Which Websites Are Blocked in China?
ACCURATE FOR JANUARY 2026
Today's Firewall Intelligence Report
The Great Firewall is currently at peak activity. Beyond the standard national filters, new regional censorship protocols and mandatory digital identity verification have come into force as of 2026. Accessing the global internet now requires specific vpns for China that use advanced obfuscation to hide encrypted traffic from deep packet inspection.
In 2026, the digital divide in China is sharper than ever. It is not just about missing your social media feed anymore, it is about your work tools, your AI assistants, and your financial accounts being totally cut off. With the latest Cybersecurity Law updates now fully active, the authorities have even more power to sever connections instantly. Today, I am listing exactly which major platforms are banned right now in China and showing you how to stay connected. Let's get technical.
Master List: Major Websites Banned in 2026
This is the current comprehensive directory of the most common websites and apps restricted in China today:
Social Media and Professional Networking
- Meta Platforms: Facebook, Instagram, Messenger, Threads, and WhatsApp.
- Public Forums: Reddit, Quora, and Pinterest.
- Broadcasting: X (formerly Twitter), Twitch, and Snapchat.
- Professional Tools: LinkedIn (Global version), Slack, and Discord.
Google Services and Search Engines
- Search: Google Search, DuckDuckGo, Yahoo (partial), and Startpage.
- Workspace: Gmail, Google Drive, Google Sheets, and Google Docs.
- Navigation: Google Maps and Google Earth.
- Media: YouTube and YouTube Music.
International News and Information
- News Outlets: BBC, The New York Times, Reuters, The Guardian, Wall Street Journal, and Bloomberg.
- Knowledge Bases: Wikipedia (all languages) and Medium.
- Streaming: Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, and HBO Max.
AI, Crypto, and Tech Infrastructure
- Generative AI: ChatGPT, Claude, Google Gemini, and Perplexity.
- Crypto Exchanges: Binance, Coinbase, Kraken, and MetaMask (web).
- Development: GitHub (intermittent blocks), Stack Overflow (partial).
The Great Firewall: Visualising the 2026 censorship landscape.
The Total Infrastructure Blackout
The ban on the Google ecosystem is the most disruptive for Western travellers and expats. It is not just a search block, it is a complete removal of the cloud architecture used for daily productivity.
Users often find that even simple apps fail to load because they rely on Google Play Services for location or push notifications. To restore functionality, you must unblock websites with a vpn that specifically bypasses deep packet inspection hurdles.
AI, Crypto, and Digital IDs
As of 11 January 2026, the authorities have tightened controls on emerging technologies. The ban on Generative AI ensures that residents only use domestic models like Baidu Ernie, which are heavily moderated to comply with state narratives.
Financial restrictions on cryptocurrency exchanges remain absolute, with the state actively monitoring for traffic patterns associated with crypto trading. Furthermore, the new National Online Identity Authentication Public Service is now mandatory for accessing many local web segments, making anonymous domestic browsing almost impossible.
How to Stay Connected Safely
If you are travelling to China, follow these steps to ensure you are not cut off from the global web.
- Pre Arrival Installation: You cannot download bypass tools once inside the border. Install them today.
- Multi Protocol Setup: Ensure your app supports WireGuard or Stealth protocols to hide the encrypted nature of your packets.
- Redundancy: Always have at least two different services active on your device in case one server network is targeted for a blackout.
- Verify Providers: Stick to reputable VPNs that work in China to guarantee your data is not being logged by local servers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does TikTok work in China?
No, the global version of TikTok is blocked. China uses a domestic, censored version called Douyin. You need an active bypass tool to access your global TikTok account and feed.
Are there any free VPNs that work in China?
Almost never. The Great Firewall is too sophisticated for free providers to maintain active servers. They are usually blocked within minutes of being detected on the network.
Can I use my work laptop in China?
Yes, but your work tools like Slack, Teams, or Outlook may require a secure tunnel to function. Always check with your IT department before travelling to ensure your corporate security policies allow for the use of personal encryption tools.
Disclaimer: This article provides informational content regarding internet censorship and technical bypass methods. Users are responsible for their own actions and should ensure they are aware of the legal and security risks involved in bypassing national firewalls in any jurisdiction.