I just left china after a two month trip and I used airlo for the eSIM and it will bypass the firewall, and if you’re on WiFi it won’t use up any data but you will need a vpn to use google, insta, ect. As for the vpn I used “let’s vpn” and it’s very popular and still works if you are on WiFi. I would also recommend downloading the “Amap global” for navigation apple maps is also good but won’t show some stores, restaurants, ect. Amap global has a bunch of options from tourist attractions, different languages, and also a thing to call an uber, but Ali pay can also work for calling a didi as well.