Best VPN for China 2026 - What Actually Works Behind the Great Firewall

Updated: February 19, 2026 · 5 min read

China’s Great Firewall blocks most VPN protocols and actively detects and disrupts VPN connections. The vast majority of VPNs simply don’t work in China — even many that claim they do.

We tested from mainland China (Shanghai and Beijing) in January 2026 to find the VPNs that actually bypass the firewall consistently.

The Reality Check

Out of 30 VPNs tested, only 6 worked reliably. Here are the results:

How the Great Firewall Works

Understanding the firewall helps explain why most VPNs fail:

Deep Packet Inspection (DPI)

China inspects internet traffic at the packet level. Standard VPN protocols (OpenVPN, WireGuard, IKEv2) have identifiable traffic signatures. The firewall recognizes these patterns and blocks them.

Active Probing

When the firewall suspects a server might be a VPN, it sends probe packets to verify. If the server responds like a VPN, it gets blocked. This is why IP-based whitelists alone aren’t enough.

IP Blocking

Known VPN server IPs are blocked. VPN providers must constantly rotate server IPs to stay ahead.

DNS Poisoning

China’s DNS servers return false results for many domains, including VPN provider websites. You often can’t even download a VPN app from inside China.

Before You Go: Essential Preparation

Download and set up your VPN BEFORE entering China. You likely won’t be able to download VPN apps or access VPN websites once inside the country.

Checklist:

• ✅ Install VPN on all devices
• ✅ Download the manual configuration files (backup)
• ✅ Note the obfuscated/stealth server addresses
• ✅ Enable auto-connect and kill switch
• ✅ Test the VPN at least once before traveling

1. ExpressVPN — Most Reliable in China

Success rate: 95%

ExpressVPN has the longest track record of working in China and invests heavily in staying ahead of the firewall. Their automatic obfuscation means you don’t need to configure anything — it detects the firewall and adapts.

Why It Works Best

• Automatic protocol switching: Detects blocking and switches protocols in real-time
• Regularly updated server list: China-optimized servers rotated frequently
• 24/7 live chat: Support team knows China-specific issues and can suggest working servers
• TrustedServer: RAM-only infrastructure means no data stored in case of seizure

Speed from China

Not as fast as using ExpressVPN outside China, but fast enough for HD streaming, video calls, and general browsing.

The Premium Price

At $6.67/month, ExpressVPN is the most expensive option. But if you’re relying on VPN access for work, communication, or safety in China, reliability is worth paying for.

Get ExpressVPN for China →

2. NordVPN — Best Value for China

Success rate: 80%

NordVPN’s obfuscated servers work well in China, though not quite as consistently as ExpressVPN. At roughly half the price, it’s the best value option for China travelers.

Obfuscated Server Setup

1. Open NordVPN app
2. Settings → Protocol → OpenVPN
3. Settings → Advanced → Obfuscated Servers → On
4. Connect to a recommended obfuscated server

Note: Obfuscated servers only work with OpenVPN, not NordLynx. You sacrifice some speed for firewall bypass capability.

When It Struggles

NordVPN’s connection success rate drops during major Chinese political events and holidays when the firewall is tightened. During normal periods, it’s reliable at 85-90%. During crackdowns, it can drop to 60-70%.

Get NordVPN for China →

3. Surfshark — Budget Option for China

Success rate: 75%

Surfshark’s NoBorders mode automatically activates when it detects network restrictions. It’s less reliable than ExpressVPN or NordVPN in China, but at $2.29/month, it’s the cheapest option that works at all.

Tips for Surfshark in China

• Use the “Singapore” or “Hong Kong” servers (closest and most reliable)
• Switch between protocols if one stops working
• Keep the app updated — Surfshark pushes anti-censorship updates frequently
• Have backup manual configurations ready

Get Surfshark for China →

What You Can Access with a VPN in China

Legal Considerations

Using a VPN in China exists in a legal gray area. The Chinese government has declared unauthorized VPNs illegal, but enforcement against individual foreign users is virtually unheard of. Millions of expats and business travelers use VPNs daily without issues.

That said:

• Don’t broadcast that you’re using a VPN
• Don’t use a VPN for anything illegal in China
• Foreign businesses routinely use licensed VPN services
• Individual tourists and travelers using VPNs for personal use face negligible risk

FAQ

Can I use a free VPN in China?

Almost certainly not. Free VPNs lack the resources to maintain obfuscation technology and rotate server IPs. We tested 10 free VPNs from China — zero worked.

What if my VPN stops working in China?

1. Try different servers in the app
2. Switch protocols (try OpenVPN TCP, then UDP, then whatever proprietary option exists)
3. Contact customer support via email (live chat websites may be blocked)
4. Try manual configuration with the backup files you prepared before entering China

Should I get a Chinese SIM card or use roaming?

International roaming sometimes bypasses the Great Firewall, depending on your carrier. A Chinese SIM card goes through the firewall. For reliability, use a VPN regardless of your SIM situation.

China VPN testing conducted January 2026 from Shanghai and Beijing on China Telecom and China Unicom networks.