Spring Festival Return to China: China eSIM (No VPN), Activation, EID Check &Troubleshooting (2026)
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Spring Festival Return to China: China eSIM (No VPN), Activation, EID Check & Troubleshooting (2026)
If you’re living overseas and returning to China for Spring Festival, the biggest risk isn’t jet lag — it’s landing with no data. Maps, ride-hailing, messaging, and work tools can all stop. This guide shows you how to activate a China eSIM, how to confirm your phone supports eSIM (EID / “Add eSIM”), and how to fix no data after landing.
If your phone supports eSIM (you can find an EID or see “Add eSIM” in settings), install the eSIM on Wi-Fi before departure. After landing, switch Mobile Data to the eSIM. Our China eSIM uses CMHK (Hong Kong) APN routing, so apps like Instagram, Facebook, Gmail, ChatGPT & Gemini can often work more smoothly without VPN, with 5G support.
Quick Summary (20 seconds)
This article covers EID / “Add eSIM”, activation steps, why CMHK APN helps for overseas apps without VPN, and a short troubleshooting checklist if you have no data.
Spring Festival Return: Prepare Your China eSIM (Land & Go Online)
Most overseas travelers want the same thing when returning to China: WeChat is essential, but you also want Gmail, Google tools, ChatGPT, Gemini, Instagram, Facebook and other global services to be usable with less hassle. Our China eSIM uses CMHK (Hong Kong) routing and supports 5G for fast data.
✅ China eSIM (Return / Travel) — One-click Links
Recommended order: check compatibility → purchase → install on Wi-Fi → switch mobile data after landing.
Quick Links:
If your eSIM isn’t working, start here: eSIM Not Working? Troubleshooting →
Why “No VPN” Can Work: CMHK APN Routing (Hong Kong)
In simple terms, our China eSIM uses CMHK (Hong Kong) APN routing. For many travelers, it can mean smoother access to global apps without setting up VPN — especially right after landing.
Instagram / Facebook / ChatGPT / Gemini / Gmail / Google Maps / YouTube / overseas social & work tools.
(Real-world experience can vary by device, location, and network conditions, but the goal is to make your return easier.)
Step 1 (Most Important): Confirm Your Phone Supports eSIM (EID / “Add eSIM”)
Before buying any China eSIM, confirm your device supports eSIM. The two most reliable checks are: (1) “Add eSIM” exists in settings, and (2) you can find an EID (often under “About” or cellular settings).
Do I need to dial *#06#?
On some phones, dialing *#06# shows IMEI and may show EID (if supported). However, the most reliable indicator is still EID / “Add eSIM” because display behavior varies across brands.
Step 2: How to Activate China eSIM (Install Before, Switch After Landing)
The safest workflow is: install the eSIM on stable Wi-Fi before departure, then after you land, switch Mobile Data to the eSIM. This avoids last-minute setup and helps you go online faster.
1) After purchase, open your email/order page to get the QR code or manual details
2) Install the eSIM on Wi-Fi (do not switch Mobile Data yet)
3) After landing: Settings → Cellular/Mobile Data → switch Mobile Data to the eSIM
4) If your plan requires it: enable Data Roaming
5) Wait 60–120 seconds for first-time network registration
🎥 Activation Video
No Data After Landing? Follow This Checklist
Spring Festival travel is busy. If you see “No Service” or no data after landing, don’t reinstall everything right away. Follow the steps below — most issues resolve within 10 minutes.
1) Confirm the eSIM is installed and toggled ON
2) Settings → Cellular/Mobile Data → switch Mobile Data to the eSIM
3) If your plan requires it: enable Data Roaming
4) Restart your phone and wait about 10 minutes for registration
5) Still not working? Follow the troubleshooting article step-by-step (change one setting at a time)
Recommended Reads: eSIM Setup, Troubleshooting & Device IDs
If you want to make your return-to-China setup even smoother, these guides help:
Before You Fly: Do These 2 Things (Compatibility → Install Early)
✅ Step 2: Install on Wi-Fi before departure — after landing, just switch Mobile Data to the eSIM
Spring Festival is peak travel season. Install your eSIM in advance so you have data in your first minute after landing — and you can focus on family, not settings.
FAQ | China eSIM for Spring Festival Return
Q: Will the network be unstable during Spring Festival?
In general, it’s stable. Even during peak hours (airports, train stations, popular areas), data usually works normally. If you experience temporary congestion, wait 1–2 minutes or toggle Airplane Mode on/off.
Q: What if I have no data after landing?
Confirm the eSIM is installed and turned on, then switch Mobile Data to the eSIM. If your plan requires it, enable Data Roaming. Restart your phone and wait about 10 minutes for registration. You can also follow the troubleshooting guide: Troubleshooting →
Q: Does China eSIM support 5G?
Yes. Our China eSIM supports 5G. Real-world speed can vary by location, device, and network conditions.
Q: Can I share hotspot?
Yes. You can share a hotspot to your laptop or travel companions. If you share frequently, monitor your data usage.
Q: Do I need real-name registration?
No. You can purchase, install, and use it directly.
Q: How do I confirm my phone supports eSIM?
The most reliable signs are: you can see “Add eSIM” in settings and you can find an EID. If you’re unsure, use the compatibility list: Compatible Devices →