most spectacular.
Network note
Lantern festival venues have 4G coverage. Crowds at the largest events can slow data.
Roamix tip
Zigong lantern festival tickets sell out. Use Roamix data to book in advance and confirm your viewing area.
Dragon Boat Festival
CulturalNationwide, especially Hangzhou, Guangzhou and Yueyang · 5th day of the 5th lunar month (May or June)
A millennia-old festival commemorating the poet Qu Yuan, marked by competitive dragon boat races, sticky zongzi rice dumpling eating and drinking realgar wine, with the most spectacular races in Guangzhou, Hangzhou and Yueyang.
Network note
Good 4G or 5G at all major race venues. Waterfront areas have excellent coverage.
Roamix tip
Use Roamix data to find the best race viewing points on Hangzhou's West Lake or Guangzhou's Pearl River and navigate to the waterfront before crowds peak.
Mid-Autumn Festival
CulturalNationwide · 15th day of the 8th lunar month (September or October)
The harvest moon festival, celebrated with mooncakes, family reunions and outdoor gatherings under the full moon. Parks and cultural sites are packed in the evenings with lantern-carrying families.
Network note
Major parks and tourist sites have excellent coverage but extreme crowds slow data in the evenings.
Roamix tip
Pre-order specialty mooncakes online via Roamix data as premium flavours from famous patisseries sell out weeks ahead.
National Day Golden Week
national holidayNationwide · October 1 to 7
The busiest domestic travel week in China, when all major attractions, high-speed trains and popular destinations are at maximum capacity. The Great Wall, Zhangjiajie, Jiuzhaigou and coastal resorts are extremely crowded.
Network note
Network congestion at all major tourist sites during Golden Week. Download all offline content and pre-book everything before October 1.
Roamix tip
Avoid major tourist sites during Golden Week if possible. If you must travel, use Roamix data to book transport and accommodation months ahead and arrive at attractions at opening time.
Shanghai International Film Festival
FestivalShanghai · June, eleven days
Asia's oldest and most prestigious international film festival, accredited by the FIAPF, screening hundreds of films across Shanghai cinemas with red carpet premieres, industry forums and an international competition jury.
Network note
Excellent 5G across Shanghai festival venues.
Roamix tip
Rush tickets for international competition films are released via the official festival app. Use Roamix data to grab tickets as soon as they drop.
Harbin International Ice and Snow Sculpture Festival
FestivalHarbin, Heilongjiang Province · January 5 to February 25
The world's largest ice and snow festival, with enormous illuminated ice castles, enormous snow sculptures, ice swimming in the Songhua River and outdoor winter activities in temperatures that regularly drop below minus 20C.
Network note
China Mobile 4G in Harbin and the ice festival parks. Extreme cold drains phone batteries rapidly. Carry a portable charger.
Roamix tip
Use Roamix data to book Harbin flights, ice castle tickets and riverside ice swimming events before departure, as all sell out early in the season.
Beijing International Horticultural Exposition
CulturalBeijing and rotating host cities · Varies by year
A major international garden and horticultural exhibition showcasing landscape design, environmental sustainability and cultural gardens from countries worldwide, held periodically in Chinese cities.
Network note
5G coverage throughout Beijing exhibition venues.
Roamix tip
Check event dates and ticket availability over Roamix data before planning your Beijing visit around this attraction.
Yunnan Torch Festival
CulturalYunnan Province, especially Dali and Lijiang · 24th day of the 6th lunar month (July or August)
The most important festival of the Yi, Bai and Naxi minority peoples of Yunnan, marked by torch parades, bonfire dancing, bullfighting and wrestling competitions across the villages and towns of the province.
Network note
China Mobile 4G in Dali and Lijiang. Remote village festival sites may have limited signal.
Roamix tip
Dali's Torch Festival draws large crowds and accommodation books out. Confirm your guesthouse in Dali over Roamix data well before the festival date.
Canton Fair (China Import and Export Fair)
tradeGuangzhou, Guangdong Province · April to May and October to November (twice annually)
The world's largest trade fair, held twice annually in Guangzhou, drawing over 200,000 buyers from 200 countries and tens of thousands of Chinese exporters. Provides extraordinary insight into China's manufacturing and commercial culture.
Network note
Excellent 5G coverage throughout the Canton Fair complex in Guangzhou.
Roamix tip
Register for Canton Fair access over Roamix data and book Guangzhou accommodation months ahead, as the city is almost entirely booked out during the fair period.
Spring
March to May brings warming weather and Cherry blossom peaks in late March in Shanghai and Wuhan. Yellow rapeseed fields bloom across Jiangxi's Wuyuan in April. Spring rain is common in southern China. The northwest and Xinjiang open up for the season from late April.
Summer
June to August is hot and humid across most of China mainland. Typhoon season affects coastal areas and the south from June to September. The Yangtze and Yellow River regions experience heavy summer rains. The Tibetan Plateau and northwest are pleasantly warm. Jiuzhaigou and Huangshan are at peak green and waterfall season.
Fall
September to November is the best travel season in most of China. Clear skies, comfortable temperatures and autumn foliage in Beijing's Fragrant Hills and the Yellow Mountains. Golden Week crowds peak in early October before tapering off. Yunnan is at its most beautiful in October.
Winter
December to February brings cold temperatures to northern and central China. Harbin's ice festival is spectacular. The Yangtze River basin including Shanghai, Wuhan and Chengdu can be damp and grey. Yunnan and Hainan Island are warm and popular. Spring Festival brings the country to a standstill in late January or February.
Remote Work from China mainland
Shanghai and Beijing are functional remote work bases with fast 5G, international business hotels and some coworking spaces. The Great Firewall challenge is fully solved by Roamix international routing, making Google Workspace, Zoom and Slack accessible without any VPN or setup.
Urban 5G handles video calls and cloud uploads at high speed. A Roamix plan with 15 to 20 GB suits a full working week of calls, cloud access and daily city navigation.
Use your Roamix eSIM hotspot for all work tools rather than hotel wifi, as hotel networks are also subject to the Great Firewall and may block Google Workspace and Zoom.
Get connected the moment you land in China mainland.
Get your China mainland eSIMLocal Tips for China mainland
Language
Mandarin is the official language and English is not widely spoken outside international hotels and major tourist attractions in Beijing and Shanghai. Download a translation app with offline Chinese language packs. Google Translate works via Roamix routing. WeChat's built-in translation is useful for reading menus and signs.
Tipping
Tipping is not customary in mainland China and may even cause awkwardness. Guides and high-end hotel staff at international properties may accept tips, but it is never expected in restaurants, taxis or shops.
Food & Dining
China mainland's food culture is extraordinary and regionally diverse. Do not miss Beijing roast duck at Quanjude or Dadong, Shanghai's xiaolongbao soup dumplings, Chengdu's mouth-numbing mala hot pot, Yunnan's crossing-the-bridge rice noodles and Xi'an's rou jia mo pork flatbreads from street carts near the Muslim Quarter.
Transport
Use DiDi rideshare for taxis, available in the international version with foreign card payment. The metro in Beijing and Shanghai has English signage. Use Google Maps via Roamix routing to navigate. Show your destination written in Chinese characters to taxi drivers.
Emergency Numbers
general
110
police
110
ambulance
120
fire
119
Essential Apps
Essential for local communication, restaurant QR menus, venue entry, local contacts and increasingly payment. Install and register before departure.
Alipay
The dominant payment platform in China. Link a foreign Visa or Mastercard via the international traveller version to pay everywhere from street food stalls to museums.
Ctrip (Trip.com)
The leading Chinese travel booking platform for trains, flights, hotels and tours. Use Roamix data to book your 12306 high-speed rail tickets and domestic flights via Ctrip's English interface.
Safety & Health in China mainland
China mainland is generally very safe for tourists, with low rates of violent crime. The main risks are pollution-related health issues in major cities, petty scams at tourist hotspots, and the need to carry digital identity documents and visa paperwork at all times.
Keep your Roamix eSIM active at all times so you can access emergency services (110/120), reach your embassy and use Google Maps without restriction. Save your country's embassy contact number offline before arrival.
Health Note
Air quality can be poor in Beijing and northern cities in winter. Healthcare in major cities is good and major hospitals in Beijing and Shanghai have international wards with English-speaking staff. Travel insurance is highly recommended.
Water Safety
Tap water is not safe to drink in mainland China. Drink sealed bottled water, which is inexpensive and widely available. Hot water from hotel dispensers is safe for making tea.
Frequently Asked Questions
China mainland eSIM, connectivity, and travel
Will Google and WhatsApp work in China?
On a local Chinese SIM they will not, due to the Great Firewall. A Roamix China mainland eSIM routes your traffic internationally, so Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, FaceTime and YouTube all work normally without any VPN.
Do I need a VPN for China?
Not if you use a Roamix eSIM. Roamix routes your data internationally, bypassing the Great Firewall entirely. All blocked apps including Google, WhatsApp, Instagram and YouTube work normally from the moment you land.
What is the best eSIM for China mainland?
Roamix is the ideal choice because it connects to China Mobile, Unicom or Telecom for local 5G speeds while routing your internet traffic internationally, so Google Maps, WhatsApp and FaceTime all work without a VPN. You activate before flying and land already online.
Which mobile network is best in China?
China Mobile has the world's largest 5G network and the best coverage in rural and western areas including Tibet and Xinjiang. China Unicom and China Telecom share 5G infrastructure in cities. A Roamix eSIM connects to the strongest available network at your location.
How do I set up an eSIM for China?
Buy a Roamix China mainland plan, install the eSIM via QR code over wifi before you fly, then enable data roaming on the Roamix line. It connects to China Mobile, Unicom or Telecom automatically when you land at PEK, PVG or any other Chinese airport.
Do I need a visa for China mainland?
Most nationals require a visa. However, China expanded visa-free access in 2024 and 2025 to include citizens of about 40 countries for 15 days, including France, Germany, Italy, Spain and others. US citizens currently require a visa. Check the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs website for your nationality.
How much data do I need for two weeks in China?
Plan for 10 to 15 GB. Google Maps navigation, WhatsApp calls and social media over Roamix international routing use slightly more data than on a domestic connection. Download offline Google Maps packages for each city over 5G before leaving your hotel.
Can I pay by card in China?
Many local vendors are effectively cashless using WeChat Pay or Alipay. International travellers can link a foreign Visa or Mastercard to Alipay's international version. Carry some CNY cash for markets, temples and very small vendors. Use your Roamix data to set up Alipay on arrival.
Is airport wifi at Beijing or Shanghai enough for China travel?
Airport wifi is subject to the Great Firewall and blocks Google, WhatsApp and most Western apps, just like any local network. A Roamix eSIM works independently of local wifi and gives you unrestricted access from the moment you clear customs.
What apps do I need before visiting China?
Install WeChat (essential for local communication and menus), Alipay (for cashless payments), Ctrip or Trip.com (for trains and flights), DiDi (for rideshare) and download offline Google Maps packages. A Roamix eSIM ensures all your usual apps including Google also work throughout the trip.
Is China safe for tourists?
China mainland is generally very safe for tourists with low violent crime rates. The main considerations are air quality in northern cities in winter, petty scams at major tourist sites, and the importance of carrying travel documents. Stay connected via Roamix for emergency contacts and embassy locations.
What is the best time to visit China?
April to May and September to October offer the best weather in most regions, with comfortable temperatures and clear skies. Avoid Golden Week (October 1 to 7) and Chinese New Year for major tourist sites, as they are overwhelmingly crowded.
How do I get from Shanghai Pudong Airport to the city?
The Maglev train reaches Longyang Road in just 7 minutes at 431 km/h and costs 50 CNY. Metro Line 2 takes about 50 minutes to People's Square. With Roamix data active at PVG, you can check the Maglev schedule and buy your DiDi or book transit from arrivals.
What food should I try in China?
Beijing roast duck, Shanghai soup dumplings (xiaolongbao), Chengdu mala hot pot, Xi'an lamb skewers from the Muslim Quarter, Yunnan crossing-the-bridge rice noodles and Cantonese dim sum in Guangzhou are all unmissable. Use Google Maps via Roamix data to find authentic local restaurants.
Still have questions?
Visit Help CenterNo roaming fees. Ever.
Stay connected in China with Google and WhatsApp on Roamix
Skip the VPN headache and SIM registration queues. Install a Roamix China mainland eSIM before you fly and land with Google, WhatsApp and all your apps working from the moment you clear customs at PEK or PVG.
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