Best VPNs for China
Breach the Great Firewall.
The consistent leader for China. Its custom Lightway protocol is specifically updated to evade Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) blocks.
Buy ExpressVPN
System Alert: Connecting from within mainland China is the ultimate stress test for any VPN. The Great Firewall (GFW) actively probes for encrypted connections and blocks them instantly. Most "top-rated" VPNs simply do not work there. I have filtered out the marketing noise to list only the providers that invest in obfuscation technology capable of fooling Chinese censors in 2026.
BEST VPNS for CHINA 2026
ExpressVPN: The Reliable Choice
ExpressVPN remains the most reliable option for users in China. Unlike competitors that rely on third-party protocols, ExpressVPN uses its proprietary Lightway protocol (TCP mode), which is incredibly resilient against GFW probing. They also maintain "mirror sites" that allow you to download the app even if their main site is blocked within the country.
Why it works in China:
- Dynamic Server IPs: ExpressVPN rotates IP addresses frequently, making it harder for the GFW to blacklist their servers permanently.
- Lightway Protocol: Designed to mimic regular HTTPS traffic, reducing the chance of triggering DPI blocks.
- Auto-Connect: If a connection drops due to interference, it instantly attempts to reconnect using a different protocol configuration.
Astrill VPN: The Expat Standard
If budget is not an issue, Astrill is technically superior for advanced users. It offers a "StealthVPN" mode specifically engineered for China. It is expensive and the UI is dated, but it is widely regarded as the most robust tool for long-term residents in Shanghai and Beijing.
Why it works in China:
- OpenWeb Protocol: A proprietary protocol that is extremely difficult for the Firewall to detect and throttle.
- Smart Mode: Allows you to use local Chinese apps (like WeChat) directly while tunneling international traffic, maintaining speed.
- VIP Add-ons: Optimised servers specifically for gamers and heavy streamers in Asia.
NordVPN: Best Obfuscation
NordVPN works in China, but only if configured correctly. You must use the specialised Obfuscated Servers found in the advanced settings. Regular servers will be blocked immediately. It is an excellent balance of price and performance, provided you install the app before you arrive.
Why it works in China:
- Obfuscated Servers: Wraps VPN packets in an extra layer of SSL encryption to look like standard web browsing.
- Double VPN: Routes traffic through two servers (e.g., Taiwan -> USA), adding redundancy if one node is flagged.
- Onion Over VPN: Allows access to the Tor network, which is otherwise inaccessible in China.
Surfshark: NoBorders Mode
Surfshark is a solid backup option. Its "NoBorders" mode automatically detects network restrictions and provides a curated list of servers that perform best under censorship. While slightly less consistent than ExpressVPN, it is much cheaper and allows unlimited devices.
Why it works in China:
- NoBorders Mode: Activates automatically when the app detects the Great Firewall, switching to obfuscated protocols.
- Camouflage Mode: Removes VPN metadata from your connection to prevent ISP flagging.
- Shadowsocks: Includes a manual Shadowsocks connection option for Android, a protocol widely used in China to bypass blocks.
Reliability Comparison
VPNs That Struggle in China
Not all popular VPNs work in China. The Great Firewall uses sophisticated Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) to identify VPN signatures. The following services often fail to connect or sustain a connection in mainland China:
- CyberGhost: While excellent elsewhere, CyberGhost lacks the advanced obfuscation protocols needed to fool the GFW. Connections are usually blocked instantly.
- IPVanish: Historically struggles in high-censorship regions. It does not provide reliable stealth protocols for China.
- PureVPN: Performance is highly inconsistent. While it has an "Optimised for China" mode, user reports indicate frequent downtime during sensitive political events.
- Free VPNs (Proton/TunnelBear Free): The free versions of reputable VPNs are almost always blocked. Do not rely on them for essential communication.
The Great Firewall: 2026 Status
The Situation: The GFW has evolved. It no longer just blocks IP addresses; it actively probes connections that look encrypted. If it detects a standard OpenVPN or WireGuard handshake, it severs the connection within seconds.
Active Probing: During major political gatherings or holidays, censorship intensifies. VPNs that worked yesterday may fail today. This is why having a provider with a rapid response team (like ExpressVPN) is vital.
Pre-Flight Checklist: Do This NOW
If you arrive in China without a VPN, you will find that the VPN websites themselves are blocked, making it impossible to sign up. Follow these steps before you board your flight:
- Download & Install: Install the VPN app on ALL devices (phone, laptop, tablet).
- Update Software: Ensure you have the latest version of the app, as older versions may lack recent GFW bypass patches.
- Save Manual Configs: Screenshot the manual configuration settings (Shadowsocks or manual server IPs) from your VPN's help page. You might need these if the app fails.
- Get a Backup: Install a second VPN (even a trial version) as a backup. Redundancy is key.
Safety Warning: Legal & Digital Risks
Be aware of the local digital environment:
- WeChat Monitoring: Do not discuss political topics or share VPN setup files on WeChat. It is heavily monitored and censored.
- Phone Checks: While rare for tourists, border police occasionally check phones for "illegal apps" (like unapproved news apps or VPNs) in sensitive regions like Xinjiang.
- Hotel Wi-Fi: All traffic on hotel Wi-Fi is logged and tied to your passport number. Always use your VPN before accessing personal email or banking.
FAQs for Travellers
Is using a VPN legal in China?
For tourists and expats, using a VPN for personal use is generally tolerated, though technically unauthorised. The government focuses on blocking the technology rather than arresting individual users. However, selling or distributing VPNs is a serious crime.
What if my VPN stops working?
First, change your protocol (try Lightway TCP or OpenVPN TCP). Second, switch to a different server location (US West or Japan). If that fails, contact customer support via email; some providers have secret "unlisted" servers for these situations.
Does roaming data work without a VPN?
Yes. If you use an international SIM card (e.g., Google Fi or a UK SIM) on roaming, your traffic is routed through your home country, bypassing the Great Firewall. However, this is expensive and data-limited.
