4 Ways to Securely Access Sites Blocked in China in 2026

China's Great Firewall blocks access to popular international websites and apps, including Google, Facebook, WhatsApp, Telegram, and YouTube. Fortunately, there are a few safe ways to unblock sites in China while keeping your online identity and activities private.

How do I reach blocked websites in China? The most effective way to unblock sites in China is to use a VPN with obfuscation technology. This clever tool masks VPN traffic and routes it through servers outside China, providing you with a new IP address to access global services securely. According to the Global Web Index, as of 2018, 54% of VPN users in China used them to access international entertainment content (GWI, 2018)¹.

How To Access Sites Blocked in China With a VPN

With the right VPN and proper setup, you can securely access popular services like Facebook, Google, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat, and others from China. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it.

1. Download a VPN Before Arriving in China

Most VPN websites are blocked in China, so downloading before your trip is crucial. However, some premium VPNs provide a mirror link to download the app when you're already in the country.

2. Configure Your VPN Settings

Enable obfuscation or stealth settings in your VPN app for optimal performance in China. These features disguise your VPN traffic as regular web traffic to avoid detection. Also, make sure the kill switch is active, as it prevents data leaks if the VPN connection drops.

3. Connect to a Nearby Server

For the best speeds in China, choose VPN servers in Hong Kong, Japan, or Taiwan. The closer the server is to mainland China, the faster and more stable your connection will be. The best VPNs can provide you with a Chinese IP address.

4. Securely Unblock Sites From China

Your encrypted VPN connection lets you safely access your favorite websites and apps from China. Open your browser or app, like Gmail, Hootsuite, WhatsApp, or Spotify. The VPN routes your traffic through a secure tunnel, letting you browse freely while protecting your privacy.

More Ways To Open Blocked Websites in China

While a VPN is the most reliable option, it's not the only tool you can use to maintain access to the internet in China. Here are three alternative solutions you can use to access sites blocked in China:

1. Use Tor for Browsing (With a Bridge)

Does Tor work in China? The Tor network is blocked in China, so you must use Tor Bridges. These undisclosed servers disguise your traffic and make it much harder for censors to detect and block your connection. There was a reported 35% increase in Tor usage in China in 2024 (Coolest Gadgets, 2025)², so this method seems to work.

As with a VPN, you must download Tor Browser before traveling to China. After downloading, open Tor Browser settings and select Tor is blocked or censored in my location. Choose Use a bridge and select obfs4 bridges for the best results in China.

The downside to using Tor to unblock sites in China is that it significantly slows your connection due to multiple relay points. Additionally, setting it up and using Tor Browser safely can be overwhelming if you’re not tech-savvy.

2. Ultrasurf

Ultrasurf is a lightweight tool designed to bypass firewalls quickly. It was initially developed to help internet users in China access information. Ultrasurf creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and its servers, similar to a simplified VPN. It's easy to use, making it a practical option if you need quick and discreet access to blocked sites.

Like with the previous solutions, download Ultrasurf before entering China. Install and run the program—this will automatically open a browser window with an active connection. Ultrasurf changes its servers' IP addresses up to 10,000 times per hour to avoid detection. Once you uninstall it, it won’t leave a trace. Even if someone searches your computer, they won’t be able to tell that you ever used it.

However, unlike a VPN, a proxy only secures traffic from your browser. It doesn’t protect data sent from other programs, like your email client or Skype. This means that most of your internet traffic is vulnerable to hackers and attackers. Additionally, Ultrasurf only encrypts your data between your computer and its servers. Your data isn’t encrypted for its entire journey unless you access a secure website.

3. Shadowsocks

Shadowsocks is another open-source proxy tool widely used to access sites in China since it's harder to detect. You can either set up Shadowsocks manually or use a Shadowsocks app, but once connected, it provides fast access to content.

Please note, however, that this proxy isn’t designed to protect your privacy — it’s only meant to bypass restrictions. While it encrypts data sent from your device to the proxy server, it doesn’t hide your IP address. A secure VPN with a strict no-logs policy is a better choice if you want better privacy and anonymity.

Why Can't I Access Websites in China?

China enforces one of the most extensive internet censorship systems in the world. The government restricts access to international websites to maintain control over information, suppress dissent, and promote local alternatives. It blocks any websites containing content it deems politically sensitive, culturally inappropriate, or a threat to state control.

The Chinese government implements these restrictions through the Great Firewall of China (GFW), a mix of tech and policies that monitor and filter internet traffic. GFW uses deep packet inspection (DPI), IP blocking, DNS spoofing, and keyword filtering to detect and block access to foreign websites, apps, and online services. It’s constantly evolving and capable of identifying and disrupting VPNs, proxies, and other tools that try to bypass censorship.

Which websites are blocked in China? Some popular websites blocked in China include Google, YouTube, Facebook, WhatsApp, LinkedIn, Instagram, Twitch, Netflix, Snapchat, Telegram, Signal, and many news websites. The Record revealed that the Great Firewall of China was blocking over 311,000 domains³, while others suggest China censors over 943,000 domains (Usenix, 2024)⁴.

How do I test if a site is blocked in China? Tools like vpnMentor’s Great Firewall test can tell whether a site is accessible from multiple regions in China. Just enter the URL you want to check.

FAQs

Is it legal to use a VPN in China?

Using a VPN in China exists in a legal gray area. China allows government-approved VPNs but has banned unauthorized services. These approved VPNs must comply with government monitoring requirements, which defeats their privacy purpose. That said, some VPNs can provide online privacy in China while allowing you to access global sites.

For travelers and expats, VPN use is generally tolerated. My research shows that enforcement focuses on providers and businesses rather than individual users. However, enforcement could change at any time, so we strongly advise you to stay updated on the laws and potential consequences before using a VPN in the country.

Can I access Chinese websites with a VPN?

Yes, a VPN with servers in the country gives you a Chinese IP address to access local websites from anywhere safely. However, many VPN providers don't maintain servers within China due to strict regulations. Instead, VPNs with servers in nearby locations like Hong Kong, Taiwan, or Japan often provide reliable access to Chinese content.

How can I access Google services in China?

The most reliable way to access Google services in China is through a VPN with obfuscation technology. Simply connect to a server in a nearby country like Japan or South Korea for optimal speeds. Once connected, Google Search, Gmail, Drive, and other services will work normally.

Remember to download the VPN and Google apps before arriving in China. The Google Play Store and most VPN websites are blocked within the country, making it challenging to access these tools after arrival.

Can I use a free VPN in China?

Free VPNs struggle to maintain stable connections in China due to the country's sophisticated internet controls. Many lack features like obfuscation to disguise VPN traffic, and their limited server networks are more easily blocked, making it harder to stay connected or reliably access global websites while in the country. Premium VPNs like Astrill and PIA are usually more reliable for safely accessing blocked websites in China.

More concerning is the security risk. Several free VPNs have been caught selling user data or containing malware. In a heavily monitored environment like China, compromising privacy could have serious consequences.

What should I do if my VPN stops working in China?

First, try switching to a different server or protocol within your VPN app. The Great Firewall occasionally blocks specific servers, but VPNs usually have backup options. Servers in Hong Kong, Japan, or Singapore often work when others fail. Additionally, you’re less likely to experience such issues when you opt for VPNs that work reliably in China.

If switching servers doesn't help, contact your VPN's support team. Quality VPNs offer 24/7 support and can suggest working configurations or provide access to mirror sites for downloading updated versions.

References

1. https://www.gwi.com/hubfs/Downloads/VPN_Usage_Around_The_World.pdf/
2. https://www.coolest-gadgets.com/tor-statistics/
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/