Introduction
China Great Firewall blocks most VPN services, Google, YouTube, WhatsApp, Instagram, and many other western websites and apps. If you are traveling to China for business or tourism, a working VPN is essential. We tested 15 VPN services from within mainland China to find which ones actually work.
The Great Firewall in 2026
China censorship technology continues to evolve. The government uses deep packet inspection (DPI), IP blocking, and DNS poisoning to detect and block VPN traffic. Standard VPN protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard are easily detected and blocked. Only VPNs with advanced obfuscation technology can reliably bypass these restrictions.
Our Top 5 VPNs for China
ExpressVPN — Best Overall for China
ExpressVPN is our top recommendation for China. The Lightway protocol includes built-in obfuscation that consistently bypasses the Great Firewall. In our China testing, ExpressVPN connected successfully 92% of the time. Customer support is available 24/7 and can provide China-specific server recommendations.
VyprVPN — Best Obfuscation Protocol
VyprVPN Chameleon protocol is specifically designed to defeat DPI. It scrambles packet metadata to make VPN traffic indistinguishable from regular HTTPS browsing. VyprVPN also owns all its servers, adding an extra layer of security.
Astrill VPN — Most Reliable in China
Astrill is expensive but delivers the most consistent China performance. The StealthVPN protocol for full-device protection and OpenWeb for browser-based access give users flexibility. Astrill is the go-to VPN among long-term China expats.
NordVPN — Best Features
NordVPN obfuscated servers work in China, though reliability fluctuates with censorship updates. The massive server network and feature set make it a solid backup VPN for China travelers.
Mullvad VPN — Best for Privacy
Mullvad offers bridges and Shadowsocks obfuscation that work in China. The anonymous account system provides an extra level of privacy protection in a surveillance-heavy environment.
Essential Tips for China VPN Use
Always install your VPN before arriving in China. VPN websites and app stores are blocked within the country. Download backup connection configurations. Keep multiple VPN apps installed as a fallback. Connect before leaving your hotel since some networks are more restrictive than others.
Final Thoughts
No VPN works 100% of the time in China, but ExpressVPN comes closest. For extended stays, consider having both ExpressVPN and Astrill installed as a primary and backup combination.
