The best VPN for China, which works end-to-end and gets you past the Great Firewall. NordVPN has a wide selection of covert VPN servers that you can easily use when you’re in China. Simply open the NordVPN app and connect to one of these servers to bypass the Great Firewall.
Important: Before you travel to China, make sure you download and install VPN services on all devices you plan to use. This is because VPN sites are completely blocked in China, limiting your ability to access and purchase VPN packages.
Criteria for choosing the best VPN for China to work
Considering the impact of the Great Firewall, I have selected some of the best VPN for China that you can use in China or outside China based on the criteria below.
- Confused servers
- Port forwarding (forwarding traffic to port 443)
- Extensive list of tunneling protocols
- Internet kill switch
- No logging
- Servers all over the world, including China
- Downloading from inside China
If you connect to a Chinese server via China VPN, you can use an encrypted connection to change your IP address and bypass the restrictions of the Great Firewall.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is my top choice for browsing in China. It offers incredibly fast connections, a high level of security, and a ton of user-friendly features that really set it apart.
For starters, it has over 3,000 servers in 160 locations in 90 countries, including some near China, like Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore. Our testers in China generally prefer these servers; the closer the server is to their physical location, the faster the connection.
However, our speed tests show that ExpressVPN is super-fast no matter where you connect from. So, you can be sure that you’ll be able to surf, stream, and download in China without any problems.
Stealth servers may seem complicated, but all you need to know is that they allow you to bypass restrictions while keeping your traffic – and the fact that you’re using a VPN – completely hidden.
My Chinese teammates can safely rely on ExpressVPN’s advanced security features, which include AES encryption with 256-bit keys: the same type used by the U.S. government. DNS and IP leak protection ensure that your location and traffic are never revealed.
Additionally, an automatic kill switch automatically shuts down in the event of an interruption – which is quite possible in China – to prevent leaks.
ExpressVPN also has a strict no-logging policy, which means that it never saves your browsing history. It also uses TrustedServer security, which means that the server only runs in RAM and doesn’t write to disk. It removes all data every time the server is restarted, minimizing the risk of third parties getting your data.
You can connect up to 5 devices to one account at the same time and get 24/7 live chat support in case of any issues. You can also send an email to customer support if you don’t have access to live chat.
SurfsharkVPN
BVI-based Surfshark has recently risen in our rankings, mostly thanks to its affordable price and user-friendly interface. And it’s really improved against Chinese firewalls.
Like all good VPNs these days, Surfshark has a lot of servers – over 3,000 – making it a great option if you want to switch to an IP address in another part of the world. If that sounds complicated, don’t be afraid to check out…. Surfshark is one of the best at keeping things simple and straightforward, with easy-to-understand buttons and instructions, such as the “Quick Connect” feature.
If privacy and security are your main concerns when you’re in China, Surfshark can meet that requirement as well. It includes OpenVPN UDP and TCP, IKEv2 security protocol, AES-256 encryption, and a kill switch in case of connection loss. There is also a private DNS and dual VPN hop for added security.
Despite the low price, Surfshark provides its service to an unlimited number of simultaneously connected devices.
NordVPN
NordVPN recently announced that it is now active in China, which is especially good news for Beijing and Shanghai residents looking for a large number of simultaneous connections at a low price. NordVPN offers the best value by providing six simultaneous connections for a low subscription fee. It can also unblock streaming sites like Netflix US and Hulu, which most other VPN connections block. It tolerates torrents and has servers in more than 60 countries.
NordVPN’s policies include zero logging of user activity, unlimited bandwidth for users, and the use of military-grade AES-256 encryption standards. Some servers are equipped with speed and security optimizations such as DSDoS protection, super-fast streaming, dual VPN and Tor over VPN. All apps have automatic kill switches and built-in ad blockers.
All desktop apps – Windows, macOS and Linux – are available in China. Apps for iOS and Android mobile devices should also work, but if you run into issues, NordVPN offers manual setup support for desktop and mobile devices.
AstrillVPN
Astrill consistently offers the fastest connection speeds from China. While all other VPN services fail to connect, Astrill somehow manages to connect.
I recognize how valuable this connection, which is why I’m listing it here. However, I don’t have a high opinion of Astrill because I’ve had less than stellar experiences with their customer service.
If you are willing to pay a few dollars more (which I recommend), Astrill is the only provider I know of that offers a “VIP package“. This package allows access to dedicated servers that are not as easily blocked and offer lower latency (i.e. faster).
Another disadvantage is that Astrill offers only a short free trial period with no money-back guarantee. Nonetheless, downloading Astrill may be the only option for some of these people, making it a deserving candidate for the best VPN for China.
VyprVPN
VyprVPN isn’t as well-known as our previous four entries, but it’s a great China VPN option, especially for those concerned about the security of their data. As one of the few proven log-free VPNs on the market, you can rest assured that absolutely no one will be able to snoop on your activities.
However, this security doesn’t get in the way of everyday performance, and while there aren’t as many server options here as there are with the big boys, the ones we tested performed admirably. There are also quite a few servers around China, so you can get decent performance – plus, Vyprvpn works well as a VPN for Netflix, both in China and elsewhere.
While VyprVPN rivals the best Chinese VPNs in terms of security and performance, one drawback is that the Windows client is a bit clunky. While other VPN services have clean, modern interfaces and rarely experience issues, we did experience occasional problems in our tests on our Windows test machines.
For those looking for a proven, log-free VPN for China with good performance and a good price, VyprVPN is definitely worth a look.
How to choose a good VPN for China?
Here are the important selection criteria for choosing a VPN for China.
- Fast: VPN for China can be slow, making it difficult to stream online videos.VPNs for China can be slow Chat speeds in China can be slow, so it can be difficult to get a fast chat. If the server speed is good, you can just get one.
- Large server networks: It is good to choose a VPN that has multiple proxy servers in different locations. This will give you a lot of options when it comes to finding server locations.
- No traffic limits: Many VPNs block P2P networks and movie streaming. This also limits the monthly download bandwidth. It is very important to choose a VPN that does not have these restrictions.
- Zero logging policy: You should make sure that your VPN cannot store any information that belongs to you.
- Kill switches: Kill switches help you protect your IP address and identity. It’s ideal to check one of these features before you decide on a VPN.
- The ability to bypass the Great Firewall of China: It is the most advanced system in China’s security system. With a VPN, you should be able to access devices, servers, and websites without any problems.
- Ease of use: The VPN software should be user-friendly so that you can have a stress-free experience. It should be easy to install and not require any technical knowledge.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best strategy for using a VPN in China?
You can use the following techniques to use a VPN in China.
- Sign up for multiple VPN
- Download and install the VPN before visiting China.
- Troubleshoot VPN connections.
- Keep only the VPNs that work and log off/request a refund for the ones that don’t.
This strategy allows you to check your VPN connection before you arrive in China. Sometimes VPN software may not work due to anti-virus software, firewalls, company intranet restrictions, and other technical challenges unrelated to the VPN software itself. So when you arrive in China, you can be sure that your VPN will work if you choose from the list above.
Are VPNs legal in China?
Yes, you can use VPNs in China. There are no laws against using virtual private networks in this country, so anyone can use them without any problems.
Why do you need a VPN?
Here are the advantages/benefits of using a VPN.
- Unlimited access to a wide range of streaming content and services.
- VPN servers prevent hackers from stealing your personal information because it is encrypted.
- VPN work on multiple devices, so you’re not limited to watching streaming services only from computers like Macs or Chromebooks.
- VPN-enabled phones, smart TVs, and tablets give you more ways to watch content online.
Are VPNs secure?
Yes, VPNs are the safest and most powerful way to mask your IP address. It allows you to hide your IP address effectively without any hassle. VPN has good security features that ensure anonymity while browsing the Internet. Virtual private networks open up areas of the Internet that are blocked due to geographical restrictions.
Which websites are blocked in China?
Here is a list of websites that are blocked in China.
- CNN
- Google Apps (e.g. Calendar, Documents, Hangouts, Maps, etc.)
- Gmail
- The New York Times
- Facebook (and Messenger)
- Tweet
- OneDrive
- Wikipedia
- BBC
- Reuters
- Slack
- Twitch
- The Wall Street Journal
- Youtube
- Snapchat
How to unblock Google, YouTube and other sites in China.
You can use a VPN in China to unlock Google, YouTube, etc. This is great if you are using a platform-specific client or app, such as desktop, TV streaming, mobile, etc.
All you need to do is open the VPN, select a server location and turn it on. Your device will pretend that you are using a server outside China to access the Internet.
How does China block VPN with the Great Firewall?
China has set up a nationwide firewall to track all sessions generated by devices across the country. It lists websites using Border Gateway Protocol (BGP), an anti-spam technology. BGP is designed to make routers work efficiently. It allows you to know the total number of resources available. Most VPN providers have a network of blackhole servers in China.
Can you bypass the Great Firewall without a VPN?
VPNs are a good solution to bypass the Great Firewall. You can also use Tor, which has advanced configuration options.
You can also use SOCKS proxy, which is an Internet protocol that forwards Internet traffic to third-party servers via TCP. It assigns you a brand new IP address so that web hosts can’t find your physical location.
How can I access Google Play in China?
Follow the steps below to access Google Play in China.
Step 1: You need to select the VPN you want to use from the list above.
Step 2: Download and install the VPN software on your device. You will find that most VPN services offer compatibility with popular operating systems.
Step 3: Log in with your credentials and connect to the VPN by selecting the available websites.
Step 4: Log in to the Google Play Store as usual.
Is China monitoring my social media?
Yes. China monitors domestic and foreign social media platforms like QQ, Douban, Weibo, WeChat, etc. It checks all users’ profiles, shared files, posts, and messages. This social data is combined with biometric data, video footage and purchase history.
Chinese authorities have made it harder for people to remain anonymous online. When you register on any social media platform, you have to provide a real name. Connecting with a VPN to send private messages is a good option.
Is the internet censored in Taiwan and Hong Kong?
China claims sovereignty over Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. The good news is that the Great Firewall does not affect these places. To protect your privacy online, it’s a good idea to use a VPN.
But in Hong Kong, privacy is increasingly threatened by national security laws that can prevent the use of VPNs. If you’re in China and you’re searching online for information about Taiwan, your internet could be censored.
Are VPN safe for torrenting?
Yes, VPNs can help ensure anonymity and security when torrenting via P2P. If you don’t use a VPN, your IP address can be exposed to third parties and your physical location can be tracked.
A reliable VPN will help encrypt and hide your Internet traffic. This way, you can torrent to your heart’s content without any problems.
Will a VPN slow down my device?
Yes, VPNs can slow down your device a bit. This happens because your connection is routed and encrypted through the VPN server. This means that it takes longer for the data to reach its destination.
If you choose a good VPN provider, your speed won’t be affected much. As a result, you won’t notice that your connection speed has slowed down.
Will you have problems if you use a VPN in China?
Yes, the country may not be happy about the use of VPN software. This will limit your access to services and websites. However, China has not enacted any laws regarding the use of licensed VPNs, so you can use them as you see fit.
Is it difficult to use a VPN?
The best VPNs are very easy to use. All you need to do is download, install and launch the right app for your device.
VPN services have a user-friendly interface that is easy to use even for beginners.VPN software offers a quick connect button that allows you to instantly connect to a server near your desired location.
Can I use Tor or a proxy service instead of a VPN?
Yes, Tor and proxy software can serve the same purpose as a VPN. Tor protects you by handling your communications over a distributed network.
Compared to VPNs, Onion router or Tor have the following disadvantages.
- It takes time to load web pages.
- It blocks some web services.
- This IP blocking software slows down the bandwidth speed.
Proxy services have a good advantage over VPNs. They provide good speed for web browsing.
However, proxy services have the following disadvantages.
- They lack security features.
- This is great if you are using a platform-specific client or app, such as desktop, TV stream,
- All you need to do is open the VPN, select a server location and turn it on. Your device will pretend that you are using a server outside China to access the Internet.
Summary
Obviously, there are many VPN services that are not included in this list, but I stand by my opinion that these are the best VPNs for China 2022 if you are coming to Asia.
For those planning to come to China sometime this year, my best advice is to download and install a few VPNs that offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Once you arrive in China, you can see which one works best for your situation and get a refund for the rest.
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