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Best VPN for China in 2024


Together with our research team, we tested 41 VPN services to determine the most suitable ones for bypassing online restrictions anywhere worldwide. Below I present you with the best VPNs to use in China that will lift all restrictions and enable you to enjoy the freedom of the internet on your travels across China.

Our Verdict

As of October 2024, we think that the best VPN for China is NordVPN. It has a large server network around China, ensuring users a private, more stable connection when browsing, streaming, or torrenting.

Best China VPNs comparison

After our research team tested each VPN’s performance in China, speed, features, and other factors, I compared them. If you’re unsure which VPN to use in China, take a look at the summary table below and make an informed decision.

VPN for ChinaRatingServers near ChinaNumber of servers near ChinaServersStreamingPrice
NordVPN
4.9
Bhutan, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Kazakhstan, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand381+6400+ servers in 111 countriesNetflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and moreFrom $2.99/month
Surfshark
4.7
Hong Kong, India, Japan, Macau, Mongolia, Pakistan, South Korea, Taiwan, Vietnam156+3200+ servers in 100 countriesNetflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and moreFrom $1.99/month
Proton VPN
4.2
Hong Kong, India, Japan, Kazakhstan, Nepal, Pakistan, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand289+8600+ servers in 112 countriesNetflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, HBO Max, Disney+From $2.99/month
PureVPN
4.2
Hong Kong, India, Japan, Singapore, South Korea177+6500+ servers in 65 countriesNetflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTubeFrom $2.14/month
ExpressVPN
4.3
Bhutan, Hong Kong, India, Japan, Kazakhstan, Macau, Mongolia, Myanmar, Pakistan, South Korea, Taiwan, VietnamUnavailableThousands of servers in 105 countriesNetflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, Disney+, and moreFrom $4.99/month
Astrill VPN
3.4
Hong Kong, India, Japan, Pakistan, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, VietnamUnavailable3000+ servers in 56 countriesNetflixFrom $12.50/month
Mullvad VPN
3.8
Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, Thailand29+695+ servers in 46 countriesYouTubeFrom $6.00/month

Best VPNs for China – tested in October 2024

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Recent update
In the most recent October update, I reassessed every VPN’s ability to work in China and updated the article to reflect the latest findings. Together with our research team, I fact-checked every VPN provider and added the latest information. I also removed Ivacy VPN from the list since it has recently merged with PureVPN.

7 best VPNs for China – tested in October 2024

When picking the best VPNs for China, together with our research team, I reviewed 43 providers and focused primarily on how secure they are. The final list of VPNs have proven to provide the most stable connections during in-house testing, and they can consistently unblock geo-restricted content. Here are my top recommendations if you want to bypass the Great Firewall of China.

Please keep in mind that you must download a VPN before you travel to China because you will not be able to download it otherwise.

1. NordVPN – the most secure VPN for China

NordVPN banner
Works in China:
Yes
Servers/countries:6400+ servers in 111 countries
No-logs policy:Audited no-logs policy
Current deal:Get 74% OFF NordVPN + 3 months free

NordVPN is definitely the best VPN to use in China at the moment because it combines an impressive arsenal of features, provides excellent performance in China, and offers 6400+ servers in 111 countries, including Taiwan, Hong Kong (73 servers), Vietnam, Mongolia, and other nearby locations. Combined with NordVPN's extensive server network in nearby regions, its obfuscated servers excel at bypassing the Great Firewall by disguising VPN traffic as regular internet traffic. This makes it difficult for Chinese internet filters to detect and block the connection.

NordVPN notes that apps might not connect or work due to heavy restrictions, so they have a manual workaround. This involves downloading and installing certificates on the device, with Android, iOS, and macOS tutorials available. As of July 11, NordVPN claims that their service does not work for Windows and is looking for ways to make it functional. Additionally, NordVPN provides alternative URLs to access support if the main one is blocked in China.

Testing NordVPN performance in China using iPhone

The most recent testing of NordVPN in China was attempted in the Shandong Province, Mainland China with iPhone 15.

At first, the NordVPN app struggled to connect and not always worked, but after contacting their customer support and getting some advice, we managed to successfully connect a few times.

NordVPN connected to Japan in China
Using NordVPN to connect to a Japanese server in China

To use NordVPN in China on macOS, iPhone, or Android, I suggest downloading the NordVPN IKEv2 certificate. You can find details on how to do this on NordVPN’s instructions for connecting from a country with internet restrictions. Bear in mind that you might need to try several IP addresses from the list provided in their article before you can connect.

As NordVPN offers servers in multiple nearby locations, including Hong Kong, Taiwan, and many others, you’ll be able to connect to popular apps or sites that are banned in China, like Facebook or TikTok. With NordVPN’s proprietary protocol NordLynx and obfuscated servers, you should not have any trouble bypassing any geo-restrictions in China.

NordVPN is the safest VPN to use in China

NordVPN follows a strict no-logs policy that has been audited by independent auditors multiple times. This means the VPN doesn’t record data about your activities and doesn’t share it with anyone, including governments. Moreover, NordVPN employs strong encryption methods (AES-256 and ChaCha20) to ensure your activities are completely unreadable. Other notable NordVPN benefits include 10 simultaneous connections, Double VPN and Onion over VPN servers, Threat Protection, and two kill switches.

NordVPN offers the best value proposition in China

You can purchase NordVPN with different plans: monthly, 1-year, and 2-year options. The 2-year plan costs $2.99/month. Each plan comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee and a 7-day free trial for Android, which you can use on other devices. For extra privacy, you can pay for NordVPN using prepaid cards and cryptocurrencies, such as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Cardano, etc.

NordVPN customer support is easy to reach

To contact NordVPN customer support on Windows, you can use your app and go to Profile > Help center > Contact us and then select the topic. If that doesn’t work, you can access their customer support through the chat bubble in the help center articles on the NordVPN website.

We contacted customer support while in China, and were well impressed that the support was able to respond in both English and Chinese. We were connected to a chat bot (Nordbot) at first, but later a live agent jumped in.

NordVPN chat in Chinese
NordVPN's customer support in China

The support helped us by giving instructions on how to connect to a VPN and providing several alternative IP addresses and host names. This helped us establish a working VPN connection and access blocked sites, including news publishers, social media sites, and streaming platforms.

2. Surfshark – budget-friendly China VPN with blazing-fast speeds

Surfshark banner
Works in China:
Yes
Servers/countries: 3200+ servers in 100 countries
No-logs policy:
Audited no-logs policy
Current deal:Now up to 87% OFF Surfshark + 4 months FREE

Surfshark is one of the most affordable VPNs with blazing-fast connection speeds for visiting China. Aside from Ivacy VPN, Surfshark offers the best deals for budget-conscious users, but it comes with more beneficial features, which is why this VPN has earned one of the top spots. Surfshark has 3200+ servers in 100 countries, including Macau, Hong Kong, Vietnam, and Taiwan. However, support noted that the app might not work properly and recommended manual configuration, with tutorials provided.

Surfshark also suggests using OpenVPN to hide the fact you’re connected to a VPN or enabling the NoBorders mode. Unfortunately, some Surfshark users report it doesn’t work in China.

Surfshark grants maximum security in China

Surfshark implements AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption ciphers, includes an audited no-logs policy, and has 100% RAM-only servers. That means that all data is frequently wiped to ensure maximum security. And, while reviewing Surfshark VPN, I found all the extra features like the ad blocker (CleanWeb), stealth VPN (Camouflage Mode), and split tunneling (Bypasser) to be of the highest quality.

Surfshark's performance tests in China

During our testing, Surfshark had no trouble unblocking torrenting and streaming platforms while connected to servers close to China. We were also able to access Google, Google Maps, and unblock BBC, while connected to Surfshark in mainland China.

Since BBC and Google are among many sites blocked in China, neither of them worked at first, but when we managed to establish a VPN connection with Surfshark, both websites loaded instantly.

We were also able to access Netflix, YouTube, AppleTV+, and various other platforms and websites, including Wikipedia, Facebook, and other sites normally blocked in China. This is ensured by top-notch tunnelling protocols (WireGuard and OpenVPN), and while Surfshark doesn’t use NordLynx and cannot surpass the speeds of NordVPN, it’s still pretty fast – it maintained 86% of original speeds during testing.

Surfshark is a budget-friendly VPN for China

You can purchase Surfshark for as little as $1.99/month with a 2-year plan, with unlimited simultaneous connections included. If you want to try it risk-free, there’s a 30-day money guarantee and a 7-day free trial on macOS, iOS, and Android devices. To maximize privacy, you can pay using cryptocurrencies (e.g., Bitcoin, Ethereum, or Litecoin).

Surfshark's China support can be a bit challenging

Although Surfshark's support is well-regarded for responsiveness, it was challenging this time. When I asked about using Surfshark in China, the chatbot asked numerous questions before connecting me to a live agent, often providing irrelevant answers. Eventually, it said no live agent was available, delaying resolution.

3. Proton VPN – a reliable VPN service to browse anonymously in China

ProtonVPN banner
Works in China:
Yes
Servers/countries:8600+ servers in 112 countries
No-logs policy:
Audited no-logs policy
Current deal:Get up to 70% OFF ProtonVPN

Proton VPN offers excellent security and privacy. With over 8600 servers in 112 countries, including servers in Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore, you’ll be able to use the internet freely, on 10 devices. The greatest perk of using Proton VPN is that it offers a pretty great free version; however, many users report its free version doesn’t work in China.

Proton VPN is a secure and anonymous China VPN

The Proton VPN feature set is well-stacked with tools for bypassing restrictions while staying anonymous. For starters, the service is based in privacy-friendly Switzerland, comes with AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption protocols, is open-source, has a strict no-logs policy, and a reliable kill switch. So, you can be certain your online activities are secure and anonymous. In this regard, Proton VPN is pretty much up there with ExpressVPN, and other great VPNs on this list.

Proton VPN offers stable speeds in China

During in-house tests, we had no trouble unblocking Netflix, BBC iPlayer, YouTube, Disney+, and Max using Proton VPN. With the WireGuard tunneling protocol, you can expect stable download speeds while browsing the internet in China. During my tests, Proton VPN managed to retain 85% of the original internet speed, which is an amazing result, comparable to that of Surfshark – one of the top VPNs on this list.

Proton VPN has a free version to test before visiting China

Proton VPN subscriptions start at $2.99/month, which is pricier than some of the other China VPNs the research team tested. On the other hand, it offers a free version if you want to bypass the Great Firewall with a VPN app at no expense; although we found it quite limited in both server availability and features.However, I recommend using the 30-day money-back guarantee to test the powerful premium version. You can make an anonymous payment using Bitcoin.

Proton VPN offers responsive support

Proton VPN offers responsive customer support, with live agents available during working hours. The agent suggested trying the OpenVPN TCP or Stealth protocol when I contacted them. If these tips don't resolve the issue, they mentioned the 30-day money-back guarantee. Chat support is reserved for registered users, and you can directly start chatting with a human without first interacting with a bot. This ensures quick and efficient assistance when you need it.

4. PureVPN – China VPN with torrenting servers

purevpn-banner-new
Works in China:
Yes
Servers/countries: 6500+ servers in 65 countries
No-logs policy:
Audited always-on no-logs policy
Current deal:Now 83% OFF PureVPN + 3 FREE months

PureVPN is a fast and reliable VPN for China, and it is often chosen by users who want to share files and enjoy unrestricted torrenting. The VPN has specialized servers for torrenting, and while they’re not available everywhere, PureVPN has 6500+ servers in 65 countries, including Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore, so you should be able to find the right server.

Note: In August 2024, PureVPN merged with Ivacy VPN. Its existing users have been prompted to migrate to PureVPN.

Secure your data in China with PureVPN

With market-standard AES-256 and modern ChaCha20 data encryption, as well as a reliable kill switch, PureVPN ensures your data is protected. Additionally, PureVPN has a strict no-logs policy with an always-on audit, which means the provider can be audited at any time. And, if you look into PureVPN’s pricing, you’ll notice it offers various extra cybersecurity perks if you need them, including a Secure Password Manager and a Personal Privacy Manager.

PureVPN offers moderate speeds for China

During my streaming tests, PureVPN successfully unblocked Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. And with servers near China, you can expect it to unlock Google, YouTube, Facebook, and other popular banned sites. PureVPN employs the speedy WireGuard tunneling protocol for seamless and lag-free browsing. When I reviewed PureVPN, it retained 67% of the original speed. While this isn’t very fast – at least when compared to NordVPN, Surfshark, and a few other VPNs on this list – that should be enough to stream and browse lag-free.

PureVPN offers solid value for China

The only real flaws for me were the few connection issues, and that with the WireGuard tunneling protocol, you do not get all the features available. You can also try enabling obfuscation which is powered by OpenVPN. I haven’t tried this method, but PureVPN recommends it to resolve connectivity issues in China. OpenVPN won’t limit the available features.

However, if that’s not a dealbreaker for you, you can purchase PureVPN for $2.14/month with a 2-year plan for the best deal, with 10 simultaneous connections. Cryptocurrency (Bitcoin) is available as a payment option.

PureVPN customer support: slow but steady

Interacting with PureVPN's customer support can be a lengthy process. Initial queries are handled by a chatbot, which creates a support ticket for a live agent. This ticket is redirected to email, and further communication occurs through this medium. Eventually, you get connected with a live agent, which often takes almost a full day. While speaking to a real person is possible, the process is time-consuming and not as straightforward as other VPN providers.

5. ExpressVPN – versatile VPN for secure browsing in China

ExpressVPN banner
Works in China:
Yes
Servers/countries: Undisclosed number of servers in 105 countries
No-logs policy:
Audited no-logs policy
Current deal:Now up to 82% OFF ExpressVPN + 6 months FREE

ExpressVPN is another great VPN provider for safe browsing in China. Although the provider does not disclose the exact number of servers, these span across 105 countries, which suggests you should have no trouble finding a server closer to China (e.g., Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan). On this list, only NordVPN has servers in more countries, with Surfshark right behind.

ExpressVPN is a secure and anonymous choice for China

ExpressVPN ensures anonymity with AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption ciphers, an audited no-logs policy, and RAM-only servers. The VPN’s perks also include protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks. Plus, there’s a strong kill switch to prevent IP address exposure, and stealth servers to hide your VPN connection better. Overall, ExpressVPN is considered to be a safe choice when connecting from China.

ExpressVPN excels at unblocking streaming content in China

ExpressVPN is pretty good at unblocking streaming platforms, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and Max. So, if your main objective for a China VPN is to unblock streaming content, ExpressVPN is a great choice. As for other blocked websites, you should be able to bypass the censorship of news portals, social media sites, and other platforms too. Just like NordVPN, ExpressVPN has its proprietary protocol called Lightway. Although it’s not as fast as NordVPN’s NordLynx, it can offer lag-free browsing by retaining around 77% of the original speed.

ExpressVPN is a pricier option for China

Compared with other providers on this list, especially Surfshark and Ivacy VPN, ExpressVPN is one of the priciest options. You can purchase a 1-year subscription for $4.99/month with 8 simultaneous connections, and take advantage of a 30-day money-back guarantee. For private payments, you can use Bitcoin.

ExpressVPN offers direct human support

When seeking help with ExpressVPN, you won't have to deal with chatbots or AI. Instead, you are directly connected to a live agent, ensuring prompt and personalized assistance. ExpressVPN claims their service works well in China, and their human support team is readily available to assist with any issues.

6. Astrill VPN – pricey but effective for bypassing China's censorship

Astrill VPN banner
Works in China:
Yes
Servers/countries:Servers in 56 countries
No-logs policy:
Collects some info, no independent audit
Current deal:Get 50% OFF with 2-year plan!

With its thousands of servers in 56 countries and 5 simultaneous connections, Astrill VPN is renowned for its effectiveness in bypassing China's Great Firewall. Its StealthVPN technology is designed to evade strict censorship, ensuring access to popular platforms like Facebook and TikTok. With numerous servers in Asia, including Hong Kong and Taiwan, Astrill VPN provides reliable performance for users in China.

Astrill VPN offers strong security features with some concerns

Astrill VPN employs strong encryption methods, including AES-256 and ChaCha20, to secure your online activities. It also features a kill switch, DoubleVPN, and dedicated IP options to enhance privacy. However, it's worth noting that Astrill VPN does collect some session data, such as bandwidth used and IP addresses, which are claimed to be removed after disconnecting. Unlike top competitors, Astrill VPN’s no-logs policy has not been independently audited, which may concern privacy-focused users.

Astrill VPN is not the fastest VPN in China

Regarding performance, during Astrill VPN testing, it retained about 66% of the original internet speed on average, which is sufficient for most online activities, including streaming and browsing. However, the upload speeds can drop significantly, up to 80% on average, which might affect tasks requiring higher upload bandwidth.

Astrill VPN has a high cost for premium access

Astrill VPN is one of the pricier options, starting at $12.50/month, which might not be ideal for budget-conscious users. While it offers a range of security features and reliable access in China, the high cost may be a deterrent for some.

Astrill VPN customer support is prompt and helpful

Astrill VPN's customer support is responsive and efficient. Users can connect with a live agent almost immediately without navigating through extensive chatbot interactions. The support team is knowledgeable about the service’s capabilities in China and provides effective assistance.

7. Mullvad VPN – expensive but secure China VPN

Mullvad VPN banner
Works in China:
Yes
Servers/countries:695 servers in 46 countries
No-logs policy:
Audited no-logs policy
Current deal:Get Mullvad VPN from $6.00/month

Mullvad VPN prioritizes user privacy with robust security features. The service employs AES-256 and ChaCha20 encryption through the WireGuard protocol, ensuring strong data protection. Additionally, Mullvad is open-source and does not require an email for registration, enhancing user anonymity. The VPN has 695 servers in 46 countries and a strict no-logs policy, verified by third-party audits, ensuring that no personal information is stored.

Mullvad VPN is capable of bypassing China’s Great Firewall

Mullvad VPN is known for its effectiveness in bypassing China's Great Firewall. Our Mullvad VPN review shows it features obfuscation techniques that disguise VPN traffic as regular internet traffic, making it harder for Chinese authorities to detect and block. The VPN’s built-in kill switch and multi-hop servers further enhance its ability to maintain secure and uninterrupted connections, even in regions with strict censorship. In addition, Mullvad VPN has an in-depth, step-by-step guide on how to connect to their VPN in China and other restrictive countries, which we found extremely helpful.

Mullvad VPN offers a flexible yet pricey subscription for China

Mullvad VPN offers a straightforward pricing model of $6.00/month, with no long-term commitments and up to 5 simultaneous connections included. This simple pricing structure can be advantageous for users who prefer flexibility. However, the lack of long-term discounts makes it pricier compared to other providers.

Mullvad VPN offers email-only support for China

Mullvad VPN lacks live customer support and relies on email-based assistance and extensive online resources only. While this can be a drawback for users needing immediate help, the comprehensive guides and tutorials can be useful, especially for setup and troubleshooting in China.

How we tested VPNs for China

Our research team and I reviewed 41 VPN providers and tested the top selections to ensure our final list of the best VPNs for China only includes apps that effectively bypass geo-restrictions in China and can guarantee top-notch security while using them. Here’s how we came up with the final list:

  1. VPN selection. Before we even initiated in-house VPN testing, we carefully selected the top providers based on security features, regional server availability, and the presence of obfuscated servers. It was crucial to select VPNs with servers close enough to China to ensure optimal performance.
  2. In-house testing. To finalize the top list, we performed tests on different operating systems. On Windows, for example, we used a VM with Windows 11 installed on a Lenovo ThinkPad T14s Gen2 device. Additionally, we tested the VPNs on mobile devices such as Android and iOS smartphones and tablets, which is essential for travelers. Some VPN testing in China was done on iPhone 15. The VPNs' performance was continuously checked for several days to ensure consistency and reliability.
  3. Performance analysis. To ensure that our list of top VPNs for China only includes the top-performing VPNs, we conducted rigorous tests. We ran a speed analysis and checked how well the VPNs can unblock streaming content and blocked sites. We also tested all the most important security features, including kill switches, leak protection, encryption, obfuscated servers, no-logs policies, and secure tunneling protocols. We not only checked whether these features function but also if they can guarantee privacy and protection since China is very strict about VPN usage. Additionally, we checked for bandwidth limitations and found that all these VPNs have no bandwidth limitations.
  4. Customer support. We talked to the customer support teams of each provider and managed to get their best tips on how to use VPNs in China. They provided valuable insights, including manual workarounds and tutorials for different devices. Some VPNs have direct connections to live agents, while others start with a bot before connecting you to a human. Worth mentioning, that some VPNs offer support in different languages, like NordVPN providing answers in Chinese, for example.
  5. Ranking. In the final step, we used the collected data to determine which VPNs are better than others. While all providers on this list are considered great for using in China, the top VPNs represent the perfect combinations of performance and security. We also considered the overall value-to-price ratio.

Why do you need a VPN in China?

In China, the government actively monitors internet activity, posing significant privacy concerns. Using a VPN will encrypt your internet traffic and keep your data private, protecting your privacy and ensuring secure access to banned websites.

When your internet traffic is encrypted, your ISP and the government will not understand what websites you’re visiting. For example, instead of www.netflix.com showing up in the log, a random string of letters and numbers will appear instead.

Facebook, Google, YouTube, and WhatsApp, among many other websites, are all blocked by China’s Great Firewall. Without a VPN, you’ll miss out on sharing your experiences online, accessing global news, and using essential apps.

obfuscated-servers
Explanation of obfuscated servers

Since VPN usage is highly restricted in China, I recommend to use obfuscated servers when connecting. This will ensure that your traffic is not only encrypted but also hidden – your ISP and the Chinese government will not be able to detect you’re using a VPN.

Expert comment
Content editor and security expert

Is VPN illegal in China?

VPNs aren’t illegal in China. However, they are heavily restricted by the Chinese government and only VPNs that comply with strict Chinese requirements are allowed. Overall, VPN legality often ends up in a gray zone.

If the IP address of a VPN server isn’t associated with the Great Firewall of China restrictions, it should allow you to access blocked websites. This is why it’s crucial to pick a VPN with plenty of servers – in case one of them is blocked, there are others you can use to connect to the internet.

Another thing to note is that promoting and selling VPNs is illegal in China. That’s because, technically, only government-approved VPNs should be available in the country. Unsurprisingly, no one wants to use those because they provide zero privacy.

Disclaimer

The legality of VPNs in China is complicated, and you should consult a lawyer for the most up-to-date information regarding this topic.

How do I access and use VPNs in China?

The best advice you'll ever get regarding VPN usage in China is to plan in advance. If you're not already in China, it's best to purchase, download, install, and set up VPN software before landing in the country because some VPNs are banned in China. Because of this, you might not be able to purchase a VPN subscription when in China or pay with a Chinese card. You might also not be able to get a free trial as some providers require you to enter card details, and a Chinese one will most likely not work.

If you set a VPN up before your travels, you will have tools to bypass the restrictions as soon as you land.

  1. Download and install a VPN with servers in or near China before arriving. I recommend NordVPN, now 74% OFF, as it has a great track record for bypassing the Great Firewall of China
  2. Sign up for the service
  3. Log into your account
  4. Find obfuscated servers on the server list to mask your VPN connection and connect to one which is close to China when you get to the country

Which is the best free VPN to use in China?

Free VPNs don’t really work in China for one simple reason: they do not invest in their server fleets. Because the government in China is very strict about VPNs and is notorious for blocking them, it is very important that a provider can offer plenty of servers just so you have options in case some are blocked.

Moreover, free VPNs are unlikely to offer specialized (obfuscated) servers and features built to combat censorship. Ultimately, free VPNs may put you at risk because if the government discovers you are using the technology, they could potentially invoke legal action.

Therefore, I suggest utilizing free trials of premium VPNs and, if necessary, using their 30-day money-back guarantees, which should be enough if you are not planning to stay in China for long. If you’re happy with the results, you’ll have a strong and secure VPN for bypassing the Great Firewall of China. Here are my top recommendations:

  • NordVPN – enjoy a 7-day free trial that you can register on an Android device and then use on any compatible device. Pricing starts at $2.99/month, and you can take advantage of a fuss-free 30-day money-back guarantee.
  • Surfshark – register for a 7-day free trial on Android, iOS, and macOS devices. If you end up liking the service, pricing starts at $1.99/month, and you have a 30-day money-back guarantee to figure out if this is the tool for you.

Social media and streaming platforms blocked in China

The list of websites unavailable in China is extensive and changes constantly. Below are a few popular sites currently blocked in China:

  • Facebook
  • X (formerly Twitter)
  • TikTok
  • Google
  • YouTube
  • Wikipedia

A few other notable websites blocked in China include Instagram, Snapchat, WhatsApp, Telegram, Signal, Skype, The New York Times, Bloomberg, Reuters, BBC News, The Washington Post, Dropbox, OneDrive, Zoom, Roblox, Vimeo, HBO, and ChatGPT.

As you can imagine, this list is by no means complete. Generally, any website containing information the Chinese government wants to hide is likely to be blocked.

Things to remember before traveling to China

Online regulations from Beijing are said to be implemented for the protection of Chinese residents. Not only the country’s visitors but also local people themselves are forced to meet vigorous privacy requirements.

A non-Chinese VPN is the first thing to acquire before flying to China, as it doesn't have servers physically based in the PRC to bypass the Great Firewall. Once in China, you won't be able to find VPN apps on the Apple App Store, and Google's products, including the Google Play Store, are blocked. This means you cannot download VPN apps directly while in China. To ensure you have unrestricted internet access in China, you must download and set up your VPN before you arrive.

Here are a few other boxes to check to stay as secure as possible while visiting China:

  • Use a VPN at all times. No matter your goal when visiting China, a VPN should always be enabled. Better yet, install and subscribe to a couple of reliable providers, like NordVPN or Surfshark, and connect to nearby servers for optimal connectivity.
  • Don’t use public Wi-Fi. Whether you’re staying in a hotel or want to scroll online at a restaurant, avoid connecting to public Wi-Fi networks. There have been instances when people in China were robbed and tracked while using publicly accessible networks.
  • Avoid local apps. Even though testing Chinese applications may be tempting, I strongly recommend against it. The majority of applications in China belong to the government . Consequently, programs like WeChat collect large amounts of personal data and share it with the government.
  • Prepare an eSIM card. Get the best China-suited eSIM card, as your regular card may not work in China. Make sure that your device model will work to avoid buying some local brands.
  • Use a password manager. Anyone going to China, especially students or professionals, should protect their credentials with advanced encryption and multi-factor authentication. For this, I recommend using one of the most reputable password managers.

How to download a VPN while in China

If you’re already in China, getting a VPN won’t be as simple as visiting an official website or an app store and downloading the VPN app. Official VPN websites and VPN-related queries will be blocked, so here are a few ways to download a VPN while in China:

  1. Sideload the VPN app. Most VPN providers offer ways to download and install their applications without visiting the website or using an app store. VPN providers will offer APK files for Android, and iOS users can use third-party sideloading applications. We also recommend checking out platforms like APKMirror or mirrored VPN provider sites.
  2. Set up a manual VPN connection. If you can’t download the official VPN app, most providers will offer ways to access their servers via manual OpenVPN, Shadowsocks, or IKEv2/IPsec connections. Look for manual VPN setup instructions online.
  3. Use a Google Play store or App Store account registered outside of China. With such an account, you may still be able to download and install a VPN while in China.

Final thoughts on the best VPN for China

There are many different VPNs that work in China, encrypting your internet traffic and keeping your online activities private. My top pick is NordVPN. It offers excellent data protection tools and has an obfuscation feature that helps to bypass the Great China Firewall.

NordVPN can unblock major streaming platforms, social media sites, news publishers, and other popular sites that are currently blocked in China. Surfshark is another budget-friendly option that works just as well, although it has fewer features.

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