Planning a trip to China? The single most critical item on your digital packing list is a VPN for China. Without one, you will be completely cut off from Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, and the global internet as you know it.
As someone who constantly monitors the Great Firewall’s activity and advises travelers on digital security, I know that outdated advice in this area isn’t just unhelpful – it’s dangerous. The biggest mistake you can make is trusting a generic ‘best VPN’ list. What worked six months ago is very likely blocked today, and arriving unprepared means you’ve already lost the cat-and-mouse game.
This guide is built on a foundation of continuous, real-world testing. You will discover:
- Our live, monthly-updated status tracker of which VPNs are actually working.
- The crucial ‘Plan A, Plan B’ strategy of using two different VPNs to guarantee access.
- A step-by-step digital survival guide to prepare before you travel.
- Honest reviews focusing only on what matters: reliability and obfuscation.
Don’t risk being cut off from your work, family, and the global internet. Let me be your trusted guide through the Great Firewall.
Traveling to China soon?
READ THIS FIRST
- Install Your VPN NOW: Do not wait until you arrive. VPN websites and app stores are indeed blocked in China, making it challenging to access VPN services while in the country.
- Get at Least TWO Different VPNs: Our top recommendation for reliability is Astrill VPN. A strong and more affordable backup is Surfshark or NordVPN.
- Enable Obfuscation: You must turn on a special setting like “StealthVPN” or “Obfuscated Servers” for the VPN to work. This guide will show you how.
1. Critical alert: Install your VPN before you go to China
I cannot emphasize this enough: This is the most crucial advice in this entire guide.
Once you land in China and connect to the internet, you’ve entered the Great Firewall, which restricts access to many foreign websites and services. The websites of nearly every major VPN provider are completely blocked. The Google Play Store is blocked. Apple’s App Store removes VPN apps for users in the China region.
If you wait until you arrive in China, you won’t be able to download and install a VPN app due to restrictions on VPN websites and app stores.
From my experience helping countless travelers, the ones who get into trouble are the ones who ignore this rule. You must subscribe, download, and set up at least two different VPNs on all your devices – your phone, laptop, and tablet – before you leave your home country.
2. Safelyo’s live China VPN status tracker (updated September 2025)
The VPN landscape in China changes by the week. A government crackdown can temporarily disrupt a service that was working perfectly the day before. To provide the most accurate advice possible, we maintain this status tracker. It’s based on daily feedback and real-world tests from our network of contacts, including expats and business travelers currently in major Chinese cities.
This is not based on marketing claims. This is based on current, on-the-ground reality.
| VPN | Status in China | Recommended Protocol / Server | Last Tested |
|---|---|---|---|
| Astrill VPN | Working Well | StealthVPN, Supercharged | September 2025 |
| NordVPN | Working (Some Inconsistency) | Obfuscated Servers (OpenVPN) | September 2025 |
| Surfshark | Working (Some Inconsistency) | Camouflage Mode (OpenVPN) | September 2025 |
| VyprVPN | Working | Chameleon™ Protocol | September 2025 |
| ExpressVPN | Unreliable | (Not Recommended Currently) | September 2025 |
Note: “Some Inconsistency” means you may need to try connecting to a few different servers or locations before you find one that works, but it is generally functional.
3. Detailed analysis of VPNs for China in 2025
Forget about the number of VPN servers or flashy features you see advertised on a VPN’s homepage. When it comes to China, only one thing matters: RELIABILITY under pressure.
Our analysis is based on real-world performance. We’ve focused on the VPNs that have a proven, consistent track record of bypassing the Great Firewall. I’ve personally used and recommended these services to colleagues and clients traveling to China, and this is the unvarnished truth about how they perform.
3.1. #1 – Astrill VPN
Obfuscation Technology
StealthVPN, OpenWeb
China Success Rate
Very High
Speeds
Very Good
Astrill VPN may not have the massive marketing budget of other brands, but it has built its entire reputation on one promise: It works in China, consistently. Among the expat and serious business traveler communities, Astrill is the undisputed gold standard. If your work or communication depends on having a reliable internet connection every single day, Astrill is the service they trust.
Hands-on China experience
Our testers on the ground in cities like Shanghai and Beijing report a near-perfect connection success rate. The key is using their proprietary StealthVPN protocol. This is the mode I tell everyone to use. It’s specifically designed to combat the Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) techniques employed by the Great Firewall. The app itself is more functional than flashy – it’s a tool for professionals rather than a slick consumer product. However, it connects quickly and delivers speeds that are more than adequate for smooth video calls and streaming.
Key China Feature - VIP Add-on
For even better performance, Astrill offers a “VIP” add-on that provides access to “Supercharged” servers. These are premium, optimized servers in Asia that offer lower latency and faster speeds for users connecting from China. It costs extra, but for those who need the absolute best performance, it’s a worthwhile investment.
PROS
- The most consistent and reliable VPN for bypassing the Great Firewall is crucial for maintaining access to an unrestricted internet.
- The proprietary StealthVPN protocol is highly effective at bypassing censorship and ensuring secure, reliable connections in restrictive environments.
- VIP servers offer enhanced performance for serious users.
CONS
- It is significantly more expensive than other providers, reflecting its advanced features and reliability in bypassing restrictions.
- The user interface feels dated compared to modern apps.
Astrill VPN – The most reliable VPN for China
If you are an expat, a business professional, or any traveler who absolutely cannot afford to lose internet access while in China, Astrill VPN is the most dependable investment you can make. The high price tag buys you peace of mind and offers the best reliability on the market, ensuring you can navigate restricted online environments with confidence.
3.2. #2 – NordVPN
Obfuscation Technology
Obfuscated Servers (OpenVPN)
China Success Rate
Good (but requires specific configuration)
Speeds
Good
NordVPN is a massive, well-respected provider that actively works to maintain connectivity for its users in China. While it may not have the flawless consistency of Astrill, its Obfuscated Servers are a powerful tool for bypassing the firewall. It serves as an excellent primary VPN for casual travelers or a rock-solid, more affordable backup to Astrill.
Hands-on China experience
Our testers report that NordVPN works, but with a crucial caveat: you must manually enable the Obfuscated Servers. You can’t just hit “Quick Connect.” I always instruct users to go into the settings, switch the protocol to “OpenVPN (TCP),” and then connect specifically to a server from the “Obfuscated Servers” list. This can sometimes take a couple of tries to connect, but once it does, the connection is generally stable.
Key China Feature - Obfuscated Servers
This is NordVPN’s version of stealth technology, designed to mask VPN usage and help users bypass strict censorship measures effectively. It strips away the metadata from your connection packets, making it much harder for the firewall to identify your traffic as coming from a VPN. This feature is the only reason NordVPN works in China.
PROS
- Strong security features from a trusted provider.
- More affordable than Astrill VPN.
- Excellent 24/7 customer support can help with troubleshooting.
CONS
- Requires specific manual configuration to work.
- The user interface feels dated compared to modern apps.
- The standard NordLynx protocol does not work in China.
NordVPN – A powerful backup with strong security
NordVPN is a great choice for the prepared traveler, offering robust security features and reliable connections in diverse locations, making it easy to access content securely while on the go. As long as you know how to enable the Obfuscated Servers before you go, it provides a reliable and secure connection. It’s an ideal “Plan B” or a strong “Plan A” for those on a tighter budget.
3.3. #3 – Surfshark
Obfuscation Technology
Camouflage Mode (OpenVPN)
China Success Rate
Moderate to Good
Speeds
Good
Surfshark‘s primary advantage is its incredible value. It’s very affordable, and one subscription covers an unlimited number of devices. This makes it the perfect, low-cost “Plan B” to have installed on all your gadgets. Its Camouflage Mode is NordVPN’s stealth technology, which works by disguising your VPN traffic as regular internet traffic. This helps users bypass censorship and restrictions while maintaining a secure connection.
Hands-on China experience
Similar to NordVPN, Surfshark requires a specific setting. Our testers found that you need to use the OpenVPN (UDP or TCP) protocol for Camouflage Mode to activate automatically. When it works, it works well. However, its performance can be more inconsistent than Astrill or NordVPN. You may experience periods where connectivity is difficult, especially during major events or holidays when the Great Firewall is strengthened.
Key China Feature - NoBorders Mode
In addition to Camouflage Mode, the app has a “NoBorders” setting. When enabled, it’s designed to automatically connect you to the best servers for use in restrictive regions. In practice, I’ve found manually selecting the protocol is more reliable.
PROS
- Extremely affordable and covers unlimited devices.
- Camouflage Mode is effective at bypassing blocks, allowing users to access restricted content and maintain privacy even in heavily monitored environments.
- Easy-to-use apps.
CONS
- Performance can be inconsistent, especially during crackdowns, where heightened scrutiny may disrupt VPN connections and affect browsing speeds.
- Less reliable than Astrill or NordVPN for daily use.
Surfshark – Best value backup VPN
Surfshark is the ideal backup (Plan B) VPN for a trip to China. Its low cost and unlimited device policy make it a no-brainer to have as a secondary option. While it might not be consistent enough to be your only choice, it could be the lifesaver that gets you online when your primary VPN is having trouble.
3.4. #4 – VyprVPN
Obfuscation Technology
Chameleon™ Protocol
China Success Rate
Good
Speeds
Good
VyprVPN has a long history of actively fighting internet censorship, and its main weapon is its proprietary Chameleon™ protocol. This is a stealth technology developed in-house by NordVPN specifically to defeat VPN blocking and Deep Packet Inspection, enhancing user privacy and access in restrictive environments. The fact that it’s a unique, non-standard protocol gives it an advantage against automated blocking systems.
Hands-on China experience
Our contacts report good success with VyprVPN, provided they are using the Chameleon™ protocol. It’s a simple selection in the app’s settings menu. The performance is generally stable, though like any VPN in China, it can have periods of slower speeds. Because VyprVPN owns its entire server network, they have end-to-end control over its infrastructure, which can help in quickly responding to new blocks.
Key China Feature - Chameleon™ Protocol
This is the core of VyprVPN’s effectiveness in China. It scrambles your packet metadata, making it unrecognizable to the Great Firewall’s DPI systems. It’s a proven and effective technology.
PROS
- The proprietary Chameleon™ protocol is effective against DPI.
- Owns its entire server network, giving it more control.
- Based in privacy-friendly Switzerland.
CONS
- Smaller server network than its main competitors.
- It can be more expensive than NordVPN or Surfshark.
VyprVPN – Solid contender with proprietary tech
VyprVPN is a strong and reliable choice for China. Its unique Chameleon™ protocol gives it a fighting chance against the Great Firewall, making it a worthy contender for either your primary or secondary VPN.
3.5. #5 – ExpressVPN
Obfuscation Technology
Automatic Obfuscation
China Success Rate
Low / Unreliable
Speeds
Excellent (when it connects)
For years, ExpressVPN was one of the top recommendations for China, and many existing travel guides still list it as a top choice. It’s a fantastic VPN service in every other regard. However, in the past year, its reliability in China has significantly declined. We have included it on this list to provide an honest, up-to-date assessment for the many users who may already have a subscription.
Hands-on China experience
Our testers now report frequent connection failures and significant instability when using ExpressVPN from within China. While it may occasionally connect, the experience is often frustrating, with users needing to try many different servers before finding one that works, if any. This is a stark contrast to its performance just a few years ago.
What happened?
The cat-and-mouse game is relentless. The Great Firewall is constantly being upgraded to detect and block new VPN protocols. It appears that ExpressVPN’s obfuscation methods have been effectively targeted, and the company is currently struggling to maintain consistent access for its users in the region.
PROS
- Excellent apps and 24/7 support (outside of China).
- Still works very well in other restrictive countries.
- Fast speeds when a connection is established.
CONS
- Currently, Camouflage Mode can be unreliable for bypassing the Great Firewall, as persistent censorship measures may hinder its effectiveness in maintaining a stable connection.
- Can lead to a frustrating experience of trial-and-error.
ExpressVPN – A once-great option facing challenges
Due to its current performance issues, we do not recommend buying or relying on ExpressVPN as your primary VPN for China in 2025. We are continuing to monitor the situation and will update our tracker if its reliability improves. For now, travelers should choose a more consistent option like Astrill VPN.
4. Plan A, plan B: Why you need two VPNs for China
Here’s a piece of advice you won’t get from most VPN review sites, but it’s a non-negotiable rule among seasoned China travelers and expats: Never rely on a single VPN.
Think of it like flying. You might have a ticket with one airline, but it’s always wise to know what other flights are available in case of a cancellation. In China, the Great Firewall can be just as unpredictable, often changing its methods to block VPN traffic, which can lead to inconsistent access for users trying to connect securely.
The government is in a constant cat-and-mouse game with VPN providers. During sensitive political events or national holidays, they often ramp up their blocking efforts. A VPN that worked perfectly for me on a Tuesday might be temporarily targeted and struggle to connect on a Wednesday. In those moments, being digitally stranded without access to your work, maps, or communication apps is a nightmare.
Our Recommended Strategy:
This is the exact strategy I recommend to any colleague or friend traveling to China:
- Plan A (Your Workhorse): Choose a top-tier, highly reliable provider known for its consistency in China. This will be your daily driver. Based on our latest tests, Astrill VPN is the best choice for this role.
- Plan B (Your Backup): Choose a second, more budget-friendly provider that uses slightly different technology or servers. This is your insurance policy. If your primary VPN is down for a few hours due to a network attack, your backup will almost certainly get you online. A service like Surfshark or NordVPN is perfect for this.
The cost of peace of mind
The cost of a one-month plan for a backup VPN is typically less than a single dinner out. When you weigh that against the potential cost of losing access to your email, banking, and communication tools for a day or more, it’s an incredibly small price to pay for the peace of mind of never being digitally isolated.
5. The digital survival guide for China: A downloadable checklist
Successfully navigating the Great Firewall is all about preparation. You can’t just show up and expect things to work. Over years of traveling to and working with contacts in China, I’ve developed this essential checklist. Follow these steps rigorously before and during your trip to ensure you stay connected and safe.
Before You Go (The Most Critical Phase)
| Done? | Task |
| [ ] | Download & install at least TWO different VPN apps: Install your “Plan A” (e.g., Astrill) and “Plan B” (e.g., Surfshark) on your phone, laptop, and any other device you’re bringing. |
| [ ] | Purchase a subscription for each VPN: Do not rely on free trials. Pay for at least one month of service for each VPN to ensure full access to their obfuscation features. |
| [ ] | Log in and test both VPNs: Open each app, log in with your new credentials, and connect to a server to make sure they are activated and working correctly before you leave. |
| [ ] | Take screenshots of manual configuration settings: Go to your VPN’s support website and find their manual setup guides. Take clear screenshots of any server addresses or special instructions and save them to your phone’s photo gallery for offline access. |
| [ ] | Download essential offline apps: Google services are blocked. You must download an offline translation app (like Google Translate’s offline dictionary) and offline maps (Google Maps allows you to download city maps) before you go. |
| [ ] | Get a backup internet connection: Don’t rely solely on Wi-Fi. Arrange for an international roaming plan with your home carrier or purchase an eSIM data plan for China before you travel. |
| [ ] | Note down your VPN’s support email: You won’t be able to access your VPN’s support website. Find their direct support email address and save it in your contacts. |
When You Arrive in China
| Done? | Task |
| [ ] | Test your VPNs immediately: The first thing you should do upon connecting to an airport or hotel Wi-Fi is to test both of your VPNs. See which one connects faster and more reliably. |
| [ ] | Enable the correct protocol: Remember to turn on the obfuscation feature. For NordVPN, select “Obfuscated Servers.” For Astrill, use “StealthVPN.” For Surfshark, use “OpenVPN.” The standard protocols often won’t work. |
| [ ] | Connect to local servers: For optimal speeds, select VPN server locations in nearby areas such as Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, or Singapore. |
| [ ] | Be patient and persistent: If a server doesn’t connect on the first try, don’t panic. Disconnect and try again, or select a different server in the same region. This is normal. |
6. Understanding the Great Firewall of China
To understand why only certain VPNs work in China, you need to understand what you’re up against. The “Great Firewall” isn’t a single piece of technology, but a sophisticated, constantly evolving, multi-layered system of internet censorship controlled by the Chinese government.
From my analysis, it uses a combination of methods, but its most powerful weapon is what makes this challenge so unique.
- Simple Blocking (DNS & IP Blocking): This is the basic level. The firewall maintains a massive blacklist of IP addresses (the “street addresses” of servers) and domain names (like facebook.com). When you try to access them, the connection is simply refused.
- The Ultimate Weapon (Deep Packet Inspection – DPI): This is where the real battle is fought. DPI is an advanced technology that acts like a highly trained border agent, inspecting the “packages” of data that flow through the network. It’s not just looking at the address label; it’s opening the package to analyze its contents. Standard VPN traffic has a unique “fingerprint” or signature. DPI is designed to spot this fingerprint and block the connection in real-time, even if the VPN IP address isn’t on the blacklist.
Why Obfuscation is the Key to Victory:
This is where the magic of the obfuscated VPNs on our list comes in. Obfuscation technology (also called “stealth technology”) is the crucial feature that scrambles this VPN fingerprint.
It takes your encrypted VPN traffic and cleverly disguises it to look like regular, harmless HTTPS traffic – the same kind of traffic you generate when securely browsing a normal website. When the Great Firewall’s DPI system inspects your data, it no longer sees the tell-tale signs of a VPN. It sees what looks like a standard, everyday connection and waves it through. A VPN without powerful obfuscation is like trying to sneak past a guard while wearing a bright, neon sign that says “I’m a VPN.” It simply won’t work.
Safelyo’s expert insight: Your VPN’s customer support is your lifeline
In China, your VPN’s website will almost certainly be blocked. This means you can’t access their tutorials or help articles if you run into trouble. This is the moment when 24/7 live chat support (often accessed via a special mirror site) or a responsive email support team becomes absolutely critical.
Before you commit to a VPN for a trip to China, I always recommend testing their support. Send them an email asking if they have alternative URLs or special manual configuration files for China. A great support team that is knowledgeable about the unique challenges of the Great Firewall is just as important as the technology itself. They are your lifeline when you’re on the ground.
7. FAQ about the best VPN for China
Navigating the Great Firewall raises a lot of urgent questions. Here are the straightforward answers to the most important questions.
What is the best VPN for China?
Based on our monthly real-world testing, Astrill VPN is currently the most reliable and consistent VPN for China. It’s the top choice for expats and business travelers who need a connection that works every day. A strong second choice and a great backup option is NordVPN, which works well when its Obfuscated Servers are properly configured.
Is it legal to use a VPN in China?
The situation is complex. Officially, the Chinese government has banned the use of non-government-approved VPNs. However, enforcement is almost exclusively targeted at the VPN providers themselves, not at individual foreign travelers. While there is always a small theoretical risk, there have been no publicly reported cases of a foreign tourist being penalized for using a VPN to access the global internet.
What is the best free VPN for China?
There is no reliable free VPN for China. Free services lack the advanced obfuscation (stealth) technology required to bypass the Great Firewall. Furthermore, they are a massive security risk, as many have been caught logging and selling user data. Do not risk your privacy and security with a free VPN in a high-surveillance environment like China.
Why did my VPN stop working in China?
The Great Firewall is in a constant cat-and-mouse game with VPN providers. It’s common for the government to intensify its blocking efforts, especially during major holidays or political events. A VPN that works one week might be targeted and temporarily disrupted the next. This is why it is crucial to use a VPN that is actively committed to the Chinese market and to always have a backup VPN installed.
Can I download a VPN after I arrive in China?
It is extremely difficult, almost impossible. The Google Play Store is blocked, Apple’s App Store removes VPN apps for users in the China region, and the websites of VPN providers are inaccessible. You absolutely must install your VPN apps before you travel.
8. Conclusion
It’s not about choosing the VPN with the most servers or the flashiest features, but about selecting the one with the right stealth technology that is proven to work against the world’s most sophisticated censorship systems.Successfully using a VPN for China is a game of preparation, strategy, and reliability. It’s not about choosing the VPN with the most servers or the flashiest features, but about choosing the one with the right stealth technology that is proven to work against the world’s most sophisticated censorship system.
To ensure you stay connected, here are the key takeaways from this guide by Safelyo:
- Installing at least two different VPNs before you travel is the single most important rule for success.
- Astrill VPN remains the most reliable choice for daily use, with services like NordVPN and Surfshark acting as solid backups.
- Obfuscation technology is non-negotiable; a VPN without a “Stealth” or “Obfuscated” mode will not work.
- Trust recent, real-world test data, like our monthly tracker, not just a VPN’s marketing claims.
Don’t let the Great Firewall isolate you from the global internet. With the right tools and proper preparation, you can stay connected to your work, family, and the information you need, safely and securely. Navigating digital borders is our specialty. Explore the full range of guides on the Best VPN to protect your privacy, no matter where your travels take you.
