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Google equivalent in English for foreigners in China

Hi, the great firewall blocks Google. The substitute is Baidu. I’m talking as a pure search engine, not maps or other services. I have substitutes for those.

Now Baidu is available only in Chinese

Question is if me as a foreigner has to search something whilst in China, what are my options??

In China, Google and many other foreign search engines are blocked by the Great Firewall. For foreigners who want to search the web in English, there are several practical options, although none are exact equivalents of Google.

Here are your main options:

  • VPN (Virtual Private Network): Using a reliable VPN allows you to access Google, Bing, or any other blocked search engines as if you were outside China. This is the most straightforward way to use English-language search engines. Note that not all VPNs work reliably in China, so choose one with a strong track record.
  • Bing (English version): Microsoft’s Bing search engine is partially accessible in China. It may not always work perfectly, but it allows English-language searches without needing a VPN in some regions.
  • DuckDuckGo: Another alternative that prioritizes privacy. Its accessibility in China can vary, so a VPN might still be required to use it consistently.
  • Yahoo Search or Ecosia: These can sometimes be accessed without a VPN, though their results may be slower or partially restricted.

If you do not want to use a VPN, your options are limited, and Baidu will be the main search engine available. However, it is in Chinese, so using translation tools (like Google Translate on a mobile device with a VPN or offline translation app) can help navigate results.

Summary tips for foreigners in China:

  • For full Google-like search in English, a VPN is almost essential.
  • Without a VPN, try Bing or other minor search engines, but expect limitations.
  • Use translation apps alongside Chinese search engines if you cannot access VPNs.

Ultimately, planning your searches ahead of time and setting up VPN access before arriving in China is highly recommended for uninterrupted access to English-language information.

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