Try opening Google in China. Then you’ll understand why a VPN is not an option, but a necessity. Imagine landing in Beijing after a long flight, opening your phone, typing “Google.com” into your browser – and nothing. You try YouTube – blocked. WhatsApp? Unsent message. Bank app? No chance. That’s when you realise that the Great Firewall of China is not an exaggerated metaphor, but a reality that has just hit you.
In China, the internet world is on its head. It’s not just that some sites don’t work – they are systemically and purposefully inaccessible. Anything that could threaten the regime’s control over information is simply cut off. And the more you try to work around it, the more the system throws sticks at your feet.
Without a working VPN, you’re essentially offline. Or at least locked into a carefully chosen internet fishbowl.
This is not a travel problem. This is a digital freedom issue. And that’s why it makes sense to address VPNs before you even go to China.
What websites and apps don’t work in China?
If you’re used to a free internet, be prepared for a hard cut. China’s internet filters hundreds of thousands of domains and IP addresses. So why do you need a VPN? Pretty much everything. Here’s a selection of the most commonly blocked services:
In China, you’ll find hard limits on just about everything you’re used to using. Social networks like Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), WhatsApp, Messenger, Snapchat or Telegram are completely unavailable. If you try to use services from Google – such as classic search, Gmail, Google Maps, Drive, Translate or YouTube – be prepared for them to not load at all, or to crash as soon as they start.
The vast majority of Western media are also blocked. You simply cannot read news from the BBC, CNN, The Guardian or the New York Times without a VPN in China. And what about entertainment? Netflix, Spotify, Twitch, Disney+ and HBO Max all fall under the censorship knife just like any other foreign stream.
Add to that tools for work – like Dropbox, Slack, or some of Zoom’s features. And if you want to learn about Wikipedia, prepare to be disappointed: the Chinese version is completely blocked and the English version is partially blocked.
Without a VPN, you are in a digital vacuum – cut off from communication tools, information and entertainment.
Is VPN legal in China?
This is a common question – and rightly so. China has not banned VPNs as a technology, but it has banned any unapproved providers. In other words, if you don’t have a license from the Chinese government (which reputable Western VPNs never do), you’re “outlawed” in the eyes of the authorities.
What does this mean for the average user?
- Tourist or foreigner: the risk is very low. The authorities usually do not target individuals but mass providers or activists.
- Local resident: theoretically, this could be an offence, especially if it involves the dissemination of information.
- Companies and diplomats: they often use private VPN tunnels, approved by the government.
⚠️ But beware of the reality of recent years:
In some provinces (e.g. Xinjiang, Tibet), VPN tunnels have been blocked in real time by Deep Packet Inspection (DPI). This means that even VPNs can be identified and disconnected.
For this reason, you need a VPN that:
- It uses obfuscation (stealth mode to make it look like normal operation),
- It offers multi-hop (server chaining),
- It has emergency access via so-called “mirror” sites or emails.
What a VPN must know to survive in China
Most common VPN services in China simply don’t work. Not because they’re bad, but because the Chinese firewall is smart. It recognizes classic VPN protocols and blocks them immediately. That’s why it’s not enough to just turn on a VPN and hope. You need your VPN to be:
🥷 1. Invisible (Obfuscation)
A VPN must be able to hide that it is a VPN. This is called stealth mode or obfuscation and is used to make your traffic look like a regular encrypted connection (e.g. HTTPS).
✅ Look for logs such as:
- OpenVPN + Obfsproxy
- WireGuard + cloaking
- Shadowsocks (advanced)
- Stunnel / TLS Tunneling
🔒 2. Safe and anonymous
A VPN must have clear policies:
- No logs policy (no activity logs)
- Kill switch (disconnects the internet if the VPN goes down)
- DNS leak protection
This isn’t just paranoid technobabble. If you’re connecting in a repressive environment, it’s crucial that you don’t leave a digital trail.
🌍 3. Servers outside China but close
In terms of speed, it is ideal to choose servers in:
- Hong Kong (partially censored, but still fast),
- Taiwan
- Japan
- Singapore
This helps to maintain reasonable response and speed. Servers inside China don’t offer any reputable VPNs – both because of laws and data security.
📱 4. Functioning mobile app
Most people in China surf on their phones. So a VPN is a must:
- Have a mobile app that works in China
- Know how to bypass the Google Play block (e.g. APK downloads)
- Allow manual import of configuration files
TOP 3 best VPNs that work in China
Here are three verified VPN services that currently work in China – including obfuscation, protection, and serious support. This isn’t some marketing speak – this is a selection based on the experiences of expats, travellers and testers.
🥇 ExpressVPN – the best choice for a carefree stay in China
ExpressVPN has a reputation among users as one of the few providers that actually work in China without complicated setup and technical wizardry. What makes it a favorite? First and foremost, its own obfuscated servers, which are designed to outsmart Chinese censorship – and do so completely automatically, without the need for manual switching.
Another major advantage is the excellent stability of the connection. ExpressVPN maintains optimised servers close to China – specifically in Hong Kong, Japan and Singapore. This means there’s no risk of high latency or speed loss, as is common in more remote locations.
If you like simplicity, ExpressVPN won’t disappoint. Its app is easy to navigate, available in many languages, and works on both Android and iOS in a few clicks – no need to manually set up obfuscation or other advanced features.
In addition, it offers everything you’d expect from a high-end VPN: a kill switch, DNS leak protection, split tunneling to split traffic, and no logging.
What’s a bit weaker is the higher price – it’s one of the more expensive ones on the market. On the other hand, it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it out risk-free.
For travelers and expats who want the security of a working VPN in any situation. If you don’t want to deal with the technicalities and just “be online”, it’s a safe bet.
🥈 NordVPN – strong security and technical flexibility
NordVPN is one of the most respected VPN providers in the world – and no wonder. It offers specially obfuscated servers for use in China, but you’ll need to manually enable them in the settings first. It’s not complicated, but it’s something to be reckoned with.
It has the advantage of a huge server network and excellent coverage in Asia – especially in Taiwan, Japan and Hong Kong. This gives you good speeds even when streaming or working with larger data.
From a security perspective, NordVPN is a real beast. It offers Double VPN, where traffic is encrypted twice over two different servers, or Onion over VPN, which is especially appreciated by users who want complete anonymity. Combined with a kill switch, a strict “no logs” policy, and DNS leak protection, this is very strong security.
If you plan to use the VPN not only in China, but also at home or at work, you’ll appreciate the good scalability – one license covers multiple devices without performance issues.
The downside is the need to manually activate obfuscated servers and the occasional instability of the connection in some Chinese provinces (mainly Xinjiang and Tibet), where VPNs are under more pressure.
For security-minded users, digital nomads or those who need a VPN outside of China. It’s great for work, stream and privacy.
🥉 Surfshark – a reasonable compromise for more devices and a smaller budget
Surfshark is a younger brand, but has made huge leaps forward in recent years – and has done surprisingly well in China. It offers two modes to help bypass the Chinese firewall: Camouflage mode (obfuscation) and NoBorders mode, which automatically switches the VPN to a more appropriate setting if it detects you’re on a restrictive network.
Surfshark’s strength is the unlimited number of devices on a single account – which is exceptional. If you’re going to China as a couple, family, or working with multiple devices, this VPN will save you a lot of money.
Its servers are located near China (e.g. in Japan, Singapore or Taiwan), and while they’re not always as fast as ExpressVPN, they’re plenty fast enough for everyday use (social networking, web, email).
Users also praise the lightweight mobile app, which works even on weaker devices. However, the downside remains occasional instability in more remote areas of China and a less intuitive app interface, especially for beginners.
For users looking for a cheaper but still reliable solution. Perfect for families, students or those who want one VPN for all their devices.
How to prepare your VPN before your trip
One of the most common and most dangerous mistakes: “I’ll download it at the hotel.”
Big mistake. Most VPN apps in China are blocked at the download level. So as soon as you land and want to “quickly download NordVPN or ExpressVPN”, you’ll find that the website doesn’t work, Google Play is cut off and the App Store is restricted.
And that’s why you need to prepare the VPN at home, thoroughly.
✅ What to do at home before flying to China
- Create an account with a VPN provider
- Select a VPN with obfuscation
- Activate your subscription (most have a 30-day money-back guarantee)
- Download all apps:
- Mobile and desktop versions (Android, iOS, Windows, Mac)
- Ideally also a browser extension
- Save the installation files (e.g. .apk for Android)
- Back up your installers and configuration files:
- On a flash drive, Google Drive (with offline access) or a cloud service that works in China
- Save your OpenVPN configuration files if the VPN supports manual connections
- Write down the access data physically
- Password, server name, ports – if the VPN didn’t work and you needed to connect manually
- Test your VPN at home
- Activate obfuscation
- Connect to servers in Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong
How to install a VPN in China (tutorial + crisis scenarios)
Do you have everything ready before departure? Excellent. Now let’s take a look at how to use a VPN in practice – and what to do if things don’t go to plan.
📲 Installation on mobile (Android/iOS)
- Open the app, log in
- In the settings, check:
- Obfuscation / stealth mode
- Kill switch (shutting down the internet during an outage)
- Selected server outside China
💡 Tip: For some iOS devices, you may need to change DNS or switch to a manual connection (e.g. using Shadowrocket if you have a custom configuration file).
💻 Installation on PC (Windows/Mac)
- I recommend starting the VPN as soon as the computer boots
- Settings:
- Choose OpenVPN TCP (more stable)
- Turn on obfuscation (usually in “Advanced settings”)
- Select a server in Asia but outside China
💡 Tip: If the VPN refuses to connect, check:
- Ports 443, 1194 (sometimes need to be changed)
- Proxy settings in the system
- Antivirus or firewall (sometimes prevents tunneling)
📡 VPN on the router (advanced)
If you are in China for a long time, consider a VPN router – e.g. with OpenWRT or GL.iNet. It will allow you to protect all devices on your network without the need for installation.
Benefits:
- All devices connect through the VPN automatically
- You can use devices without VPN support (e.g. TV boxes)
- Try ExpressVPN – 61% off
🚨 What to do if the VPN doesn’t work?
This situation can arise. China regularly tests new ways of blocking.
What to try:
- Change the protocol (TCP ↔ UDP, OpenVPN ↔ WireGuard)
- Try a different server – sometimes just change from Hong Kong to Taiwan
- Enable obfuscation / NoBorders / stealth mode
- Restart the router and device
- Try the emergency approach:
- Some VPNs offer alternative domains that are not yet blocked
- NordVPN has e.g. secret mirror sites available via support
- Try NordVPN – 74% off
And if nothing helps? Sometimes there’s no choice but to contact support via email – ideally make a note of your crisis contacts before you travel.
🧭 Conclusion: which VPN to choose for China?
There is no one right answer. Everyone has different needs. Here’s a quick recommendation based on who you are and why you’re going to China:
| User type | Recommendations |
|---|---|
| Short-term tourist | ExpressVPN – easy to set up, works instantly |
| Digital Nomad | NordVPN – Security, Stability, Double VPN |
| Family or couple | Surfshark – unlimited devices, great price |
| Student / expat | NordVPN or Surfshark – depending on budget and needs |
| Corporate user | ExpressVPN + VPN router – stability and data protection |
Always prepare your VPN in advance! Once you’re there, it may be too late – and you’ll stay offline.
✈️ Ready to go?
Without a working VPN, you’ll be like no internet in China. Whether you want to watch Netflix, connect with your family via WhatsApp or just read the news, a VPN is an essential tool today.
Choose the right one, prepare it in advance, and be online without restrictions. Free, safe and uncensored.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Is it legal to use a VPN in China?
There is an official ban on unapproved VPNs, which means that any commercial VPN without a license is illegal. In practice, however, repressive laws mainly target local providers and political activists. Ordinary tourists and foreigners are not targeted if they only use VPNs for personal access to services like Google, WhatsApp or Netflix.
How to play Netflix or YouTube in China?
Just start a VPN and connect to a server in a country where the service is available – for example, the US. It’s important to have an active subscription, ideally clear your cache and cookies, and use a browser with no intrusive extensions. ExpressVPN and NordVPN are also commonly used for streaming in China.
Which VPN works best on mobile phones?
ExpressVPN tends to be the most reliable – it works stably without the need for manual setup. Surfshark offers the advantage of unlimited devices and a simple app, while NordVPN impresses with advanced features and high security. All three have fully functional apps for both Android and iOS.
What should I do if my VPN stops working in China?
First, try changing the server or protocol in the app. Some VPNs offer connections through special ports or mirror sites that aren’t yet blocked. If you downloaded backup apps or configuration files before your trip, you’re all set. Otherwise, it’s best to contact support – ideally via the contact email you saved back home.
Will a VPN in China improve my internet speed?
Ironically, yes – in some cases. Connecting to foreign sites in China tends to be slowed down or rerouted through filters. A VPN can create a faster and more direct route (e.g. via Singapore or Japan), bypassing some of the choke points. However, the resulting speed depends on the distance of the server and the current load.
