Yes — Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook, Google, and most Western social media are blocked in China without a VPN. You MUST download and configure your VPN BEFORE you arrive, because VPN provider websites are also blocked inside China. I recommend ExpressVPN or Astrill — they've been the most reliable for my friends. Set it up at home, test it, and don't turn your phone's VPN off once you land. One more thing: don't post about your VPN on Chinese social media; just use it quietly.
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