Cell Phone WiFi Service in China

Tom, there was just a column about tips on traveling in the New York Times on January 30th Frugal Traveler by Lucas Peterson that had a section on internet access in China. For what it is worth. Enjoy your trip. I'm doing the same trip leaving April 5th.

Jim P

Thanks for this, Jim. Looks helpful.

Jim, thank you so much for your useful suggestion. We are going on the May 12th Icons of China trip and have been researching this topic. The New York Times column on January 30th has the best information. Do you have any other suggestions?

I just returned from the Train/Riverboat China trip. I used my iPhone set to airplane mode. This way I could, when in a wifi area, text and FaceTime my family who also have iPhones. There was free wifi in every hotel and on the boat. I usually had good reception. Some travelers had a VPN. This allowed them to search the internet, avoiding China's firewall. I did not have that. I could still type in most websites and then search around in them. I could not just type in a topic and "google it". Some travelers had WeChat. If you get separated from the group and need to contact the leader (this never happened), you can just ask anyone on the street if you can use their phone. If you need to contact a friend in China or get a taxi, you can use the leader's phone or the hotel phone. It all depends on how "techie" you want to be. I was fine with the minimum. I was too busy enjoying this fabulous trip! It was amazing. I hope your trip turns out to be as wonderful. Lucy

Lucy-Thank you so much for your useful information. Do you have any tips for what to wear to the open air musical, the acrobatics group show, and the captains reception during the Yangtze river cruise?

The weather in April was warmer than I expected with a couple of days in the low 80s. You won't need "dress up clothes" for anything. One nice pair of black pants with a pretty top and a pair of sandals or flats will suffice. Alternatively, a little sundress with a sweater to go on top would work. We didn't go to the open air musical as we didn't get down to the Li River (next trip!), but the acrobatics event is not a dress-up affair. On the Yangtze riverboat you can go up on deck in the evening and have a glass of wine. This is when the sundress or palazzo pants might be nice. Most of the time a good pair of light weight hiking pants, a cool shirt, a hat, sunglasses, and the best walking shoes you can find will be perfect. Most men had one pair of nice khaki pants and a buttoned shirt for the "dress up" occasions, but a knit polo would work as well. Don't take a lot of clothes! One roller-bag (preferably a spinner) is the way to go along with a small backpack.
I needed drops for my eyes on days when the pollution was bad. Others complained of their eyes, too. At least have some Visine and a pair of sunglasses. Don't bother with a mask. You won't use it or RS will provide. Also handy, when we were picking tea, was a mosquito repellent wipe. Only needed it that one day, but you might need it for your outdoor night time performance.
You are going to have a wonderful time! I've been home a week and am missing China!

Lucy-This is very helpful and thank you so much for taking the time to reply. We are leaving tomorrow and are really looking forward to the trip.

Lucy - This was great practical info. Wish there were more of it. While praising the guides is good to hear, since we can't select our guide, your type of information is very helpful.