China does have some of the most extreme censorship in the world...
in fact i think that both facebook and twitter are still completely blocked there!
I think Weibo is the facebook alternative in China, it might be the twitter alternative though, I cant really read whats on the pages hehe
Ive considered putting sand substrate in my tank as well just so I could plant a few java ferns and some other plants
Sand shouldnt be a problem as long as its fine sand and doesnt contain rocks or large pieces, at least from what Ive learned on this site anyway