Chinese have a very closed intranet not internet mind you. Be careful as using VPNs is a crime. This is done to keep Chinese people out of what is happening around the world and check the spread of western liberal ideologies. I am actually surprised that steemit is actually working. No idea have never used VPN. I suggest you not to do all that and just ask for help from some local people about contacts and stuff as using VPNs can lead you into jail and communist party's surveillance of its people is high. Be careful. Just calling is better I guess.