VPNs are restricted in China. Only government-approved VPNs are legal. Unauthorized VPNs are blocked, and distributing them is illegal. Tourist enforcement is rare but possible. Set up your VPN before arriving-VPN sites are blocked in China.
Current Legal Status
| Country | China (People's Republic of China) |
| VPN Status | Restricted |
| Legal VPNs | Only government-approved VPNs for businesses |
| Consumer VPNs | Blocked and technically illegal |
| Enforcement | Active blocking; selective prosecution |
The Legal Framework
- 2017 regulations: Required all VPNs to be government-approved
- Selling unauthorized VPNs: Illegal, with documented prosecutions
- Using unauthorized VPNs: Gray area; rarely prosecuted for individuals
- Businesses: Can use approved VPNs for international operations
The Great Firewall
China operates one of the world's most sophisticated internet censorship systems:
What's Blocked
- Google (Search, Gmail, Maps, Drive, YouTube)
- Facebook, Instagram, WhatsApp
- Twitter/X
- Many news websites (BBC, NYT, etc.)
- Wikipedia (Chinese language)
- Most VPN websites and apps
How It Works
- IP blocking: Known VPN server IPs are blocked
- DNS poisoning: Blocked domains return wrong IPs
- Deep packet inspection: Identifies VPN traffic patterns
- Active probing: Tests suspected VPN servers
- Keyword filtering: Blocks pages with sensitive terms
Enforcement & Risks
What We Know
- VPN sellers: Multiple documented arrests and prosecutions
- Chinese citizens: Some fines reported for VPN use
- Foreign tourists: Very few documented cases of enforcement
- Foreign businesses: Generally use approved corporate VPNs
Risk Factors
- Politically sensitive periods (anniversaries, congresses)
- Certain regions (Xinjiang, Tibet have stricter enforcement)
- Activities that draw attention
- Long-term residents vs. short-term tourists
Advice for Travelers
Before You Go
- Download VPN apps before arriving (app stores blocked in China)
- Set up and test your VPN while still abroad
- Download multiple VPNs as backup (some may not work)
- Save offline copies of important information
- Download offline maps (Google Maps blocked)
While in China
- Use VPN discreetly
- Have backup VPNs ready
- Expect some VPNs to stop working
- Consider using Chinese alternatives (WeChat, Baidu Maps)
VPN Features That Help
- Obfuscation/stealth mode: Hides VPN traffic
- Multiple protocols: Fallback options
- Servers near China: Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore
Advice for Residents
Long-term residents and expats face different considerations:
- Corporate VPNs: If your employer provides one, use it for work
- Personal use: Many expats use consumer VPNs, but understand the risks
- Keep updated: VPN effectiveness changes; stay informed
- Multiple options: Have several VPNs as backups
- Local alternatives: Learn to use Chinese apps for daily life
What Still Works
VPNs that work in China typically have:
- Obfuscation technology: Disguises VPN traffic
- Frequently updated servers: New IPs when old ones are blocked
- Dedicated China support: Active maintenance for China access
- Multiple protocols: Fallback options when one is blocked
Frequently Asked Questions
It's very difficult. VPN websites and app stores are blocked. Some VPNs offer mirror sites or alternative download methods, but these are also frequently blocked. Always download and set up your VPN before arriving.
Random phone checks are rare for tourists but have been reported, especially in sensitive regions like Xinjiang. Having a VPN app installed is unlikely to cause issues by itself, but use your judgment based on your specific situation.
Free VPNs are generally not recommended anywhere, but especially in China. Many free VPNs have poor security, may log your data, and are more likely to be blocked. Some "free VPNs" in China may even be honeypots. Use reputable paid services.
This is common, especially during sensitive periods. Try: switching servers, changing protocols, using obfuscation mode, or switching to a backup VPN. Having multiple VPN apps installed is essential for China travel.