How to Access X in China: Use Your Account Privately in (2025)

Numerous websites aren’t accessible in China, including X (formerly known as Twitter). Gmail and Google don’t operate there either. The government also heavily censors and monitors Chinese alternatives to X and other social media sites.

However, there’s a way to safely tweet from China. Premium VPNs mask your IP address and let you quickly access your X account. My team and I tested 50+ VPNs to find the best ones. They encrypt your traffic to keep your internet data safe from snoops and have ample global servers to access the content you need anywhere.

Why You Need a VPN to Access X in China

X has millions of active users; however, it’s restricted or banned in several locations. China, Iran, and North Korea are among the countries where X doesn't work. The Chinese Communist Party censors selected content and has blocked many internet services and social media platforms (including Google, Facebook, and Gmail). Among other restricted websites are Wikipedia, Twitch, Pinterest, and certain news sites.

Many foreign apps, like X, are also blocked to utilize local social networks and give Chinese businesses an economic advantage over foreign competition. So, accessing your accounts in Mainland China can get challenging as the government controls the internet.

A VPN masks your real location and makes it look like you’re in another country. This means that if you connect to the server outside China, a VPN assigns you a new IP address, making it seem like you’re actually browsing from that country. It lets you bypass geoblocks and safeguards your data from snoops.

However, to access X you need a premium VPN with robust security features. Obfuscated servers help access restricted services without issues. Plus, a no-logs policy and leak protection keep your sensitive information private. Besides, VPNs work on many devices, including laptops, smartphones, and iPads.

FAQs on Accessing X in China With a VPN

Is it legal to access X in China?

Only government-approved (heavily monitored) VPNs are legal to use in China. However, they are solely available to state-owned enterprises and don’t keep your data private. Fortunately, there are other premium VPNs that work there. All you need to do is connect to a server in a country where X operates.

If you’re planning to visit China, just remember to download and install a VPN before setting foot in the country. This is because most VPN websites are blocked there. China fights VPNs and X by technologically blocking the services, not by chasing after tourists who use them since there are no public reports of a visitor being punished for using one. Plus, it’s best to inform yourself of VPN use laws in China to avoid breaking any rules.

Are Telegram and Reddit banned in China too?

Telegram and Reddit aren’t accessible in China. So, a VPN is the only option to unblock your social media accounts. While most VPNs are also blocked in the country, some work without issues. Choose a VPN with obfuscated servers to bypass geoblocks and use platforms like Telegram, Reddit, and X.

What else can I do with a VPN (besides unblocking X)?

VPNs protect your internet connection with advanced security and privacy features. They also make it possible to safely access your favorite sites and services from anywhere.

Just make sure your VPN works and you’ve obtained a new IP address. Go to an IP lookup website, like vpnMentor’s IP checker — if the displayed location isn’t China, your IP address has successfully changed

What are X alternatives in China?

The closest alternative to X is Weibo, a microblogging platform, but among other popular Chinese social media are WeChat (Weixin), Douyin, Bilibili, QQ, and Douban. These apps allow you to chat, post, and interact with people online. However, the government heavily censors and monitors them.

Can I use a free VPN to access X in China?

Yes, you can use a free VPN to access X, but it’s risky. Most free VPNs can’t get around the geo-restrictions set in China. Free services don’t have vast server networks, either. The safest option is to use a low-cost premium VPN that works in China.

Besides, free VPNs usually limit your speeds and have terrible security features. They also lack any form of obfuscated servers designed to bypass internet restrictions in China and easily access X. Some have even been caught embedding malware in their apps.

Many X users in China try to access the app through proxies. It’s possible to try Shadowsocks (SOCKS5 proxy), SSH tunnel, or SSL/TLS tunnel. However, these services don’t offer online security and privacy delivered by a premium VPN.

Access X in China Now

Finding a VPN that works in China and unblocks X can be difficult as the Chinese government restricts many services. Official government-approved VPNs in China are heavily monitored. My shortlisted VPNs provide obfuscation designed to help bypass restrictions, and robust privacy features to protect your sensitive information.