How to Use a VPN in China in 2024

Accessing the web freely in China can be tricky due to its strict online barriers (read: The Great Firewall of China). Though Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) promise a way around, many do not stand up to the test. 

If you want to use the best VPN in China, then PureVPN is worth considering. Read on to learn why VPNs matter in China, if there are any risks involved, and how you can use them.

Why Do I Need a VPN in China?

China’s internet is not quite like the rest of the world’s. Thanks to the Great Firewall, many familiar sites and apps are out of reach. This means, if you are keen on catching up with global news or chatting on international platforms, you will hit a wall. 

The only way to access the internet without any restrictions is to use a VPN. By changing your IP address and using top-of-the-line encryption, it lets you explore the internet freely, connect with friends and family overseas, and ensures your browsing stays private.

What is the Great Firewall?

Also called the Golden Shield Project, the Great Firewall of China refers to the combination of legal measures and technological methods employed by China’s government to regulate and limit internet usage within its borders. It is one the most comprehensive and sophisticated national firewalls in the world.

China controls every internet service provider (ISP) in the country, allowing them to block content and web pages that could promote anti-government sentiment. As a result, residents in China find themselves unable to access various international platforms, such as Google, Facebook, and YouTube.

How Does Chinese Censorship Work?

The Chinese government employs a multifaceted approach, combining various techniques to block users’ access to certain platforms and websites. These include:

1. IP Address Blocking

China’s strategy for limiting access to specific sites starts with IP blocking. Every ISP in China restricts access to the IP addresses of websites deemed undesirable. This straightforward approach effectively cuts off access to many international platforms.

2. DNS Tampering Techniques

Apart from just blocking IPs, there are manipulations at the DNS level. Tactics like DNS poisoning and intentionally setting up DNS servers with misconfigurations are employed, leading users to incorrect IP addresses or preventing access entirely.

3. Keyword Filtering and Surveillance

Another layer to this digital blockade is keyword filtering. The government scrutinizes internet traffic, searching for specific keywords they find objectionable. This affects search engines, forums, and even messaging apps. 

If content or communication does not align with their standards, access gets restricted. While some of this process is automated, there’s also a sizable team tasked with internet monitoring, ensuring compliance and swiftly removing any content deemed controversial.

Is VPN Legal in China?

Using a VPN in China is not illegal, but it is subject to strict regulations. The Chinese government allows only VPNs that meet its stringent criteria, meaning such VPN services must be willing to provide the government with user access, a move that jeopardizes user privacy. Providers operating outside these regulations risk facing penalties.

While the government has sanctioned many VPN services, they have also taken measures like purging non-compliant VPN apps from China’s Apple Store. This might lead one to wonder: why has China not imposed an absolute VPN ban?

The answer lies in the business domain. VPNs have become an indispensable tool for international trade, safeguarding data transfers between China and global markets. Imposing an all-encompassing VPN prohibition could hamper the ability of foreign companies to operate effectively within China.

The rules surrounding VPN usage in China for individuals versus businesses remain somewhat murky. However, it is worth highlighting that so far, no foreign visitors have faced penalties for using a VPN in China unless they employed it to criticize the state or its governing body.

Find out about the legality of VPNs in different countries.

Unable to use the PureVPN app in China? Luckily, there is another way to take advantage of PureVPN’s protection, which involves setting up the VPN connection manually. Find out more in these guides.

China VPN Not Working? Try These Fixes

Sometimes, VPNs may encounter issues in China due to the Great Firewall. Here are some common quick fixes to help you get your VPN working.

• Switch Servers: When encountering connectivity issues with your VPN in China, consider switching to alternative server locations. This can help you avoid server blocks, increasing your chances of a steady and secure connection.

• Use Obfuscation: PureVPN provides obfuscated servers that conceal your VPN traffic, making it less detectable by the Great Firewall. Enabling this feature can improve your VPN’s ability to avoid censorship. 

• Update Your VPN: Keep your VPN application up to date with the most recent security features and protocol enhancements. This helps maintain optimal performance and security when going around China’s internet limitations.

Related Read: VPN Not Working? Try These Fixes

Frequently Asked Questions

What Websites are Blocked in China?

China blocks access to numerous websites and apps, some of them being Google, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, WhatsApp, Messenger, Wikipedia, Google Apps, Slack, One Drive, Pinterest, BBC, CNN, and Spotify.

Does PureVPN Work in China?

While we cannot promise uninterrupted access every time, given the unpredictable external challenges, PureVPN is committed to delivering the most consistent service we can. We constantly pour resources into the latest technology and think outside the box to ensure our service stays top-notch and reliable.

Can I Use a Free VPN in China?

While there are some free VPNs available, they are often less reliable and secure than paid options. To ensure a reliable connection and better security, it is advisable to use a reputable paid VPN service like PureVPN.

Final Word

At PureVPN, we are firm believers in an internet that is both private and free from undue oversight or restrictions. If you or someone you know is heading to China, let them know bout PureVPN. Every individual has the right to unhampered and safe internet access, and the best way to ensure that is through a trustworthy VPN.