If you’re a digital nomad, your laptop is your lifeline. The thought of being cut off from Slack, Zoom, Google, or your favorite AI tools is enough to make anyone skip a destination.
The “Great Firewall” (GFW) is more sophisticated than ever, but so are the tools to bypass it. The secret to a stress-free workcation in China isn’t just one app—it’s a two-pronged connectivity strategy.
1. The Mobile Solution: Roaming eSIMs (The “Magic Bullet”)
The biggest breakthrough for nomads in recent years is the rise of roaming eSIMs. Unlike a local Chinese SIM card, a roaming eSIM routes your data through a “gateway” in another country (like Hong Kong, Singapore, or the US).
The result? You bypass the Great Firewall automatically. No VPN required for your phone.
- Top Choice: Holafly eSIM
- Why: They are incredibly reliable and offers unlimited data for a reasonable price. Once you land, your Instagram, Gmail, and WhatsApp will work exactly as they do at home.
- The “Local” Secret: Trip.com eSIM
- Why: Since Trip.com is a Chinese-owned global giant, their eSIMs are specifically optimized for local towers while still providing unfiltered access.
- Pro Tip: Always purchase and install your eSIM before you enter China. Buying them once you’re inside can be a technical headache.
2. The Laptop Solution: High-Performance VPNs
While your phone is safe with an eSIM, your laptop will likely rely on the WiFi at our retreat or local cafes. For this, you need a high-tier VPN that uses “obfuscation” to hide the fact that you’re using a VPN.
The “Big Three” for nomads in China are:
- LetsVPN: The Current Champion
- LetsVPN is the most recommended tool on nomad forums. It is remarkably fast and almost never gets blocked because it uses a proprietary protocol that mimics regular web traffic.
- Astrill VPN: The Business Standard
- It’s the most expensive option, but for professional remote workers, it’s a tax-deductible necessity. Their “StealthVPN” protocol is designed specifically for the GFW.
- Shadowfly: The Emerging Alternative
- A newer favorite in the nomad community, Shadowfly offers high-speed “Vless” and “Shadowsocks” protocols that provide lower latency for video calls and heavy uploads.
The “Three-Layer Defense” Strategy
We recommend our retreat guests follow this setup to ensure 100% uptime:
- Primary: A Roaming eSIM on your phone (with hotspotting capability for emergencies).
- Secondary: A Premium VPN (LetsVPN or Astrill) installed on your laptop and phone.
- Fallback: A second, cheaper VPN (like Octohide or a self-hosted Wireguard setup) just in case a major “update” temporarily knocks out the big providers.
Common Connectivity Myths
“Is Starlink an option?” No, Starlink is not authorized for use in Mainland China and the satellites are geofenced to prevent unauthorized access.
“Can I use NordVPN or ExpressVPN?” While these are global leaders, they are frequently targeted by the GFW. They might work, but they shouldn’t be your only option.
Why Our Retreat Handles VPN and eSims
Navigating the digital landscape in China for the first time is daunting. At China Digital Nomads, we provide every attendee with a complimentary and reliable VPN, while the cost of eSIM is out of pocket due to variabilities in phone models.
Interested in joining us for the next coliving and coworking retreat in China? Book a call with us to see if it’s the right fit for you.
