Which VPN is Good in China: How to Use, Best VPNs in China for Tourists

How to bypass the “firewall” to access stable applications in the country of a billion people, which VPN can I use in china, which VPN is good in china, which VPN should I use in china, which VPN use in china, which VPN works best in China? Pocket the way to use the best VPN in China to always be ready online that compiled by Klook below!

Strict internet control policies in China have caused many familiar websites and applications such as Google, Facebook, Instagram or WhatsApp to be blocked, causing significant obstacles in communication, information lookup or entertainment.

To solve this problem, one of the popular solutions is to use VPN (Virtual Private Network) – an application that helps you access the internet without being limited by the firewall. In this article, we will guide you on how to use VPN when traveling to China and suggest quality VPNs for your reference.

Why Should You Install VPN When Traveling to China?

5G eSIM China | China Unicom

China controls the internet very tightly, the “Great Firewall” system makes many familiar applications such as Google, Facebook, YouTube or WhatsApp inaccessible. This can cause a lot of inconvenience, especially when you need to communicate, look up information or entertain yourself while traveling.

An effective solution to overcome this barrier is VPN. VPN is a virtual private network that helps encrypt data and route connections through servers in other countries, allowing access to blocked services. In addition, when using public WiFi at airports, hotels or cafes, VPN also helps encrypt the connection, protecting personal data from the risk of being tracked.

Note: If you do not want to use VPN, you can also choose a 4G SIM or eSIM China to bypass the firewall, provided by some international carriers. These SIMs use connections from Hong Kong, Singapore or other areas not blocked by the Great Firewall, allowing access to Google, Facebook, and international applications without installing a VPN.

Can Free VPNs Work in China?

Free VPNs may work in China, but they are not a recommended option. To bypass the Great Firewall of China, VPNs need to use advanced encryption technology and protocols. However, free VPN services often fail to meet this requirement, are easily detected and blocked. This can cause you to constantly lose connection or even be unable to access restricted websites.

Shanghai to Beijing train

In addition, security and speed issues are also concerns. Free VPNs often do not encrypt data strongly enough, increasing the risk of being tracked or leaked information. Not to mention, access speeds are also very slow because too many people share the same server. If the VPN suddenly disconnects, you may accidentally reveal your real IP address because most free services do not have a kill-switch feature (automatically disconnect the internet when the VPN encounters a problem).

So, if you need a VPN to use in China, it is best to choose a paid service from a reputable provider. Some free VPNs can still work, but rarely guarantee absolute stability and safety.

How to Choose the Right VPN in China

Not all VPNs work well in China, as the government is constantly upgrading its VPN blocking system. To ensure a stable connection, you should choose a VPN with flexible servers, fast IP changes and integrated obfuscation technology – making internet traffic look like normal access, limiting the risk of being detected.

Security is also a factor that cannot be ignored. A quality VPN should have strong encryption, a no-log policy, DNS leak protection and a kill switch to prevent information disclosure when the connection is interrupted.

eSIM for China, Hong Kong, Macau (QR code activation via email)

In addition, network speed is also very important. Some VPNs can cause significant speed drops, so prioritize services with many servers in neighboring regions such as Japan or Hong Kong to ensure fast, stable connection. Finally, a friendly interface, streaming support and a flexible refund policy will make your experience in China smoother.

Which VPN is good in China?

Some of the most popular VPN services include ExpressVPN, Astrill VPN, IvacyVPN, Hotspot Shield and TunnelBear. These VPN services help you bypass firewalls easily, protect your privacy and ensure a smooth connection when accessing blocked websites.

ExpressVPN – High Speed ​​VPN In China

Regional Asia 1-100 GB eSIM by Airalo

ExpressVPN is one of the leading VPNs that helps bypass firewalls in China thanks to its high speed, stable connection and strong security. This service has more than 100 server locations globally, including Hong Kong, Japan and Taiwan, ensuring fast speeds and low latency when using in China.

Why choose ExpressVPN?

• ExpressVPN is famous for its fast upload/download speeds, maintaining a stable connection even when streaming HD videos or using social networks.
• The server system is constantly optimized, ensuring almost absolute uptime, limiting interruptions when accessing.
• Easy access to YouTube, Netflix, Facebook and Instagram without being blocked.
  Built-in kill switch to protect data even if the VPN connection is interrupted, and a no-logs policy to ensure privacy.
• Support team is always available to answer any questions via live chat.

Things to consider

ExpressVPN’s price is higher than many other services, but with a 30-day money-back guarantee and many incentives for long-term subscriptions, it’s still a worthy option for travelers to China.

Astrill VPN – Strong Security VPN for Chinese Travelers

As one of the top choices for bypassing China’s firewall, Astrill VPN is for users who value privacy. With proprietary protocols like OpenWeb and StealthVPN, Astrill provides stable internet access without being detected. The service supports multiple platforms, including macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, and even Xbox.

Why choose Astrill VPN?

• Atrill offers RAM-only servers, which wipe data after each reboot. Additionally, perfect forward secrecy ensures each session has a unique encryption key.
• Thanks to its advanced protocols, Astrill works reliably in China without being blocked.
  Surf the web, watch videos or download data without speed limits.
• Use it on 5 devices at the same time without interruption.

Points to consider

Astrill is more expensive than many other VPNs and does not have a refund policy. In addition, for faster speeds, you need to subscribe to the VIP servers package. However, if you are looking for a truly secure and reliable VPN in China, Astrill is completely worth its price.

Ivacy VPN – Cheap VPN in China

If you are looking for a cheap VPN but still ensure speed and the ability to bypass the firewall in China, Ivacy VPN is a choice worth considering. With a price of only about 14 USD/year (357,000 VND/year) when registering for a long term, Ivacy VPN offers a cost-effective yet effective security solution.

Why choose Ivacy VPN?

• Compared to many other premium VPNs, Ivacy offers extremely competitive prices, especially with its long-term plan.
• Servers located in Singapore give Chinese users a faster connection with less latency.
• Ivacy allows you to choose the connection mode according to your needs, such as unblocking websites or private IP.
• Available on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and many other devices.

Things to note

Despite its many advantages, IvacyVPN can sometimes be unstable in China. However, the flexibility to switch between protocols such as OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2/IPSec, L2TP/IPSec can help you stay connected. If you need a good-priced VPN and are willing to experiment with different methods, IvacyVPN is an option worth considering.

Hotspot Shield – Free VPN in China

Cool Data Sim 4G unlimited data SIM card for China, Hong Kong and Macao without bypassing the wall

Want a free VPN that still ensures security when using in China? Hotspot Shield is a worthy choice. With its proprietary Hydra protocol, this VPN effectively bypasses network barriers and maintains a stable connection speed.

Why choose Hotspot Shield?

• Unlimited bandwidth and free servers in Singapore, ensuring fast speeds for users in China.
• Support for obfuscation mode helps bypass firewalls effectively and protect data well.
• Hydra protocol helps maintain fast connections and avoid data leaks.
• Easy to use on Windows, Mac, iOS, Android.

Disadvantages to consider

Hotspot Shield has many premium features, but the price is quite high if you choose the paid version. However, the 45-day refund policy gives you peace of mind. If you need a free and highly secure VPN in China, this is a worthy choice!

TunnelBear – Easy-to-Use VPN for China Travelers

One of the most user-friendly, easy-to-use VPNs with a free plan that works in China is TunnelBear. With an intuitive interface, apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, and fast connections, Hotspot Shield is suitable for both new users and those who want a simple VPN solution.

Why choose TunnelBear?

• Intuitive, easy-to-use app: Supports Windows, macOS, iOS, and Android with a friendly interface.
• The free plan can be used in China, with a capacity of 2GB/month, suitable for basic web browsing needs.
• Over 5,000 servers worldwide help maintain stable speeds, limiting network congestion.
  Support for multiple simultaneous connections allows you to access multiple devices with just one account.

Points to note

While convenient, TunnelBear is not ideal for streaming or torrenting. This VPN doesn’t support P2P and sometimes struggles with Netflix or BBC iPlayer. If your goal is to watch blocked content or download files, ExpressVPN or Astrill VPN would be a better choice. But if you need a free, easy-to-use VPN in China, Hotspot Shield is still worth a try!

How to Set Up a VPN Before Traveling to China

How to Set Up a VPN on Your Android/iOS Phone

Shanghai City Sightseeing Bus

Setting up a VPN on your phone gives you secure and unrestricted internet access, especially when traveling in China. The easiest way is to download a VPN app from the App Store or Google Play, log in, and connect. With just a few taps, you’ll be able to maintain stable access to your favorite websites and apps.

• Step 1: First, choose a reliable VPN app like ExpressVPN, NordVPN or Astrill VPN. Go to Google Play (Android) or App Store (iOS) to download and install the app.
• Step 2: Open the app, create an account (if needed) and log in with your registered information. Some VPNs require activating a service package before use.
• Step 3: Choose a suitable server (usually in Hong Kong, Singapore or Japan for good speed) and click “Connect”. The system may ask for permission, confirm to complete.

How to Install VPN on Laptop (Windows/MacOS)

To install VPN on laptop, choose a suitable VPN provider, download the software from the official website, install it and log in with your account. Then, choose a server and connect. Here is a detailed guide for you to set up VPN on Windows and macOS.

Step 1: Choose the right VPN service

Shanghai Disneyland Ticket

First, you need to choose a reputable VPN service. Some factors to consider when choosing a VPN include compatibility with your operating system, security level (choose a VPN with strong encryption and no logs), stable connection speed, and the number of servers available to help you access blocked content. Services like NordVPN, ExpressVPN or Surfshark are popular choices and work well on both Windows and macOS.

Step 2: Install VPN using software

After choosing a VPN, you just need to download the software from the provider’s official website and install it. On Windows and macOS, you just need to download the application, open it and log in to your account, then choose a server (e.g., US, Japan, Singapore) and press “Connect” to use.

Step 3: Test and use VPN

Beijing Palace Museum Ticket (The Forbidden City)

After connecting to the VPN, check by searching “What is my IP address” on Google. If your IP address changes, it means your VPN is working properly. Additionally, for maximum data protection, many VPNs offer additional features like a Kill Switch (which automatically disconnects if the VPN crashes) and an incognito mode that lets you browse undetected. Some VPNs also have the ability to select the fastest server to ensure a stable and smooth connection.

Tips for Using a VPN Effectively in China

Using a VPN in China can be difficult due to strict controls. Here are some tips to help you maintain a stable and secure connection.

• Install multiple backup VPNs to avoid disruptions when one service fails. China regularly updates its firewall, which can block some VPNs. Having an alternative option available will ensure you always have access to the internet.
• Turn on auto-reconnect to maintain a constant connection. VPNs can be unexpectedly disconnected, and this feature allows the device to reconnect immediately, avoiding the risk of data exposure when using public networks.
• Regularly update your VPN app to take advantage of the latest technologies to bypass firewalls. VPN providers are constantly improving their services to deal with new restrictions, so keeping up to date ensures you have the best speed and security.

FAQs About Using VPNs in China

Are VPNs Legal in China?

China only allows government-licensed VPNs. Most international VPN services are blocked, but many people still use VPNs to access the internet freely.

Do VPNs affect internet speeds?

Yes. VPNs can slow down internet speeds due to data encryption and server distance. However, choosing a nearby server and a high-quality VPN helps reduce this effect.

Which websites/apps are blocked in China

Popular platforms such as Google, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, WhatsApp, Twitter and many international news sites are blocked.

How to avoid VPN blocking when in China?

Install a VPN before coming to China, choose a VPN with stealth mode, update the app regularly and prepare multiple backup VPNs to ensure connectivity.

Using a VPN when traveling to China is an effective way to stay connected to familiar websites and apps. However, to ensure a smooth experience, you should prepare in advance by installing a VPN, updating it regularly and having a backup plan. In addition, choose a reliable VPN service to ensure stable speed and high security. With careful preparation, you can explore China with peace of mind without worrying about connection interruptions.

Using a VPN when traveling to China is not as difficult as you think, plan your trip now!

Some best day tours, trips, activities and transfer services, tickets in, from and to Shanghai you can refer to

• Shanghai Museum Half Day Tour
• Shanghai Disneyland Admission Ticket
• Huangpu River Cruise（Qingjiang Line）
• Yu Garden Admission Ticket in Shanghai
• Shanghai Tower 118th Floor Observation Deck Ticket
• Shanghai Haichang Ocean Park Ticket
• [World Highest Skywalk] Shanghai Jin Mao Tower 88th Floor Exclusive Skywalk Experience
• Oriental Pearl Tower
• CMHK | HK 7 Days unlimited data + 200 HK Local Mins + 1GB Mainland China and Macau data (HK Airport Pick Up)
• [Thailand Pick Up] Dtac GO INTER SIM Card Zone 1(Asia, Australia, USA, exclude Thailand)
• [Unlimited Data] 4G Portable WiFi for Mainland China, Hong Kong and Macau from Uroaming (HK Airport Pick Up)
• 4G WiFi (HK Airport Pick Up) for Hong Kong/Macau/China (No Speed Limited) from Song WiFi

Read more: Shanghai travel blog — The fullest Shanghai travel guide for first-timers.