No, Telegram does not work in China. The Great Firewall has blocked Telegram since 2015. But there is a reliable solution to use Telegram during your trip.
Why Telegram is blocked in China
China blocked Telegram in 2015 due to its end-to-end encryption and the difficulty of monitoring messages. The government prefers citizens to use WeChat, which is locally controlled.
If you try to open Telegram with a local SIM or Chinese WiFi, the app will show Connecting without ever connecting.
How to use Telegram in China
The most reliable way is a roaming eSIM or SIM:
- Your traffic goes through your home network
- Telegram works automatically on arrival
- Messages, calls, groups and channels all work
- No VPN needed
VPNs work intermittently in China. Many get blocked and the connection is slow or drops.
Telegram vs WhatsApp in China
Both Telegram and WhatsApp are blocked in China. Both work with a roaming eSIM. The advantage of Telegram is that it uses less data thanks to its compression.
How much data does Telegram use
| Feature | Usage per hour |
|---|---|
| Text messages | 1 MB |
| Voice notes | 5 MB |
| Video call | 200 MB |
| Downloading media | 50 MB per file |
How to get an eSIM for Telegram
- Buy your eSIM before traveling
- Receive the QR code by WhatsApp or email
- Activate on arrival in China
- Telegram works automatically
Read our internet in China guide.
FAQ
Does Telegram Web work in China?
No. Telegram Web is also blocked. You need roaming.
Can I use Telegram with a VPN?
It is possible but unreliable. VPNs get blocked frequently in China.
Do Telegram Secret Chats work with roaming?
Yes. With a roaming eSIM, all Telegram features work, including Secret Chats.
Conclusion
Telegram does not work in China due to the Great Firewall. The most reliable solution is a roaming eSIM or SIM. Contact us on WhatsApp for your eSIM.