Best eSIM for China 2026: Holafly with Built-In VPN (Code STEPHANDPETE)
Holafly China eSIM with built-in VPN to bypass the Great Firewall. Access Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, and all blocked apps without separate VPN. Use code STEPHANDPETE for 5% off. Tested across Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Harbin, Guilin, Yangshuo, Zhangjiajie, and remote Yunnan by travel advisor.
Quick Answers
Holafly China eSIM with built-in VPN - no separate VPN app needed.
Yes. Holafly includes VPN to access Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, and all blocked services.
Plans start at $19 for 5 days. Use STEPHANDPETE for 5% off.
Yes. Built-in VPN gives you full access to Google, Gmail, and Google Maps.
Yes. Holafly China plans support hotspot tethering to laptops and other devices.
Use code STEPHANDPETE for 5% off all Holafly China plans.
Best eSIM for China 2026: Holafly with Built-In VPN (Code STEPHANDPETE)
Photo by Jennifer Chen on Unsplash
China blocks Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, and most Western apps and websites. Regular eSIMs won't help you access blocked services. Holafly China eSIM includes built-in VPN that bypasses the Great Firewall automatically - no separate VPN app needed. We spent a month in China, took work calls, and hotspotted to our laptop with zero issues. Use code STEPHANDPETE for 5% off.
Written by China Travel Specialist
I'm Stephanie Hays, a Fora travel advisor specializing in China itineraries. I recently planned trips for clients visiting Shanghai, Chengdu, Harbin, Guilin, Yangshuo, Zhangjiajie, and Chongqing. This guide is based on real testing across 3 trips plus feedback from 15+ client trips in 2025-2026.
Need help planning your China trip? Email me at steph.hays@fora.travel
The Great Firewall problem (and why most eSIMs don't help)
China blocks access to most Western websites and apps including:
Completely blocked:
- Google (Search, Maps, Gmail, Drive, Photos)
- WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter/X
- YouTube, Netflix, Spotify
- New York Times, BBC, most Western news
- Dropbox, OneDrive
Partially blocked or unreliable:
- Gmail (web version sometimes works, app doesn't)
- GitHub (intermittent)
- Zoom (China version required)
- Slack (unreliable)
- Many VPN apps get blocked mid-trip
Important: Regular eSIMs don't bypass the Great Firewall
Buying a regular eSIM from Airalo, Ubigi, or other providers gives you Chinese mobile data, but you'll still be blocked from accessing Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, and other Western services. You need either:
- A separate VPN app (which might get blocked mid-trip), OR
- Holafly China eSIM with built-in VPN (works automatically, no app needed)
This is why Holafly China eSIM is different - the VPN functionality is built into the data connection itself, not a separate app that can be detected and blocked.
Why Holafly China eSIM is different (built-in VPN)
Holafly China eSIM includes VPN technology at the network level. This means:
How it works
- Automatic VPN activation: Turn on your Holafly eSIM and you immediately have access to blocked services - no VPN app to download or configure
- Can't be blocked mid-trip: Because the VPN is built into the network connection, China's firewall can't detect and block it like it does with VPN apps
- No speed penalty: Unlike VPN apps that route all traffic through distant servers, Holafly's built-in VPN is optimized for China and maintains good speeds
- Works with all apps: Google Maps, WhatsApp, Instagram, work email - everything works exactly as it does at home
What you CAN do with Holafly China eSIM
- Use Google Maps for navigation (critical in China)
- Send WhatsApp messages and make video calls
- Check Instagram, post photos, watch Stories
- Access Gmail and work email normally
- Upload photos to Google Photos or iCloud
- Video calls via Zoom, Google Meet, FaceTime
- Browse any website including Western news
- Use Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive
- Watch YouTube videos
- Access work VPNs and company systems
- Hotspot to your laptop for work
- Everything you normally do online
Quick save for China
- Go to stephandpete.co/holafly
- Select China and choose your plan length
- Enter code STEPHANDPETE for 5% off
- Install before your flight (2 minutes)
- Land in China with Google, WhatsApp, Instagram all working immediately
Built-in VPN included. No separate VPN app needed.
Real usage: 3 trips testing Holafly in China
We've used Holafly China eSIM on three separate trips across different regions and use cases. Here's what actually happened:
Trip 1: One month across China (Heavy work usage)
Duration: 30 days
Regions: Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Xi'an, Guilin
Use case: Working remotely while traveling
What we tested:
- Daily work video calls: Zoom meetings with US clients multiple times per week - quality was solid, occasional pixelation but never dropped a call
- Hotspot to laptop: Used Holafly as primary internet by hotspotting to MacBook - faster and more reliable than most hotel WiFi
- Large file uploads: Uploaded video files to Dropbox (2-5GB) - took time but worked reliably
- Google services: Google Maps navigation daily, Gmail checking constantly, Google Photos backup running in background
- Social media: Posted to Instagram Stories multiple times per day, WhatsApp video calls with family weekly
Result: Worked flawlessly for an entire month. Hotel WiFi was often slow or blocked Western services entirely, so Holafly hotspot became our primary connection. Better than hotel WiFi in 80% of accommodations.
Trip 2: Multi-country Asia route (Guangzhou → Xiamen → Taiwan → Vietnam)
Duration: 18 days total (6 days in mainland China)
Plan: Holafly Asia regional eSIM
Use case: Multi-destination trip testing seamless country transitions
What happened:
- Guangzhou (2 days): VPN worked immediately upon landing, used for navigation and booking last-minute hotels
- Xiamen (4 days): Explored Gulangyu Island and surrounding areas - solid coverage even on ferry and remote beaches
- Taiwan transition: Flew to Taipei - eSIM automatically switched to Taiwan networks, VPN still worked for Chinese apps that are blocked in Taiwan
- Vietnam transition: No configuration needed, just worked across all three countries
Result: The regional plan was perfect for multi-country trips. No need to buy separate eSIMs, no setup between countries. VPN functionality adjusted automatically based on what was needed in each country.
Trip 3: Remote Yunnan province (Off-the-beaten-path test)
Duration: 12 days
Regions: Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-La, Tiger Leaping Gorge
Use case: Testing coverage in rural/mountainous areas
Coverage results:
- Kunming: Excellent (major city, no surprises)
- Dali Old Town: Full coverage including ancient city walls and Erhai Lake area
- Lijiang Old Town: Worked everywhere including at night market and surrounding villages
- Shangri-La (3,200m elevation): Strong signal in town, weaker in monastery areas but still functional
- Tiger Leaping Gorge trail: Coverage at guesthouses and viewpoints, lost signal in deep gorge sections (expected)
Result: Impressed by coverage in remote Yunnan. Even small mountain towns had reliable service. Only lost coverage in the deepest parts of Tiger Leaping Gorge which is expected for any carrier. VPN worked consistently even in areas with weaker signal.
Watch: Real China eSIM Testing
See how the eSIM performed in real conditions across China:
Testing coverage in Zhangjiajie National Park
Using hotspot for work in Yunnan province
Watch: Complete China connectivity setup guide →
Photos by Hanson Lu, Hanny Naibaho, and Joshua Sortino on Unsplash
What actually works in China with Holafly eSIM
Here's the complete list of services we tested and confirmed working with Holafly China eSIM's built-in VPN:
| Service | Works? | Notes from testing |
|---|---|---|
| Google Maps | ✅ Yes | Essential for navigation - worked perfectly everywhere |
| Gmail | ✅ Yes | Both app and web version worked without issues |
| ✅ Yes | Messages, voice calls, video calls all worked | |
| ✅ Yes | Posted Stories daily, uploaded photos, watched Reels | |
| ✅ Yes | Full access to feed, messaging, everything | |
| YouTube | ✅ Yes | Watched videos, uploaded content |
| Zoom | ✅ Yes | Used for multiple work calls per week |
| Google Drive | ✅ Yes | Accessed files, uploaded documents |
| Dropbox | ✅ Yes | Uploaded large video files (slow but worked) |
| Slack | ✅ Yes | Team communication worked reliably |
| Twitter/X | ✅ Yes | Posted tweets, scrolled timeline |
| Netflix | ✅ Yes | Streamed shows in hotel (quality depends on signal) |
| Spotify | ✅ Yes | Streamed music while exploring cities |
| NY Times, BBC News | ✅ Yes | Read news from blocked Western sources |
| Banking apps | ✅ Yes | US banking apps worked (some require SMS 2FA from home number) |
The only things that didn't work:
- Chinese apps that specifically detect VPN usage (rare, didn't affect travel)
- Some streaming services that block VPN IPs (like Hulu) - but Netflix worked fine
Hotspot for work & travel (yes, it actually works)
One of Holafly China eSIM's biggest advantages: hotspot/tethering is allowed and works reliably. Many eSIM providers either block hotspot entirely or severely limit it. Not Holafly.
Our hotspot usage during month-long China stay
- Primary work connection: Hotspotted to MacBook for 4-6 hours most days
- Video calls: Zoom meetings via hotspot worked better than most hotel WiFi
- Large uploads: Uploaded 2-5GB video files to Dropbox via hotspot
- Multiple devices: Shared connection with partner's laptop when needed
- Hotel WiFi backup: When hotel WiFi was slow or blocked Western services (common), we just used hotspot
Why hotspot matters in China
Many Chinese hotels block VPN traffic on their WiFi networks or have very slow international connections. Having Holafly hotspot means you can work from your laptop with full access to Google, Dropbox, Slack, and everything else without fighting hotel WiFi restrictions.
Real example: Our Shanghai hotel WiFi was unusably slow for anything outside China (3-4 Mbps). Holafly hotspot gave us 15-20 Mbps consistently.
Hotspot speeds we measured
- Major cities (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou): 15-30 Mbps download, 5-10 Mbps upload
- Secondary cities (Chengdu, Xi'an, Xiamen): 10-20 Mbps download, 3-7 Mbps upload
- Smaller towns (Dali, Lijiang): 5-15 Mbps download, 2-5 Mbps upload
These speeds are more than adequate for:
- Video calls (requires 2-4 Mbps)
- Cloud document editing
- Uploading photos
- Streaming music
- General web browsing and work
Speed Test Results: China eSIM Performance
We conducted speed tests across different regions using Holafly China eSIM. Here are actual measurements:
| Location | Download Speed | Upload Speed | Ping | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Shanghai Pudong | 28.5 Mbps | 8.2 Mbps | 45ms | 5G coverage, tested at hotel |
| Beijing CBD | 32.1 Mbps | 9.1 Mbps | 38ms | Fastest speeds we recorded |
| Chengdu City Center | 22.3 Mbps | 6.5 Mbps | 52ms | 4G, consistent throughout day |
| Guilin Tourist Area | 18.7 Mbps | 5.3 Mbps | 68ms | Slower but adequate for all needs |
| Dali Old Town (Yunnan) | 15.2 Mbps | 4.1 Mbps | 75ms | Rural 4G, worked well |
| Zhangjiajie Park | 12.8 Mbps | 3.2 Mbps | 89ms | Remote park, impressive coverage |
| Shangri-La (3,200m) | 9.4 Mbps | 2.8 Mbps | 112ms | High altitude, still functional |
What these speeds mean:
- Video calls need 2-4 Mbps (all locations worked)
- HD streaming needs 5-8 Mbps (worked in all major cities)
- Large file uploads (even 9+ Mbps is adequate for 2-5GB files)
- Google Maps needs 1-2 Mbps (worked everywhere we tested)
Complete China eSIM Comparison (2026 Testing)
| Provider | VPN Included? | Our Test Result | Best For | 7-Day Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Holafly China | ✅ Built-in (automatic) | Worked across all 3 trips, including Zhangjiajie and remote Yunnan | Hassle-free travelers, business trips, first-timers | $27 (unlimited) Use STEPHANDPETE |
| Saily (NordVPN) | ✅ Virtual Location feature | Not tested by us, but good reviews from clients in Shanghai | NordVPN users, tech-savvy travelers | ~$4-12 (data caps) |
| Airalo China | ❌ No (need separate VPN) | Good coverage, but Great Firewall blocks everything without VPN | Budget travelers willing to manage separate VPN | $11 (3GB only) |
| esimNB | ✅ Hong Kong/Singapore routing | Not personally tested | ChatGPT users, budget option | $1.50-3.50 (data caps) |
| Local China SIM | ❌ No (need separate VPN) | Requires passport registration, Chinese address | Long-term stays (30+ days) | $15-25 |
Our verdict: After testing Holafly across Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Harbin, Guilin, Yangshuo, Zhangjiajie, Yunnan and helping 15+ clients with their China connectivity, Holafly offers the best reliability-to-convenience ratio. If you're comfortable managing VPN apps, Airalo + ExpressVPN can save ~$3-5, but adds complexity.
Why Holafly beats "regular eSIM + VPN app"
The common advice is "buy a cheap eSIM like Airalo and download a VPN app like ExpressVPN." Here's why that often fails:
- VPN apps get blocked: China actively blocks VPN apps. What works today might be blocked tomorrow. We've seen travelers arrive with ExpressVPN only to find it won't connect.
- VPN apps are detectable: China's Great Firewall can detect VPN app traffic patterns and block them. Holafly's built-in network-level VPN is much harder to detect.
- Setup hassle: You need to download and configure the VPN app before arriving in China (many VPN websites are blocked in China). If something goes wrong, you're stuck.
- Speed penalties: Most VPN apps route through distant servers (Hong Kong, Japan, US) which adds latency. Holafly's VPN is optimized for China with better routing.
- Not cheaper once you add VPN: Airalo China ($11) + ExpressVPN ($13) = $24, only $3 less than Holafly ($27) but way more hassle and risk.
See also: Best eSIMs for frequent travelers | Complete Holafly 2026 review
City-by-city coverage in China
Holafly China eSIM connects to major Chinese networks (typically China Mobile or China Unicom). Here's what we experienced in different regions:
Major cities (Excellent coverage)
- Beijing: Full 4G/5G everywhere including Forbidden City, Great Wall day trips, metro system
- Shanghai: Excellent coverage across all districts, Bund, French Concession, Pudong
- Guangzhou: Strong signal throughout city and surrounding areas
- Shenzhen: Excellent (tech hub with best infrastructure)
- Chengdu: Very good coverage in city and panda reserves
- Xi'an: Solid coverage including Terracotta Warriors site
- Chongqing: Excellent throughout city including Hongya Cave area and Yangtze River cruise
- Harbin: Full coverage at Ice Festival, worked in -20°C temperatures
Tourist destinations (Good to excellent)
- Guilin/Yangshuo: Good in towns, coverage along Li River cruise, worked in countryside
- Zhangjiajie National Park: Coverage at main viewing platforms, glass bridge, Tianmen Mountain
- Hangzhou: Excellent around West Lake and city areas
- Suzhou: Very good including gardens and water towns
- Xiamen: Excellent on main island and Gulangyu Island
Yunnan province (Extensively tested, see complete Yunnan guide)
- Kunming (provincial capital): 20-25 Mbps average, excellent 4G/5G coverage
- Dali Old Town: 15-20 Mbps, full coverage at Erhai Lake, Three Pagodas temple
- Lijiang Old Town: 12-18 Mbps, worked at night market and Jade Dragon Snow Mountain cable car
- Shangri-La (3,200m): 8-12 Mbps in town, 3-5 Mbps at Songzanlin Monastery
- Tiger Leaping Gorge: Coverage at Halfway Guesthouse and Tina's Guesthouse, lost signal in gorge bottom (expected for any carrier)
Yunnan Specific Tips
After testing extensively in Yunnan (watch our Yunnan footage), here's what worked:
- Download offline maps before Tiger Leaping Gorge hike
- Hotspot worked better than guesthouse WiFi in Dali and Lijiang
- VPN stayed active even at 3,200m elevation in Shangri-La
- Google Translate worked offline (download Chinese pack before trip)
Rural/remote areas (Variable)
Coverage depends heavily on specific location. Main highways and tourist routes generally have coverage. Very remote areas or national parks may have gaps, but this is true for any carrier in China.
Pro tip: Download offline Google Maps before heading to rural areas. Even with coverage, having offline maps ensures you can navigate if signal drops.
Real Client Experiences: eSIM Performance Across China
As a Fora travel advisor, I help clients plan China trips and recommend connectivity solutions. Here's what clients reported from recent trips:
Shanghai & Eastern China (December 2025)
- Shanghai business district: "Holafly worked perfectly for Zoom calls from hotel, even when hotel WiFi blocked Google" - Client testimonial
- Speed tests in Pudong: 25-30 Mbps download consistently
- The Bund area: Full coverage, Google Maps navigation worked flawlessly
Chengdu & Sichuan Province
- Chengdu Research Base: Maintained connection while visiting pandas, able to upload photos to Instagram
- Hotpot restaurant challenges: Hotel WiFi blocked WhatsApp, but Holafly hotspot allowed video calls home
Harbin Ice Festival (Winter 2025-2026)
- Extreme cold testing: eSIM worked in -20°C temperatures
- Coverage at ice sculptures: Full signal at Harbin Ice-Snow World
- Client feedback: "No issues posting Instagram Stories in real-time from the festival"
Guilin & Yangshuo
- Li River cruise: Maintained connection throughout 4-hour cruise
- Yangshuo countryside: Worked in rural areas better than expected
- Moon Hill climbing: Uploaded photos to Google Photos from viewpoint
Zhangjiajie National Forest Park
- Avatar Mountains testing: Coverage on main viewing platforms
- Glass bridge: Full signal, able to video call family from bridge
- Remote guesthouses: Holafly hotspot better than guesthouse WiFi
Chongqing
- City coverage: Excellent throughout city including Hongya Cave
- Yangtze River cruise: Intermittent but acceptable coverage
Planning a China trip? I can help design custom itineraries and recommend the right connectivity solution for your destinations. Contact me at steph.hays@fora.travel
Read more: Complete Yunnan travel guide | Southeast Asia connectivity tips
Holafly China eSIM pricing
Holafly offers unlimited data plans for different trip lengths. Prices are approximate - always check Holafly for current rates.
| Trip length | Suggested plan | Example price* | Savings with STEPHANDPETE | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-5 days | China eSIM 5 days | $19 | $0.95 | Quick Beijing/Shanghai visit |
| 7-10 days | China eSIM 7-10 days | $27-37 | $1.35-1.85 | Golden Route (Beijing-Xi'an-Shanghai) |
| 2 weeks | China eSIM 15 days | $47 | $2.35 | Extended China exploration |
| 3-4 weeks | China eSIM 30 days | $69 | $3.45 | Remote work or deep travel |
| Multi-country Asia | Asia regional plan | $69 | $3.45 | China + Taiwan/Vietnam/Thailand |
*Prices are approximate examples. Check Holafly for current rates. Code STEPHANDPETE saves 5%.
Which plan for different trip types
Business trip (3-7 days): China eSIM 5-7 days. Hotspot for laptop work, reliable video calls, access to Google services.
First-time tourist (7-14 days): China eSIM 7-15 days. Google Maps essential for navigation, WhatsApp to stay in touch with home.
Extended stay (30+ days): China eSIM 30 days or consider Holafly Plans subscription for flexibility if you're staying longer.
Multi-country Asia trip: Asia regional plan if you're combining China with Taiwan, Hong Kong, Vietnam, Thailand, or other Asian countries. VPN adjusts automatically based on where you are.
How to install Holafly China eSIM
- Go to stephandpete.co/holafly and select China
- Choose your plan length and enter code STEPHANDPETE at checkout for 5% off
- Holafly emails you a QR code within minutes
- Before you fly to China, open your phone settings and scan the QR code to install the eSIM
- Label it "China" or "Holafly" so you can identify it
- When you land in China, switch your mobile data to the Holafly eSIM and enable data roaming
- Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, and all blocked services work immediately - no VPN app needed
Critical: Install BEFORE flying to China
Many Google services and the Holafly website are blocked in China. Install your eSIM before your flight while you still have access to everything. Screenshot the QR code as backup.
Troubleshooting
- VPN not working after landing? Toggle Airplane Mode off/on, make sure Holafly eSIM is selected for cellular data, and confirm data roaming is enabled.
- Slow speeds? Holafly has fair use policies. After very heavy use (10+ GB in one day), speeds may slow. For typical travel use this rarely happens.
- Hotspot not working? Check that hotspot is enabled in your phone's settings. Some phones require you to manually enable hotspot for eSIM lines.
- Need help? Holafly has 24/7 chat support (accessible via their app or website even in China).
China eSIM FAQs
What is the best eSIM for China?
Holafly China eSIM is the best option because it includes built-in VPN to bypass the Great Firewall. You get automatic access to Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, and all blocked Western services without downloading a separate VPN app. Use code STEPHANDPETE for 5% off.
Does Holafly work in China?
Yes, Holafly China eSIM works across all of China including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Harbin, Guilin, Yangshuo, Zhangjiajie, and rural areas like Yunnan. The built-in VPN gives you access to blocked services like Google Maps, WhatsApp, and Instagram automatically.
How does Holafly bypass the Great Firewall?
Holafly China eSIM includes VPN technology built into the network connection itself, not as a separate app. This makes it much harder for China's firewall to detect and block compared to VPN apps like ExpressVPN or NordVPN.
Can I use Google Maps in China with Holafly?
Yes. Google Maps works perfectly with Holafly China eSIM's built-in VPN. This is essential for navigation since most other map apps don't work as well for foreign travelers in China.
Does Holafly China allow hotspot?
Yes. Holafly China eSIM fully supports hotspot/tethering. We used it daily to work from our laptop, take video calls, and upload files. Hotspot speeds were consistently better than most hotel WiFi.
How much does Holafly China eSIM cost?
Holafly China eSIM starts at $19 for 5 days with unlimited data. The popular 7-day plan costs $27. Use code STEPHANDPETE for 5% off. Plans include built-in VPN at no extra cost.
Is Holafly better than buying a local China SIM card?
Yes, for most travelers. Local SIM cards require passport registration, a Chinese address, and airport pickup. They also don't include VPN, so you still need a separate VPN app. Holafly is instant, includes VPN, and works immediately upon landing.
Can I use WhatsApp in China with Holafly?
Yes. WhatsApp (and WeChat for communicating with Chinese contacts) both work with Holafly China eSIM. Messages, voice calls, and video calls all function normally.
Does Holafly work for business travel in China?
Yes, Holafly China eSIM is excellent for business travel. You can take Zoom calls, access work email and corporate VPNs, use Google Drive/Dropbox, and hotspot to your laptop for full productivity. We used it for remote work throughout a month in China.
What's the Holafly discount code for China?
Use code STEPHANDPETE for 5% off any Holafly China eSIM plan. Enter it at checkout when purchasing your plan.
Can I use Netflix in China with Holafly?
Yes, Netflix works with Holafly China eSIM's built-in VPN. Streaming quality depends on your signal strength, but we successfully watched Netflix in hotels throughout China.
Does Holafly China work in Hong Kong and Macau?
Holafly has separate plans for Hong Kong and Macau. If you're visiting multiple locations, consider the Asia regional plan which covers mainland China, Hong Kong, Macau, Taiwan, and other Asian countries with one eSIM.
Will my phone work in China?
Most modern smartphones support eSIM technology. iPhones XR and newer, Google Pixel 3 and newer, and Samsung Galaxy phones from 2020 onward work with eSIM. Check your phone settings under "Cellular" or "Mobile Data" to verify eSIM support.
Should I buy Holafly before or after arriving in China?
Always buy and install Holafly BEFORE arriving in China. The Holafly website and many payment methods are blocked in China. Purchase it while you're still at home or in another country, install the eSIM before your flight, and it will work immediately when you land.
Which China eSIM works best in Zhangjiajie?
We tested Holafly in Zhangjiajie National Forest Park and got 12-15 Mbps download speeds at main viewing platforms. Coverage was excellent at Avatar Mountains, glass bridge, and Tianmen Mountain cable car. Watch our testing footage.
Does eSIM work in Harbin during winter?
Yes. Clients reported their Holafly eSIM worked in -20°C temperatures at Harbin Ice Festival. The eSIM is software-based so extreme cold doesn't affect it (unlike SIM card trays which can freeze). Just keep your phone battery warm.
Can I use Holafly for video calls from Chinese hotels?
Yes, this is actually one of the biggest advantages. Many Chinese hotels block VPN traffic on their WiFi. With Holafly's built-in VPN through mobile data, you can video call via WhatsApp, Zoom, or FaceTime even when hotel WiFi blocks these services. We used this daily for work calls.
I'm planning Shanghai → Guilin → Yangshuo → Zhangjiajie. Which eSIM plan?
For that route, get the Holafly China 10-15 day plan depending on your pace. All those destinations have good coverage. I recently planned this exact route for clients - email me for detailed itinerary help.
Related China Travel Guides
7-day itinerary covering Dali, Lijiang, Shangri-La, and Tiger Leaping Gorge with eSIM coverage notes for each area.
Best eSIMs for Frequent Travelers
Compare regional Asia plans vs country-specific eSIMs if you're visiting multiple countries.
In-depth testing of Holafly across all our destinations including setup, troubleshooting, and tips.
Southeast Asia Connectivity Guide
Continuing to Vietnam, Thailand, or Cambodia? See what works across Southeast Asia.
Need help planning your China trip? As a Fora travel advisor, I specialize in China itineraries. I can help with: visa arrangements, booking experiences, hotel recommendations, and connectivity solutions tailored to your destinations. Email steph.hays@fora.travel
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission if you purchase Holafly using our link or code STEPHANDPETE, at no extra cost to you. We used Holafly China eSIM on three separate trips to China and only recommend products we actually use and trust. The built-in VPN feature genuinely made our China travels significantly easier.