Best Working VPNs for Chinese Servers
The Great Firewall of China is known for its heavy censorship and restrictions on internet access. However, using a reliable VPN allows you to bypass geographic restrictions and access your favorite websites and apps while in China.
After extensive research and testing, I’ve compiled this definitive guide on the top 5 best VPNs for China that can unblock sites and apps with fast speeds. I’ve also included tips for using a VPN effectively in China without getting detected.
Key Takeaways
- The Great Firewall of China blocks access to many foreign websites and apps, including Google, Facebook, YouTube, etc.
- Using a VPN masks your IP address, encrypts data, and allows you to bypass censorship to access restricted sites.
- When choosing a VPN for China, focus on ones with fast speeds, reliable connections, and servers optimized for bypassing the Great Firewall.
- Top recommendations include NordVPN, Surfshark, PureVPN, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access due to their proven ability to evade China’s blocks.
- Tips for using a VPN in China include finding a reliable server, using Stealth protocol, and downloading the app before arrival.
Access Geo-Restricted Chinese Websites from Anywhere
The Great Firewall heavily restricts internet access within China’s borders, blocking many foreign news, social media, search engines, and other websites. However, a VPN allows you to bypass these geographic blocks and access sites like:
- Google: The world’s most popular search engine is blocked in China but accessible via VPN.
- Facebook: This social media platform is banned in China, but a VPN lets you access it freely.
- YouTube: A video site owned by Google that’s blocked but can be unblocked with a VPN.
- Western News Sites: The firewall restricts outlets like BBC, NY Times, and Washington Post.
- Messaging Apps: WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, and Line are banned, but VPNs can unblock them.
- Local Chinese Sites: Some sites within China are also censored but accessible abroad via VPN.
The Great Firewall of China: A Brief Overview
To understand why a VPN is necessary in China, it helps first to understand what the Great Firewall is and how it works to restrict internet access:
- Operated by the Government: The Great Firewall is controlled and maintained by the Chinese government to regulate and censor online content.
- Blocks IP Addresses: Sites and services with banned IP addresses are blacklisted and blocked from being accessed within China.
- Deep Packet Inspection: Technology to scan text and filter traffic containing banned keywords or sensitive topics.
- Disrupts Connections: Tactics like resetting connections disrupt access to sites that are not overtly blocked but still unwanted by authorities.
- Punishment Violations: Harsh penalties are faced by individuals and companies that attempt to circumvent the Great Firewall.
- Updated Regularly: Blacklists are frequently updated as the government continues expanding internet censorship and surveillance.
Benefits of Using a VPN in China
Given the restrictive nature of China’s internet controls, using a VPN provides many important benefits:
- Bypass Geographic Blocks—Unblock banned websites and apps not accessible within China, such as Google, YouTube, Facebook, etc.
- Enhanced Privacy: Encrypts data and masks your IP address from surveillance.
- Improved Speeds: Circumvents throttling and connection interruptions used for censorship.
- Increased Security: Adds a layer of protection against cybercrime and hacking on public WiFi.
- Unfiltered Access: View content and information without keyword blocks or censorship.
- Global Perspective: Gain a broader worldview beyond China’s isolated Internet.
- Evasion of Penalties: Avoid fines or punishments for accessing prohibited foreign sites and services.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a VPN for China
Given the sophisticated nature of China’s internet censorship apparatus, it’s important to choose the right VPN that can reliably bypass the Great Firewall. Here are key factors to consider:
- Proven to Work in China: Not all VPNs can reliably unblock sites in China, so check that it offers China-optimized servers.
- Fast Connection Speeds: Essential for smooth streaming and downloads, with minimal lag or buffering.
- Watertight Security: Strict, no-logging policies, encryption standards, and other privacy protections.
- Stealth Capabilities: Advanced protocols and technologies to avoid VPN blocking.
- Reliable Customer Support: Helpful 24/7 live chat support in case you need troubleshooting.
- Range of Server Locations: Global server network with many locations ideal for expats or frequent travelers.
- Unblocks Websites & Apps: Ability to unblock geo-restricted platforms like social media, video streaming, messaging, etc.
- Multiple Device Support: Apps across desktop, mobile, routers, etc., for connectivity across all your gadgets.
Best VPNs for China Servers
Based on extensive testing and research, these top VPNs are my top recommendations for bypassing the Great Firewall:
- NordVPN: One of the Best VPN for Chinese Servers
- Surfshark VPN: Bridging the Internet Gap in China
- PureVPN: The Superior Solution for Secure Browsing in China
- ExpressVPN: Your Passport to Unrestricted Internet in China
NordVPN: One of the Best VPNs for Chinese Servers
If I had to choose just one VPN for China, NordVPN would be my first pick. Here’s why it’s one of the best choices:
- Optimized China Servers: Special servers in Hong Kong finetuned to evade firewall blocks.
- Works Consistently: Proven and reliable connections with minimal downtime or throttling.
- Lightning Speeds: Extremely fast browsing experience thanks to a large server network.
- Next-Gen Encryption: Uses strongest standards like AES-256 data encryption and SHA-512 hash algorithm.
- Secure Protocols: Offers OpenVPN, IKEv2/IPSec protocols, and Obfuscated Servers to avoid VPN blocking.
- Strict No-Logs Policy: Does not track or store user activity logs or connection data.
- 10 Simultaneous Connections: Allows securing all devices under one account for whole home/office coverage.
- Helpful Live Support: Get expert assistance promptly via 24/7 live chat.
- Reasonable Pricing: Long-term plans provide good value for money.
6300 servers
111 covered countries
30-Day Refund Policy
10 simultaneous connections
Surfshark VPN: Bridging the Internet Gap in China
Surfshark is a powerful VPN solution that’s proven effective at bypassing the Great Firewall:
- Works in China: Successfully unblock sites and apps blocked by the Chinese firewall.
- MultiHop Function: Chains connection through multiple countries for added encryption.
- NoLeaks Technology: Prevents any DNS or IP leaks that could expose the usage of VPNs.
- CleanWeb Tool: Blocks ads, trackers, malware, and phishing websites for safe browsing.
- High-Speed Connectivity: Delivers fast and stable connections for HD streaming & downloads.
- Apps for All Devices: Native apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android, plus browser extensions.
- Unlimited Devices Allowed: A single subscription covers as many of your gadgets as needed.
- 24/7 Customer Support: Quickly get help via email or live chat when required.
- Affordable Pricing: Long-term plans offer the lowest cost per month.
3000 servers
65 covered countries
30-Day Refund Policy
Unlimited connections
PureVPN: The Superior Solution for Secure Browsing in China
PureVPN has proven technology for bypassing Chinese censorship and restrictions:
- Stealth Mode: Uses obscuring techniques to escape VPN blocking and throttling.
- Split Tunneling: Choose apps and sites to route outside the VPN tunnel for faster access.
- Self-Engineered Network: Owns and manages its entire infrastructure rather than renting servers
- AES 256-bit Encryption: Military-grade encryption secures data from prying eyes.
- Leak Protection: Tools like Kill Switch, IPv6, and DNS leak protection maintain privacy.
- Rapid Speeds: Excellent speeds for HD streaming & lag-free gaming.
- 6,500+ Global Servers: A huge server fleet across 78+ countries allow accessing restricted content.
- 24/7 Customer Support: Get quick assistance via email, phone, and live chat.
- Affordable Pricing: Longer subscriptions offer the lowest monthly rates.
6000 servers
65 covered countries
31-Day Refund Policy
Unlimited connections
ExpressVPN: Your Passport to Unrestricted Internet in China
ExpressVPN has a strong reputation for circumventing the Great Firewall thanks to:
- Lightning-Fast Speeds: Delivers incredibly fast and stable connection for smooth HD streaming.
- MediaStreamer: Smart DNS unblocks streaming sites like Netflix, Hulu, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime outside the USA or UK.
- Stealth Servers: Escape deep packet inspection for secure browsing in restrictive networks.
- Split Tunneling: Designate which apps use the VPN tunnel for better performance.
- Strict No-Logs Policy: Does not monitor, record, or store user activity or connection logs.
- AES-256 Encryption: Bank-grade encryption keeps data safe from monitoring.
- 3,000+ Servers: 160 server locations across 94 countries for global access.
- 24/7 Customer Support: Fast responses via email or live chat support.
- Reliable Service Uptime: A robust network maintains stability with minimal disruptions.
3000+ servers
105 covered countries
30-Day Refund Policy
8 simultaneous connections
Tips for Using a VPN in China Effectively
To have the best experience with your VPN in China, here are some expert tips:
- Choose a Reliable Server: Connect to VPN servers specifically optimized to unblock sites in China for best results.
- Use Stealth Protocol: For additional evasion, Activate Stealth, obfuscation features, or a protocol if available on your VPN.
- Configure Before Arrival: Download apps and set up a VPN account before entering China, as app stores may be blocked.
- Enable Kill Switch: The kill switch feature maintains encryption if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly.
- Use Strong Encryption: Select OpenVPN or IPSec/IKEv2 with AES-256 bit encryption for optimal security when connected.
- Turn Off Location Services: Disable location services on devices so the real location isn’t accidentally leaked outside the VPN tunnel.
- Connect Public WiFi Securely: Always use your VPN whenever accessing public hotspots to prevent snooping.
- Don’t Post Sensitive Info: Avoid transmitting any politically or culturally insensitive content over the Internet and social media.
- Be Cautious on Chinese Services: Even with a VPN, remain vigilant about the content you access or post on Chinese sites, which may still be monitored locally.
Final Thoughts
The Great Firewall of China makes using the Internet within China’s borders a huge challenge due to ubiquitous censorship and geo-blocks. However, subscribing to one of the top VPNs in China can unlock restricted websites and apps for unfiltered access.
Based on extensive testing and research, I recommend NordVPN, Surfshark, PureVPN, and ExpressVPN as the leading VPN choices for bypassing the Great Firewall, thanks to their proven technology, fast speeds, watertight security protections, and dedicated China servers.
Using a reliable VPN lets you unblock sites like Google, YouTube, and Facebook and gain private access to everything on the Internet during your time in China. Following the tips above allows you to use your VPN safely and effectively while traveling or living there.
With the enhanced online freedom and complete internet access provided by these top-rated VPNs for China, you can enjoy the convenience of uncensored web browsing no matter where you connect from within the country.
Verified A Professional Content Writer
Riha Mervana is a professional content writer at SearchVPN.org, with extensive experience crafting engaging and informative content. She has established herself as an expert in the VPN industry, creating content that educates readers on the importance of online privacy and security.
