How To Use Google in China (2025): Docs, Maps, and Gmail

The Great Firewall of China blocks all Google services, including essential tools like Maps, Search, and Gmail. Unfortunately, due to China's sophisticated VPN detection systems, most VPNs struggle to maintain stable and secure connections.

How can I use Google in China? A premium VPN with advanced obfuscation technology can reliably access Google services in China. Reports show that about 31% of internet users in China rely on VPNs to access blocked content (The Pinnacle Gazette, 2025)¹. VPNs that can mask VPN traffic as regular internet data and route it through servers in nearby countries have been shown to be the most effective. They also use military-grade encryption to secure your connection so you can use Google safely.

How To Use Google in China With a VPN — Step-By-Step Guide

Does Google work in China? Google is one of 311,000 domains China’s Great Firewall blocks (The Record, 2021)³. Other sources claim that the country blocks more than 943,000 domains (Usenix, 2024)⁴. China’s sophisticated filtering system prevents citizens and visitors from accessing popular foreign websites and services that don't comply with the government's strict information control policies.

Why is Google banned in China? The blocking of Google began in 2010 following disputes over censorship and alleged cyberattacks. After initially operating a censored version at Google.cn, Google eventually refused to continue self-censoring search results as required by Chinese law. In response, the Chinese government completely blocked all Google services.

The Great Firewall uses sophisticated technologies to block Google, including IP address blocking, DNS poisoning, and deep packet inspection. It also uses machine learning systems to detect and block circumvention tools.

A VPN is the most reliable way to access Google services in China. VPNs route your traffic through their private servers, which encrypt data and hide your IP address.

1. Install a VPN

Before your trip, download and install a VPN that consistently works in China.

2. Enable Obfuscation Features

Turn on obfuscation or stealth settings in your VPN app.

3. Connect to a Server

Choose a VPN server location close to China for the fastest speeds. We got excellent performance using servers in Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore. Stay away from distant servers as they’ll slow down your connection.

4. Open Google Services

You can now freely access Gmail, Google Search, Maps, Docs, and other Google services. To maintain unrestricted access, keep your VPN connected whenever you use Google apps. If your connection drops, the VPN's kill switch protects your real IP address from accidental exposure.

More Ways To Unblock Google in China

Aside from a VPN, there are several alternatives to access Google services in China. These methods vary in complexity, effectiveness, and security, but can serve as backup options when your primary VPN stops working.

1. Use Tor Browser (With a Bridge)

Tor Browser routes your traffic through multiple layers of encryption, making it difficult for anyone to track your activities. However, China actively blocks standard Tor connections, so you need to use bridges, which are unlisted relays that help circumvent restrictions.

Download the Tor Browser before traveling to China to set up Tor with bridges. Launch Tor and click Tor Network Settings. Select Tor is blocked or censored in my location. Choose Use a bridge and select Request a new bridge. Enter the bridge details and connect.

The downside is that Tor has significantly slower speeds compared to VPNs, making it impractical for bandwidth-heavy Google services like YouTube or Drive. It's best suited for basic Google Search or Gmail.

2. Shadowsocks

Shadowsocks is a free, open-source proxy created to help users get around internet restrictions in countries like China. It works differently from standard VPNs by using the SOCKS5 protocol with built-in encryption, which makes it more difficult for Chinese authorities to detect or block.

To use Shadowsocks, download the Shadowsocks client for your device before traveling to China. Set up a Shadowsocks server outside China or obtain server credentials from a trusted source. Enter the server details in your client, then connect and start using Google services.

Shadowsocks offers better speeds than Tor but requires more technical knowledge to set up. It doesn't protect all your traffic by default; it only protects applications configured to use the proxy.

3. Ultrasurf

Ultrasurf was originally developed to help Chinese users browse freely in the country’s restrictive online environment. It's a lightweight portable tool that requires no installation and creates an encrypted HTTP proxy connection.

To use Ultrasurf, download the Ultrasurf executable before your trip and run the program when needed (no installation required). It automatically configures your browser to use its proxy, allowing you to access Google and other sites blocked in China.

Ultrasurf is extremely easy to use but only works with Windows and is restricted to browser traffic. It also tends to be slower than premium VPNs and may experience connection issues as the Chinese government actively tries to block it.

Our Methodology for Testing VPNs for Unblocking Google in China

We focused primarily on each VPN's ability to access and maintain stable connections to Google services consistently. We also evaluated connection reliability with various Google apps like Search, Maps, YouTube, and Gmail. Server locations neighboring the country were another crucial factor when choosing the best VPNs for China, as they directly impact connection speeds.

FAQs on Using Google in China

Are all Google apps and services blocked in China?

Yes, China blocks access to nearly all Google services, including Search, Gmail, Maps, Drive, Docs, YouTube, and the Play Store. The block is implemented through China's Great Firewall, which filters and restricts internet traffic. To access these Google services from China, you need a premium VPN.

The only exception is Google Analytics, which some Chinese businesses can use with special permission. However, it operates through a modified version that complies with Chinese regulations.

Can I use Google in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau?

Google services work normally in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau since these regions operate under different internet regulations than mainland China. You can access all Google products and services without restriction.

Are there any Google alternatives in China?

China has developed its own ecosystem of apps and services to replace Google products. Baidu dominates search, Alibaba's AliCloud replaces Google Drive, while Youku is the YouTube alternative. QQ Mail and NetEase Mail offer email services, while AutoNavi (Gaode) provides mapping capabilities similar to Google Maps. However, you can still access Google in China using a trustworthy VPN.

Is it legal to use a VPN to access Google in China?

The use of unauthorized VPNs to access restricted content is against Chinese law. However, there are no public reports of individuals getting into trouble using an alternative VPN.

Do free VPNs work to access Google from China?

Free VPNs usually don’t work in China. Additionally, most free VPNs are unreliable and slow due to overcrowded servers and limited resources. For consistent access to Google services, try a reputable, low-cost VPN service tested for China. These VPNs also have a trustworthy money-back guarantee, so you can try them out first.

References

1. https://evrimagaci.org/tpg/vpn-usage-surges-in-china-and-vietnam-amid-censorship-335258/
2. https://therecord.media/chinas-great-firewall-is-blocking-around-311k-domains-41k-by-accident/
3. https://www.usenix.org/publications/loginonline/measuring-great-firewall%E2%80%99s-multi-layered-web-filtering-apparatus/