Using a VPN in China: the Services That Still Work

China's Great Firewall is one of the most sophisticated internet censorship systems in the world, blocking everything from social media platforms to news sites. For travelers, expats, or locals who need unrestricted access, a reliable VPN is essential—but most services get blocked quickly. The few that still work use advanced obfuscation to disguise VPN traffic as regular HTTPS, slipping past detection. Below, we’ve tested and confirmed which VPNs currently bypass restrictions in China (updated for 2025).

Why Most VPNs Fail in China

The Chinese government aggressively targets VPN traffic, using deep packet inspection (DPI) to identify and block connections. Standard VPN protocols like OpenVPN or WireGuard are easily detected. To work consistently, services must:

• Use obfuscation (e.g., “stealth” or “camouflage” modes)
• Rotate IPs frequently to avoid blacklists
• Offer dedicated China servers (often labeled as “optimized”)

Free VPNs rarely meet these requirements, and many log user data—a serious risk under China’s cybersecurity laws.

VPNs That Still Work in China (2025)

Based on recent tests and user reports, these providers reliably bypass the Great Firewall:

1. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN remains a top choice for China, thanks to its proprietary “Lightway” protocol with obfuscation. It automatically activates stealth mode when connecting from restrictive regions and maintains a small but stable network of Hong Kong and nearby servers.

• Pros: Fast speeds, no-logs policy, 24/7 support
• Cons: Pricier than competitors

2. NordVPN

NordVPN uses “Obfuscated Servers” to mask VPN traffic as regular internet activity. Its Meshnet feature is also useful for creating private networks if local services are blocked.

• Pros: Large server network, strong security
• Cons: Occasional connectivity drops

3. Surfshark

Surfshark offers “NoBorders” mode, which automatically adjusts settings to bypass restrictions. It’s one of the few budget-friendly options that still work reliably.

• Pros: Unlimited devices, CleanWeb ad-blocking
• Cons: Slower peak-hour speeds

How to Set Up a VPN Before Entering China

Since many VPN websites are blocked in China, follow these steps before arriving:

1. Download and install your chosen VPN
2. Enable obfuscation/stealth modes in settings
3. Test connections to Hong Kong, Taiwan, or Japan servers
4. Save offline copies of setup guides (or email them to yourself)

For more tips, see our privacy guides on securing devices in restrictive regions.

Risks of Using a VPN in China

While VPNs are technically illegal for locals, enforcement primarily targets businesses rather than individuals. However:

• Avoid downloading or updating VPN apps while in China
• Use HTTPS everywhere and enable DNS leak protection
• Never discuss VPN use on monitored platforms like WeChat

Travelers with short stays face minimal risk, but journalists or activists should consider additional tools like Tor bridges.

Alternative Solutions if Your VPN Fails

If your primary VPN stops working, try:

• Switching protocols: Some providers offer Shadowsocks or SOCKS5 proxies
• Manual connections: Use IP addresses instead of domain names
• Mobile data: Roaming on a foreign SIM often bypasses filters

China’s firewall evolves constantly, but the VPNs listed above have consistently adapted. For the latest performance rankings, check our best VPN guide. Need a recommendation right now? ExpressVPN is our top pick this month for reliability in restricted regions.