How to Use Facebook in China in 2024 – This Really Works

Is China your next vacation destination? If you want to stay in touch with friends and family while you’re there, you need to know that Facebook is blocked in China.

Luckily, there is an easy way to bypass the block!

Chinese censorship bodies banned Facebook after Ürümqi riot activists used it to communicate with the rest of their network. To this day, the Great Firewall of China prevents citizens and visitors from logging into their favorite social media platform.

You’ll also need to plan ahead if you want to use other blocked platforms, like YouTube and WhatsApp. You can use our firewall testing tool to check which sites the Great Firewall blocks before you arrive.

The easiest way to use Facebook in China is to install a VPN before you arrive. Many VPNs have been blocked by the government, so you’ll need to be careful to choose a service that works in China. Keep in mind that using non-government-approved VPNs is prohibited by the Chinese government. However, there haven't been any public reports of tourists being fined for using one.

Editors' Note: Expressvpn and this site are in the same ownership group.

Why You Need a VPN to Use Facebook in China

The Chinese government uses a strong firewall to block websites that oppose its ruling party, social values, and content filtering regulations. Among the most popular blocked websites are Facebook, YouTube, and even Google.

Facebook is replete with a variety of content, which frequently includes controversial and political discussions - however, astonishingly, this isn't the reason it's inaccessible in China. Facebook was barred in China following its use by a collection of political activists, who were opposed to China's president, to disseminate information to their fellow activists.

So, if you’re planning a trip to China you won’t be able to access Facebook - unless, of course, you use a VPN to bypass the firewall.

A VPN masks your IP location by creating a secure connection between your device and a remote server. With a VPN, you can easily bypass censorship and geoblocking to enjoy unrestricted internet access, even in one of the most heavily censored countries in the world.

Your VPN will also encrypt your data as it travels over the network to protect you from hackers and government surveillance. This is especially important for Facebook users, as even the slightest comment mocking the Chinese government can incur severe legal consequences.

You won‘t be able to access most VPN providers’ websites when you’re in China, so it’s important to download and install a VPN before you leave your home country. If you’re looking for an excellent VPN, check out our experts’ recommendations for the best VPNs for China. Take into account that these recommendations include non-government-approved VPNs. Luckily, although China has banned the use of these VPNs, there have been no public instances of tourists ever being charged for using one.

What Else Can a VPN Do for You?

VPNs aren’t just limited to securing your connection and protecting your online freedom. Below, we have listed just a few of the other benefits of using a VPN.

Avoid government spies

The Chinese government uses internet surveillance to keep watch over its visitors and citizens. In fact, political commentators have described its system as a terrifying dystopia. The government also criminalized the spreading of online rumors, with lawbreakers facing up to three years in jail.

It's crucial to preserve your online anonymity for personal safety while in China. This anonymity is ensured by VPNs, which encrypt your information, thereby shielding your identity even if your confidential data is intercepted by the Chinese authorities. However, it is still recommended not to post comments under your actual name. Furthermore, neither I nor my team support illegal activities, so it's essential to acquaint yourself with the laws and guidelines related to the use of VPNs in China.

Unlock geoblocked websites and streaming services

Most streaming services use geoblocking to restrict access to viewers in certain regions. This makes it hard to keep up with your favorite shows from back home while you’re overseas.

A VPN will help you to bypass geoblocking so that you can watch all the new episodes as they air. You’ll just need to switch to a server in your home country to have unrestricted access to all of the TV shows and movies that you watch back home.

You’ll also be able to use your VPN to unlock streaming services in other regions and countries. Simply connect to a server in the country where the service is based, and you’ll be ready to watch!

Unblock other censored websites

Using a VPN allows you to browse Facebook and other websites that are presently blocked in China, including well-known services like YouTube, Gmail, and Dropbox.

A VPN makes it easy to stay connected with your friends, family, and work from China.

For more information, check out our informative guides to unblocking WhatsApp, Gmail, and Dropbox in China.

Keep your private data out of hackers’ hands

Cybercriminals prey on vulnerable and unprotected devices to steal personal information, like passwords and banking details. Your connection is particularly vulnerable to attacks if you use public WiFi, or WiFi in hotels and cafes.

A VPN will encrypt your data, making it unreadable to hackers and government surveillance agents.

Summary

The best way to use Facebook in China is to install a VPN on your devices before you arrive.

A VPN will restore your online freedom by masking your IP address and encrypting your private data. You’ll also be able to unlock geoblocked content, like Netflix, from anywhere in the world. Don’t forget that the use of non-government-approved VPNs is illegal in China. However, the common practice is that China fights VPNs by technologically blocking them, and not by chasing after the people who use them. This means you shouldn’t have to worry about your safety.

ExpressVPN, our #1 recommendation for China, will give you all this and more. Its high speeds, combined with its ability to bypass just about anything, will give you the unrestricted internet access you’re accustomed to. ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee so you can try it out for yourself completely risk-free. If you're not satisfied, you can always get a full refund.

Other Articles That Might Interest You

Below, you will find a comprehensive collection of informative guides to online security in China for both travelers and citizens.

If you‘re interested in learning more about censorship in China, check out our Complete List of Blocked Websites in China and How to Access Them.

And, before you embark on your journey overseas, make sure you protect yourself with one of the Best VPNs for China.