The short answer is no, YouTube does not work in China. The Great Firewall has blocked YouTube since 2009. But there is a simple solution.
Why YouTube is blocked
China blocked YouTube in 2009 to promote local alternatives like Bilibili and Douyin (Chinese TikTok).
If you try to open YouTube, the page will not load and the app will show a connection error.
How to watch YouTube in China
- eSIM or SIM with international roaming (recommended): YouTube works automatically on arrival.
- VPN: unreliable. VPNs are frequently blocked in China.
Chinese alternatives to YouTube
- Bilibili - Similar to YouTube with anime and gaming
- Douyin - Chinese version of TikTok
- Youku - Series and movies
These work without an eSIM but content is in Chinese.
How much data does YouTube use
| Quality | Usage per hour |
|---|---|
| 480p | 300 MB |
| 720p | 700 MB |
| 1080p | 1.5 GB |
We recommend at least 20 GB to watch YouTube.
How to get an eSIM
- Buy your eSIM before traveling
- Receive the QR code by WhatsApp
- Activate on arrival in China
- YouTube works automatically
Read our internet in China guide.
FAQ
Can I download videos before going?
Yes, but you still need internet for maps and translation.
Does YouTube Premium work in China?
No. All of YouTube is blocked. You need a roaming eSIM.
Conclusion
YouTube does not work in China. The most reliable solution is a roaming eSIM.
Contact us on WhatsApp for your eSIM.