This summer I'm going to be in China for two weeks. Will using a VPN such as privateinternetaccess.com, which Logan has recommended previously, work to evade the internet firewalls in China? If so, does the Chinese government technically have the right to arrest me, a 16 year old US citizen, trying to check my social media? O.o
Also, what do you guys think about international internet rights? What rights should one maintain and/or obey when abroad (if any)?
If you are using a VPN no one should see what data you are sending out if its encrypted properly (which I believe PIA does). The IP address destination will also be one of PIA's servers rather than that of your true destination, Facebook for example. From my own experience of using a VPN, yes it will work to connect you to sites blocked by China's firewall.
As far as getting arrested, I don't think there will be something that extreme. China is more interested in keeping the majority of its own citizens away from western media than going after foreign visitors.