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.

After we tested over 50 VPNs, ExpressVPN emerged as my top choice for using Google in China. Its automatic obfuscation on all servers (including Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau) helps prevent detection and blocking. It's also the fastest VPN we tested, and you can download it when you're already in China using its mirror site. ExpressVPN is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee*, so you can try it risk-free.

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. I recommend ExpressVPN because it automatically obfuscates traffic on all servers, allowing you to unblock restricted sites in China. It's also easy to use and offers a 7-day free trial for iOS and Android.

Setting up ExpressVPN took me less than 5 minutes

2. Enable Obfuscation Features

Turn on obfuscation or stealth settings in your VPN app. This disguises VPN traffic as regular web traffic to avoid detection. With ExpressVPN, obfuscation is automatic on all servers. Other VPNs may require manually enabling settings like Stealth Mode. Additionally, enable your VPN’s kill switch to prevent accidental data leakage if your VPN disconnects unexpectedly.

Network Lock safeguards your privacy even amidst network disruptions

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.

ExpressVPN's Smart Location feature automatically picks the fastest available server

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.

Don't disconnect from the VPN server while you're still using Google services

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.

Best VPNs for Using Google in China in 2025

Which is the best Google VPN in China? Our tests showed ExpressVPN, which has over 4 million users (ExpressVPN, 2023)², to be the most reliable for accessing Google in China, followed by Astrill VPN and Private Internet Access. We selected these VPNs based on their ability to work in China without delays and offer server locations optimized for smooth Google service access.

1. ExpressVPN — Automatically Camouflage VPN Traffic for Reliable Google Access in China

Editor’s Choice Editor’s Choice Try Risk-Free for 30 Days
Tested June 2025

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

Your VPN use is less likely to be detected and blocked, thanks to all ExpressVPN servers using obfuscation to make your VPN traffic appear as regular internet traffic. Unlike other VPNs on this list, I didn’t need to configure the VPN settings to enable this function. While testing ExpressVPN, my traffic was obfuscated as long as I used the default protocol settings (Automatic).

Speeds are fast due to the lean code base of ExpressVPN's Lightway protocol and strategically positioned servers near China in Hong Kong, Japan, Macau, Taiwan, and more. We averaged 191.40Mbps download speed testing Tokyo servers, allowing smooth use of Google Drive and quick loading of search results.

The main drawback is its higher cost compared to other VPNs. However, ExpressVPN offers huge discounts on long-term purchases. You can try it with Google in China for up to 30 days without risk since a trustworthy money-back guarantee backs it. When I tested the refund process, it took 5 minutes via 24/7 live chat to get approved.

2. Astrill VPN — Optimized Servers for Reliable Connections to Google From China

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Router Smart TV More

Try Astrill VPN >

www.Astrill_VPN.com

Astrill VPN’s China-optimized servers are purpose-built to provide fast, stable, and reliable access to blocked services like Google, YouTube, and Gmail from inside China. These servers are hosted in strategic locations and reserved exclusively for users in mainland China, reducing congestion and maintaining consistently high performance. During our tests, we accessed these servers by typing “China Supercharged” in the search bar.

To reliably access Google in China with Astrill VPN, I recommend activating StealthVPN and Smart Mode. StealthVPN disguises your VPN traffic as regular HTTPS traffic, which is crucial for use in countries with deep packet inspections. On the downside, Astrill VPN is expensive. Its desktop is also less intuitive than ExpressVPN's. However, the feature-rich app offers extensive control over VPN protocols, app-level routing, and security settings.

3. Private Internet Access — Tailor Settings for an Optimized Google Performance in China

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try Private Internet Access >

www.privateinternetaccess.com

PIA gives you more control over your connection so you can access Google smoothly, even on unstable networks. For example, if your original speed is low, you can switch to OpenVPN with 128-bit encryption instead of 256-bit to work on Google Docs without interruption. However, PIA recommends using WireGuard in China, which consistently delivered the best speeds in our tests.

I recommend activating Multi-Hop and Shadowsocks when you’re in China. Multi-Hop routes your internet traffic through multiple servers in different locations, making it more difficult to trace your online activities back to you. The many customization options might feel overwhelming if you're new to VPNs. However, PIA is pre-configured, so you can connect to any server immediately without adjustments.

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. However, a reliable VPN like ExpressVPN is still recommended to protect your data from hackers and spies.

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. Still, most VPN websites are blocked in China, although some providers like ExpressVPN have mirror links for downloading their apps from within Chinese borders. It's essential to proceed cautiously and be aware of the current regulations and enforcement.

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://www.expressvpn.com/blog/4-million-subscribers/?srsltid=AfmBOoo5xiRD0y6_qpgmINQeESzIowRdooiatN8EbwgfQLtPFmDlts1d/
3. https://therecord.media/chinas-great-firewall-is-blocking-around-311k-domains-41k-by-accident/
4. https://www.usenix.org/publications/loginonline/measuring-great-firewall%E2%80%99s-multi-layered-web-filtering-apparatus/