Crossing the Chinese border often means stepping into a digital blackout, losing access to essential apps like Google, WhatsApp, and Instagram. The critical question for travelers and expats is: Does ExpressVPN work in China effectively in 2026, or has the Great Firewall finally blocked it?
At Safelyo, we continuously monitor VPN performance from within mainland China to provide accurate, real-time data. We confirm that ExpressVPN remains one of the few reliable choices, provided you configure the Lightway protocol and install the app before your arrival.
Key takeaways
- ExpressVPN works in China in 2026, reliably bypassing the Great Firewall provided the app is installed before arrival.
- The service uses the proprietary Lightway protocol and automatic obfuscation to disguise VPN traffic as regular HTTPS and evade Deep Packet Inspection.
- Hong Kong, Japan (Yokohama), and Singapore servers offer the lowest latency for browsing, while Los Angeles is best for accessing US streaming content.
- Travelers must download and install the app outside China since official websites and app stores are completely blocked within the mainland.
- Simple troubleshooting steps like switching to “Automatic” protocol and waiting 30 seconds for the connection handshake usually restore access immediately.
1. Does ExpressVPN work in China?
Yes, ExpressVPN works in China in 2026. Unlike many competitors that have been completely blocked, ExpressVPN successfully bypasses the Great Firewall (GFW) by using advanced obfuscation technology on its servers. However, reliable access depends heavily on installing the app before entering the country and keeping the protocol set to “Automatic” or “Lightway.”
While connection times may occasionally take longer due to intense network filtering, the service consistently restores access to the global internet. The table below outlines the current connectivity status based on our latest tests in major Chinese regions.
Current Connectivity Status (2026)
| Region | Connectivity Status | Reliability | Best Protocol |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mainland China (General) | Working | High | Automatic / Lightway |
| Beijing & Shanghai | Working | High | Lightway (UDP) |
| Guangzhou & Shenzhen | Working | Very High | Lightway (TCP) |
| Sensitive Events | Intermittent | Medium | Automatic (Obfuscated) |
2. The golden rule: why you must install ExpressVPN before entering China
The Great Firewall of China (GFW) aggressively blocks almost all VPN provider websites, including ExpressVPN’s official homepage. This means you cannot simply visit their site to sign up or download the installer once you have arrived in the country.
Furthermore, digital storefronts are heavily restricted. The Google Play Store is completely inaccessible, and the Apple App Store for the China region has removed all major VPN applications to comply with local internet regulations.
Pre-travel checklist
To ensure you are not left stranded without internet freedom, follow this essential checklist before you board your flight.
- Download and install the app on all your devices (phone, laptop, tablet). Do not wait until you land, as finding a working mirror site is difficult and risky.
- Sign up and pay for a subscription in advance. Payment gateways like PayPal or foreign credit card processors may be blocked or unstable inside the mainland.
- Save the support email (support@expressvpn.zendesk.com) and manual configuration details offline in a notes app, just in case the automatic connection needs troubleshooting.
3. How ExpressVPN bypasses the Great Firewall
ExpressVPN stays ahead of Chinese censors by utilizing a combination of stealth technology, modern protocols, and heavy encryption. These three layers work together to penetrate the Great Firewall effectively.
- Automatic obfuscation
ExpressVPN servers automatically disguise your encrypted VPN traffic to look like regular HTTPS web traffic. This technique confuses the Great Firewall’s Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) tools, preventing them from identifying the specific VPN signature and blocking your connection.
- Lightway protocol
The proprietary Lightway protocol is the “secret weapon” for maintaining stability in China. Built to be lightweight, it allows for significantly faster reconnection times when the local network drops, ensuring your session remains active without the constant need for manual resets.
- Advanced encryption
Beyond just access, ExpressVPN employs AES-256 encryption to protect your data from government surveillance. This military-grade standard ensures that even if Chinese ISPs intercept your data packets, your browsing history and personal communications remain completely unreadable.
4. How to use ExpressVPN in China: step-by-step tutorial
Setting up your VPN correctly is crucial, as default settings often fail against the Great Firewall’s sophisticated blocks. Follow these five specific steps to ensure a stable and secure connection from the moment you land.
- Step 1: Sign up and download (before departure)
Before you pack your bags, visit the ExpressVPN website to create an account and download the app on all your devices. Since the official site and app stores are blocked within China, installing the software beforehand is the only way to guarantee access.
- Step 2: Enable Network Lock (kill switch)
Open the app settings and activate Network Lock, ExpressVPN’s built-in kill switch. This safety feature cuts your internet traffic immediately if the VPN drops, preventing your real IP address and data from leaking to local Chinese ISPs or government monitors.
- Step 3: Set protocol to “Automatic” or “Lightway – UDP”
Navigate to the Protocol tab and ensure it is set to “Automatic”. If the connection struggles, manually switch to “Lightway – UDP”. This modern protocol is optimized for speed and is currently the most effective at penetrating the Great Firewall’s deep packet inspection.
- Step 4: Connect to recommended servers
Do not rely on the “Smart Location” feature, which may pick a blocked server. Instead, manually search for and connect to locations known to work well in China, such as Yokohama (Japan), Los Angeles (USA), or Singapore, for the best stability.
- Step 5: Verify the connection by accessing blocked sites
Once the app screen turns green and says “Connected,” test the tunnel. Open your web browser and attempt to load Google, YouTube, or Facebook. If these restricted sites load successfully, your encryption is working, and you have bypassed the censorship filter.
5. Best ExpressVPN servers for China (fastest performance)
While ExpressVPN’s “Smart Location” feature is convenient, manually selecting specific servers often yields better results behind the Great Firewall. The table below summarizes the top-performing locations based on our 2026 testing data.
| Server Location | Best Used For | Speed / Latency | Reliability Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hong Kong | Fast browsing | Excellent (Fastest) | Variable |
| Japan (Yokohama) | Gaming & Stability | High Speed | Best Stability |
| Singapore | Large downloads | High Speed | Stable |
| USA (Los Angeles) | Streaming Netflix US | Medium Speed | Stable |
6. ExpressVPN not working in China? Try these 7 proven fixes
The Great Firewall is dynamic, constantly updating its blocklists to disrupt VPN connections during sensitive political events. If your app suddenly gets stuck on “Connecting,” do not panic; these seven technical adjustments usually restore access to the open internet within minutes.
6.1. Switch protocol to “Automatic” or “Lightway”
Navigate to Options > Protocol and ensure “Automatic” is selected. This allows the app to cycle through obfuscation methods to find one that penetrates the current firewall block. If that fails, manually select “Lightway – TCP”, which is slightly slower but more reliable against packet loss than UDP.
6.2. Be patient with the connection handshake
The Chinese firewall actively throttles the initial “handshake” between your device and the VPN server. Instead of canceling immediately, wait at least 30 seconds for the “Connection taking longer than usual” message to appear. Often, the app needs this extra time to negotiate the encryption layer.
6.3. Update the app to the latest version
ExpressVPN engineers frequently release minor patches to counter new blocking algorithms deployed by Chinese censors. Ensure you are running the latest app version; if you cannot access the App Store, use a working VPN mirror site to download the standalone .APK installer file for Android.
6.4. Switch to a specific server location
“Smart Location” does not always pick the best server for China. If Hong Kong is blocked, manually select distinct locations like Japan (Yokohama), the USA (Los Angeles), or the UK (Wembley). These servers are often optimized specifically to bypass the Great Firewall when Asian servers are congested.
6.5. Clear browser cache and flush DNS
Old location data stored in your browser can conflict with the VPN tunnel. Press Ctrl + Shift + Delete to clear cookies. On Windows, open Command Prompt and type ipconfig /flushdns to clear your resolver cache, ensuring your device requests a fresh, unblocked IP address.
6.6. Use ExpressVPN’s proprietary mirror sites
If you need to reinstall the software but the main website is inaccessible, do not use random third-party download sites. Instead, use the proprietary mirror links (e.g., unique domains changing frequently) found in your original welcome email or requested via support, as these URLs are not yet blocked.
6.7. Contact support via email
Live chat is hosted on the blocked domain, making it inaccessible without a VPN. If you are completely offline, email support@expressvpn.zendesk.com immediately. They can provide a current list of “Pick for Me” servers or specific manual configurations working in your exact province.
7. Is using ExpressVPN illegal in China?
The legal status of VPNs in China is complex and often misunderstood. While the government strictly regulates internet access under the Cybersecurity Law, the enforcement focus is primarily on unauthorized companies selling VPN services rather than individual users.
- Legal status for foreigners
For tourists, students, and expats, using a VPN like ExpressVPN is generally tolerated. There are no public records of foreigners being arrested solely for using a VPN to access Gmail or Instagram, though your service might be technically disrupted or blocked at any time.
- Government vs. individuals
Chinese law targets “unauthorized” VPN providers, not the end user. The government understands that international trade requires global internet access, so they often turn a blind eye to personal usage, provided you are not using the tool to spread political dissent.
- Safety tips
To stay safe, avoid discussing sensitive political topics on Chinese platforms like WeChat or Weibo while connected. Use your VPN discreetly for entertainment, communication, or work, and never attempt to resell or distribute VPN software to local citizens.
8. ExpressVPN vs. Astrill VPN for China: which is better?
For years, ExpressVPN and Astrill have been the two undisputed kings of bypassing the Great Firewall. While both offer consistent access where others fail, they cater to very different types of users. The table below highlights their key differences in 2026.
- Speed and performance
ExpressVPN generally offers faster connection speeds thanks to its lightweight Lightway protocol, making it the superior choice for streaming Netflix or 4K video. Astrill VPN prioritizes extreme stability over raw speed, often resulting in slower downloads due to its heavy StealthVPN encryption layers.
- Price and value
ExpressVPN provides significantly better value for the average traveler, costing roughly half the monthly price of its competitor. Astrill VPN is notoriously expensive (often exceeding $30/month for short plans), positioning itself as a premium tool strictly for long-term expats who need 100% uptime regardless of cost.
- Ease of use
ExpressVPN wins for simplicity; its modern interface works right out of the box with zero configuration needed. Astrill VPN, while powerful, features a dated and cluttered interface that requires technical knowledge to tweak protocols effectively, which can be overwhelming for casual users.
| Feature | ExpressVPN | Astrill VPN |
|---|---|---|
| Best For | Streaming & General Use | Critical Stability & Expats |
| China Reliability | High (Automatic Obfuscation) | Very High (StealthVPN) |
| Speed | Fast (Lightway Protocol) | Medium (Heavy Encryption) |
| Ease of Use | Simple (One-click connect) | Complex (Technical UI) |
| Price | Moderate | Very Expensive |
| Simultaneous Connections | 8 Devices | 5 Devices |
9. FAQs
Can I download ExpressVPN while already in China?
It is difficult because the official website is blocked by the Great Firewall. However, you can use an international roaming SIM card to bypass restrictions and download the app. Alternatively, email customer support to request a working mirror link for the installer file.
Does ExpressVPN have servers inside China?
No, ExpressVPN does not operate physical servers within mainland China. This is a deliberate security choice to avoid complying with local data logging laws. Instead, they use nearby virtual locations like Hong Kong and Japan to ensure high speeds without compromising your privacy.
Is ExpressVPN owned by a Chinese company?
No, ExpressVPN is not a Chinese company. Kape Technologies, a global cybersecurity firm, currently owns it. The service operates under the jurisdiction of the British Virgin Islands, ensuring it is not subject to China’s intrusive data-retention mandates or intelligence-sharing requirements.
Will ExpressVPN work on my iPhone or Android in China?
Yes, it works effectively on both platforms. However, iOS users must download the app using an Apple ID registered outside of China. For Android users, you simply need to install the .APK file directly before entering the country, as the Google Play Store is completely inaccessible.
10. Conclusion
In the restrictive digital landscape of 2026, the answer to does ExpressVPN work in China is a definitive yes. However, success relies on the “golden rule”: you must install the app and configure the Lightway protocol before you enter the country to guarantee access through the Great Firewall.
Preparation is your best defense against digital blackouts. By following our setup guide, you can ensure your connection remains stable and secure throughout your stay. To discover more privacy tools or compare top providers for high-censorship regions, visit our comprehensive VPN Guides at Safelyo.
