[Q] [desperate] Nexus 7 setup behind the Great Firewall? topic

Hello guys, I can't get past 'checking connection' due to unable to contact Google servers in CHINA. Any brilliant ideas how to bypass? I actually succeeded in setting up my Nexus 5 (LTE) earlier in the week. I tried using a proxy on the N5 and using the hotspot for setting up N7 but it didn't work. Do I have to wait for my next trip to Japan to setup?? I hope the hell not. BTW, I'm installing factory image before rooting and custom ROM, so I can't do it another way. HELP!!!