China is one of the strictest countries in the world and has a lot of censorship. It’s difficult for their citizens to use the internet and connect with the rest of the world. However, China isn’t content with just blocking websites that are blocked by other countries.
They have created an entire surveillance and censorship infrastructure that blocks content on social media sites like Facebook and Instagram, news outlets like The New York Times and BBC News, as well as Google search results for anything that may be controversial.
Luckily, there are VPN services available in China that can help you bypass these restrictions. VPNs let you access geo-restricted content without having to worry about being tracked online or your data being monitored by the government. This guide will teach you all about how to use a VPN anonymously in China so you can enjoy all your favorite digital entertainment!
What Is a VPN?
A virtual private network (VPN) is a way to access the internet privately and securely. A VPN allows you to connect your device to another server in another location, which will have different laws than your home country. This helps keep your browsing history, personal information, and data safe while you’re browsing online.
There are many reasons why someone would need a VPN. One of the most common reasons is to access content that isn’t available in their home country. For example, if you’re living in China but want to watch U.S. Netflix on your laptop, you can use a VPN to connect through an American server and get access to the content.
Another reason why people may need a VPN is privacy protection. In some cases, it’s illegal for citizens of certain countries (like China) to use certain websites or social media websites due to government censorship. Connecting through a VPN can help bypass these restrictions so you can freely browse the internet without any worries!
Who Needs a VPN in China?
VPNs are a great way to stay safe on the internet. Whether you live in China or just want to visit for vacation, a VPN will help you bypass any censorship that the government may be putting in place.
There are also other situations where people living in China would need to use a VPN. For example, if they want to access content that is blocked by the Chinese government (like YouTube videos), share information with people outside of the country, or search on Google without being tracked, then they’ll need a VPN.
A VPN is important because it makes your online activities anonymous and helps protect your privacy from the government, which is why it ranks as one of our top recommendations for people who live in China!
How To Get A VPN for China
VPNs are a great way to protect your digital privacy, but they can be difficult to set up. A VPN stands for virtual private network and is a service that encrypts all your internet traffic and routes it through an intermediary server to make it appear as though you’re browsing the web from somewhere else. The best VPN for China will use servers outside of the country so that you can access content that’s blocked in China.
Here’s what you need to know about VPNs:
- 1. You need a subscription before you can activate your account – some services offer a free trial period so you can see if it suits your needs
- 2. You will have to download the software onto your computer or mobile device
- 3. Connecting to a server will change your IP address – this makes it look like you’re browsing from another location and gives you access to geo-restricted content
A Quick Overview of the Best VPNs for China
VPNs are enormously helpful in China, and there are two main types that you should be aware of—dedicated and shared. Dedicated VPN services offer stable connections, but they are more expensive than shared VPN services. A dedicated service is perfect for people who want to stream content on Netflix or YouTube, though it also comes with a higher monthly cost. Shared VPN services are much more affordable, but they can have some occasional connection issues.
A few popular VPNs offer both options with their packages. One of the most well-known providers is ExpressVPN and which offers both a dedicated and shared service. The great thing about ExpressVPN is that they have servers all over the world so you can bypass China’s censorship even when you travel abroad or go to other countries! They also offer 24/7 customer support too if you ever need help troubleshooting any technical difficulties.
Setting Up Your VPN for China
When you purchase a VPN, they will provide an installation guide. Follow their instructions and get your VPN up and running on your system. You’ll need to find the setting in your router that tells it to route everything through the VPN. After this, you should be good to go!
How To Use Your VPN in China
If you want to use your VPN in China, it’s important to know that not just any VPN will do the trick. Several different factors will affect the quality of your VPN in China. The first is the location of your VPN. If you’re looking for a good VPN to use in China, try one of these:
Best Working VPNs in China
- NordVPN – Industry Leader
- ExpressVPN – Best All-round VPN
- VyprVPN – Easy to Use
- Surfshark – Best Cheap VPN for China
- Atlas VPN – User-friendly Interface
1. NordVPN
Features
Dedicated P2P servers
SOCKS5 proxy
Protocol: NordLynx, OpenVPN, IKEv2
No router app
Available on:
5488 Servers
65+ Countries
Allow Torrenting
NordVPN is a company that provides VPN services. They are based in Panama, which means they are not subject to any data retention laws. This makes them a great choice for users in China who need a VPN to bypass the Great Firewall of China. NordVPN has servers in over 65+ countries, and they offer a variety of features, including military-grade encryption and a no-logs policy.
NordVPN has a large network of servers that can be used to unblock websites and services from around the world. The service also offers strong security features, including military-grade encryption, that can help protect your data from hackers and other online threats.
NordVPN is one of the most affordable VPN services available, and it offers a free trial so you can test the service before you buy.
NordVPN has a whole team dedicated to website access. It monitors connectivity and takes any necessary steps to bypass restrictions. The service is used in countries that restrict access including Iran, Saudi Arabia, and China.
This is what makes Nord so attractive. It has hidden servers in Japan and Hong Kong. The Double VPN feature allows for even greater anonymity in Taiwan. These local servers will provide more stability and speed for those logging in from China.
If you have any questions, live chat support is available.
2. ExpressVPN
Features
Bypass Geo-Restrictions
Fast Speed
StreamingMedia
Expensive
Available on:
3300 Servers
94+ Countries
Fast Speed
ExpressVPN is a great VPN service that is perfect for users who want to unblock websites and services in China. ExpressVPN has servers in over 90 countries, including China, so you can easily access any website or service that is blocked in your region. The ExpressVPN also provides strong security features, including military-grade encryption, so you can rest assured that your data is safe when using the service. Additionally, ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try the service risk-free.
ExpressVPN is one of China’s most popular VPNs, and it’s a go-to provider for many because it deftly navigates around the Great Firewall. In this case, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Japan-based servers are all relevant.
The ExpressVPN delivers consistent and reliable results, with smart dedicated applications for most routers and routers. (The website is not blocked). ExpressVPN continuously monitors China’s connectivity and ensures that its applications remain up to date, ahead of the censors’ attempts to block connections.
ExpressVPN is the best at getting around blocked websites and circumvents geo-restrictions that prevent you from watching your favorite Netflix and live coverage from abroad when in China.
3. VyprVPN
Features
Top-Rated VPN
Fast Speed
AES-256 Strong Encryption
Limited Servers
Available on:
2000+ Servers
75+ Location
Allow Torrenting
By using the Chameleon security protocol, VyprVPN can bypass VPN blocking and scramble OpenVPN packet metadata, so it is resistant to deep packet inspection.
The engineers have succeeded in overcoming China’s Great Firewall with their long-term solution, and it has been implemented successfully.
VyprVPN’s servers are all owned by the company, allowing them full control. 14 Asia servers (Hong Kong to Hanoi) offer decent performance, reliable mobile support, and 24/7 live chat assistance.
At its standard price, VyprVPN is quite expensive, despite frequent limited-time discounts. You can also test it risk-free for 30 days, as well as receive a money-back guarantee.
We believe that VyprVPN lags its competition in many ways.
Its server speeds lag even when using WireGuard’s fastest protocol. We used to rave about it for its ability to unblock streaming services like US Netflix and Disney+, but our latest testing shows this was not the case.
4. Surfshark VPN
Features
Unblock Netflix
Works in China
Unlimited Connection
Off available on Longer Subscription
Available on:
3200 Servers
65+ Countries
Unblock Netflix
The VPN Surfshark is a relatively new player on the market. Nevertheless, the service has already made a name for itself as a reliable and affordable solution for users in China. Surfshark uses strong encryption and provides access to servers in more than 65+ countries. The company is based in the British Virgin Islands, which is known for its strong privacy laws.
Surfshark is a relatively new VPN service that has been gaining traction in the past year or so. Part of what makes Surfshark stand out is its strong presence in China. Surfshark is one of the few VPNs that still works in China, making it a great choice for users in that country. Surfshark also has a robust network of servers that can help users around the world bypass censorship and access blocked content.
From now on, Surfshark is available in China. This is excellent news for people who want to binge-watch their favorite shows from western streaming services like Netflix, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. With Surfshark, it’s easy to access blocked content, and almost all its servers support Netflix. However, most of them will redirect you to the US version.
Moreover, the subscription allows you to share one subscription with unlimited devices, making it a convenient option for families or groups of housemates. Surfshark keeps no logs and has a kill switch that is automatically activated. Downloading and streaming are a breeze thanks to unlimited bandwidth and P2P file sharing. It also has an ad blocker built-in.
Moreover, they of a 30-day money-back guarantee. You can try the service without any risk.
5. Astrill VPN
Features
Dedicated P2P servers
Ad-Block
Unlimited Devices
Off available on Longer Subscription
Available on:
750+ Servers
45+ Location
Allow P2P
Altas VPN is a Shanghai-based startup that offers a VPN service to users in China. The company was founded in 2014 by two entrepreneurs, Song Cong and Zhang Bo. Atlas VPN has quickly become one of the most popular VPN services in China, with over 1 million users.
Altas VPN is one of the few VPNs that still work in China. The company has developed a unique technology that allows it to bypass the Great Firewall of China. Atlas VPN is also one of the most affordable VPNs on the market, with plans starting at just $2 per month.
The team at Atlas VPN is dedicated to providing its users with a safe and secure online experience. The company has a strict no-logs policy, which means that they do not track or record their users’ activities.
Connectivity speeds with Astrill China are among the fastest in the world. Astrill somehow manages to connect even when all other VPNs cannot.
Since I recognize the importance of these connections, I’ve listed them here. The reason why I haven’t given Astrill a higher rating is that I have had a less-than-great experience with their customer service.
Astrill is the only provider I know that offers a “VIP Plan” (and I recommend you do) if you’re willing to pay a few extra dollars. You can use servers that offer lower latency (i.e., are less likely to be blocked) and are less likely to be blocked.
Astrill does not offer a money-back guarantee, only a short free trial. However, you might only have the option of downloading Astrill, making it a worthy candidate for the best VPN for China.
FAQs
Are VPNs legal in China?
VPNs were recently banned in China and are now considered a crime by the Chinese Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT). This creates a barrier for Chinese people to use VPN as a method of accessing various blocked websites such as Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
Can you get in trouble in China if you use a VPN?
Yes, you can get in trouble for using a VPN in China. The Chinese government has been known to crack down on VPN use, and you could face fines or imprisonment if you’re caught using one.
What websites are blocked in China?
The Chinese government blocks a variety of websites, including those with political, social, and religious content. Popular blocked websites include Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and The New York Times.
Is Free VPNs Safe?
There is no such thing as a free lunch, and the same goes for free VPNs. While they may be convenient, they are often not as safe as paid VPNs. Many free VPNs are not properly vetted, which means that they may have security vulnerabilities that can be exploited by hackers. Additionally, free VPNs may sell your data to third-party advertisers or use it for other nefarious purposes.
Why do we need to use a VPN?
There are a few reasons why you might want to use a VPN. Perhaps you’re concerned about your privacy and want to ensure that your traffic is encrypted. Or maybe you’re traveling and want to access content that’s blocked in your location. A VPN can also be useful for bypassing censorship and accessing websites that are blocked in your country.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a VPN is a must for anyone traveling to or living in China. It is the best way to keep your online data private and secure, and to access blocked websites and apps. While there are many VPNs available, we recommend ExpressVPN for its reliability and strong security features.