Living in China can feel like the internet is behind a glass wall. Many favorite apps and sites are blocked. News, social media, and work tools vanish. But people still get online every day. They use smart tricks. And they use VPNs that are built to survive the Great Firewall.
TLDR
China blocks most VPNs, but a few still work in 2026. Look for VPNs with stealth tech, fast updates, and good support. Use private protocols, keep backup apps, and stay low profile. This guide explains the best options in simple terms.
Why China Blocks the Internet
China runs one of the strongest censorship systems on Earth. It is often called the Great Firewall. It blocks sites like Google, YouTube, Facebook, and many news outlets.
The system uses many tools. IP blocking. DNS poisoning. Deep packet inspection. And active probing.
This means normal VPNs fail fast. They get detected. Then blocked.
What Makes a VPN Work in China
Not all VPNs are equal. In China, features matter more than brand names.
A working VPN in 2026 needs these key traits.
- Stealth or obfuscation. This hides VPN traffic.
- Private protocols. Not just OpenVPN standard.
- Fast server rotation. New IPs appear often.
- China friendly apps. Android and iOS matter most.
- Offline support. Guides you can read before arrival.
If a VPN brags only about speed, skip it. Stealth beats speed in China.
Best VPN Services That Still Work in China in 2026
The list below changes often. By mid 2026, these names still stand out.
1. ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN remains popular. For good reason.
It uses advanced obfuscation by default. No settings to tweak. Just connect.
Its apps are simple. One button. Few errors. Fast recovery.
It also updates servers often. That helps dodge blocks.
- Pros: Easy to use. Stable. Good speeds.
- Cons: Expensive. Website often blocked.
Tip: Download apps before entering China.
2. Astrill VPN
Astrill is a veteran. Many expats swear by it.
It offers special modes. Like StealthVPN and OpenWeb.
These modes are built for censorship.
The interface is not pretty. But it works.
- Pros: Strong in China. Many config options.
- Cons: Old design. High cost.
3. NordVPN (Obfuscated Servers)
NordVPN struggles in China sometimes. But obfuscated servers help.
When they work, they work well.
You must enable obfuscation manually.
Customer support can guide you.
- Pros: Strong security. Many locations.
- Cons: Inconsistent in China.
4. V2Ray Based Providers
This is not one VPN. It is a type.
V2Ray and similar tools use custom protocols.
They look like normal web traffic.
This makes them harder to detect.
They are popular with tech savvy users.
Setup takes time. But success rates are high.
- Pros: Very stealthy. Flexible.
- Cons: Not beginner friendly.
Free VPNs? Short Answer: No
Free VPNs almost never work in China.
They lack stealth tech.
They reuse IPs.
They get blocked fast.
Some are also dangerous.
They log data.
They inject ads.
If privacy matters, avoid free VPNs.
How to Prepare Before You Enter China
Preparation saves headaches.
Do this before landing.
- Download at least two VPN apps.
- Save installer files offline.
- Screenshot setup guides.
- Join support email lists.
- Test connections.
Once in China, many VPN sites are blocked.
You want backups.
Extra Tips to Stay Connected
VPNs alone are not magic.
Use smart habits.
Switch Networks
Some hotels block VPNs harder than mobile data.
Try both.
Change Servers Often
If one server fails, switch.
Do not keep retrying the same one.
Use Manual Configs
Advanced users can import configs.
This often works longer.
Avoid Peak Hours
Nights and weekends are crowded.
Morning connections are smoother.
Is Using a VPN Legal in China?
This question scares many people.
The answer is fuzzy.
VPN use exists in a gray zone.
Foreigners are rarely punished for personal use.
Businesses use approved VPNs openly.
But rules can change.
You should stay low profile.
Do not sell VPN services.
Do not post about it online.
Common Problems and Easy Fixes
VPN disconnects happen.
Here are quick fixes.
- App won’t connect: Switch protocol.
- Slow speed: Change server.
- No internet: Toggle airplane mode.
- Blocked app update: Use mirror links.
Patience helps.
So does curiosity.
Work, School, and Streaming
Many people need VPNs for work.
Email. Slack. Google Docs.
These usually work with good VPNs.
Streaming is harder.
Netflix and others fight VPNs.
Some servers work today.
They may fail tomorrow.
Do not rely on one server.
Final Thoughts
China’s internet is a maze.
But it is not a prison.
With the right VPN, you can work, learn, and relax.
The key is preparation.
And flexibility.
Choose tools built for censorship.
Stay updated.
And keep it simple.
The Great Firewall is strong.
But smart users still slip through.