Reliable VPNs For Use In China
As most people know, China has some of the world’s strictest censorship laws. Everything and anything that’s posted on the internet is vetted by the Chinese government. If any online content violates the country’s laws or is something the government doesn’t want to be shared or accessed, it’s taken down immediately. Many popular websites and search engines like Youtube, Google, Netflix, and Whatsapp are also blocked in China.
If you’re travelling to China, or staying there, using a VPN is definitely helpful as it gives you access to blocked content on the internet. But, finding one that works in China is not easy. The Chinese government has been cracking down on VPN providers in China. As such, the number of VPN services that actually work in China is slowly dwindling.
However, fret not. There are still some VPNs out there who have managed to work around the bans and restrictions China has imposed on VPN providers. Here are some in-depth reviews of the best VPNs you can use in China
Choosing a VPN to Use in China
You’re probably familiar with the term ‘The Great Firewall of China’. This term isn’t just a cute pun, China’s internet censorship is truly formidable and the degree of control the government has over its media makes China’s internet one of the most restricted in the world.
As such, finding VPNs that work in such a climate can be tricky. Lucky for you, we’ve compiled a list of the top four VPNs that you can use in China.
1. ExpressVPN
At the top of our list is ExpressVPN. A household name in the world of VPNs, ExpressVPN is one of the best VPNs available on the market. With more than 3000 servers spread over 160 locations, it’s one of the best VPNs to use in China. In particular, ExpressVPN has servers in Hong Kong, Japan, and Taiwan, which allows users to enjoy excellent connection performance when connecting to these servers from China.
Furthermore, ExpressVPN also offers 24/7 customer support. This is particularly useful as you’re most likely going to experience some connection problems if you’re using a VPN in China.
The company has also been known to successfully work around many restrictions and blocks placed by the Chinese government while other VPN providers have failed. ExpressVPN’s commitment to providing a workable VPN in China makes it a top choice among VPN users.
At US$12.96 a month, ExpressVPN is one of the pricier VPNs out there. Nevertheless, it’s definitely worth it given its top-notch server quality.
2. NordVPN
Next on our list is NordVPN. With more than 5500 servers and 55 server locations, this VPN is also another popular choice to use in China. Similar to ExpressVPN, NordVPN is manned by a team of tech experts who are committed to keeping the service up and running despite the blocks and restrictions imposed by the Chinese government. With 24/7 live customer service and a 30-day money-back guarantee, you should definitely try out this VPN service.
Also, NordVPN has servers in countries close to China like Hong Kong and Japan. So, if you’re connecting to any of these servers from China, you won’t have to worry about experiencing connection problems.
At US$11.95 a month, it’s slightly cheaper than ExpressVPN. If you’re looking for a cheaper alternative to ExpressVPN, you should consider trying out NordVPN!
3. SurfShark
Surfshark is another good alternative to ExpressVPN and NordVPN. Like our top 2 VPN recommendations, Surfshark has a wide variety of servers for users to choose from. Its subscription plans make it more affordable than most other VPN services available on the market.
Surfshark’s also known for its simple and user-friendly interface. So, if it’s your first time using a VPN, you should definitely consider giving this VPN a go.
As for data protection, Surfshark offers some of the best VPN protocols and encryption systems. For users who are worried about data protection and cybersecurity, you can rest assured that SurfShark will provide you with the online protection and security you need.
4. Hotspot Shield
If you’ve used a VPN before, you probably know of Hotspot Shield VPN. They offer one of the most popular free VPN services. But, unknown to many, their premium service is one of the best VPNs you can use in China.
With over 1800 servers in 80 locations, Hotspot Shield rounds up our list of recommended VPNs to use in China. Like Surfshark, Hotspot Shield’s interface is easy to use and offers some of the best performance speeds and connectivity.
Which VPN Should I Use in China 2020
ExpressVPN is our winner for the best VPN to use in China. It’s everything a user should look for when choosing a VPN — well-protected, fast, user-friendly, and reliable. In addition, ExpressVPN also has a zero-log policy which means the company can’t track and record your online activities. As such, you don’t have to worry about any of your personal data or online activities being leaked out or handed over to the authorities.
How to Unblock Youtube, Google, and other websites in China
 With a VPN, unblocking banned or restricted websites in China has never been easier. After choosing and installing your VPN, simply connect to a VPN server of your choice and you should be able to access any website you want in China.
Do make sure to download and install your VPN before going there. Once you’re inside the country, you may experience some difficulty trying to install a VPN onto your device given the high level of censorship and online restrictions.
Are VPNs Legal in China?
 VPNs are a grey issue in China. But, in general, VPNs aren’t illegal. No one has been punished for using VPNs so you don’t have to worry about being arrested if you use one. This is probably because many businesses depend on VPNs for data security and protection so the government can’t ban the use of VPNs. For individuals, that’s good news as it means you can use VPNs to access online content that might be banned or restricted by the Chinese government.
Conclusion
VPNs may face many restrictions in China, but there are still many great VPN services out there that can still be used when you are behind the Great Firewall. If you are considering a trip to the country and you want to access your favourite websites, be sure to install your desired VPN before setting foot in the country.