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

If you’re traveling to Shanghai or Beijing and want to stay in touch with friends and family, you need to know that Facebook is blocked in China. To this day, the Great Firewall of China prevents citizens and visitors from logging into the social media platform.

A VPN connects you to servers in countries that let you use Facebook safely. VPNs encrypt what you do online so you get private access to the sites you want to use from anywhere. This has the added bonus of protecting your data against snoops and hackers.

The easiest way to use the internet privately 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 the country. 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.

VPNs make it possible to use other platforms safely too, like YouTube and WhatsApp. Before you arrive, you can use our firewall testing tool to check which sites the Great Firewall blocks.

Editors' Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Why You Need a VPN to Use Facebook in China

The Chinese government uses a strong firewall to block social media websites like 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 government — to disseminate information to their fellow activists.

A VPN can give you secure access to social media sites by masking your IP location and encrypting your online activity. VPNs work by rerouting your traffic via one of their own private servers in a different location. As long as you connect to a country where Facebook is allowed, you can access your account safely from anywhere.

That said, you won‘t be able to access most VPN providers’ websites when you’re in China. As such, 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. Although China tends to bar the use of non-approved 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.

Prevent online monitoring

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 3 years in jail.

It's crucial to preserve your online anonymity for personal safety wherever you are in the world. A VPN can help encrypt your information, thereby shielding your identity even if your traffic is intercepted. However, it’s 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. However, VPNs make it possible to securely access streaming platforms from anywhere, including within China. With a VPN that has servers in multiple locations, it’s possible to access many popular streaming platforms without issues.

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 safely from anywhere is to install a VPN on your devices before you travel. A VPN will keep your online activity secure by masking your IP address and encrypting your private data. It also allows access to a range of sites, including Facebook, from anywhere in the world.

However, don’t forget that the use of non-government-approved VPNs is illegal in China. That said, the common practice is that China fights VPNs by technologically blocking them and not by chasing after the people who use them.

ExpressVPN is my #1 recommendation for China. Its high speeds, combined with its automatic server obfuscation, provide unrestricted internet access. Best of all, the VPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try ExpressVPN yourself 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.