Practical · VPN & connectivity

Best VPNs for China Travel: What Actually Works in 2026

China's Great Firewall blocks Google, WhatsApp, Instagram, and hundreds of other services. A working VPN is essential for any traveler who needs email, maps, or messaging. The catch: the firewall changes constantly, and a VPN that worked last year may not work today. This guide tells you what to install, how to set it up before you land, and what to do if it fails.

At a Glance

  • Install before you go: Set up and test from home—some VPN sites are blocked inside China.
  • Blocked services: Google (all), WhatsApp, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter/X, YouTube, Telegram, most Western news sites.
  • What still works without VPN: WeChat, Baidu Maps, Didi, Alipay, local news, and most Chinese apps.
  • Have a backup: Keep two different VPN apps installed; the firewall can block one while the other works fine.
  • Offline prep: Download Google Maps offline for your cities before you fly.

What's blocked in China

The Great Firewall (GFW) blocks a huge number of services. Below are the most common ones travelers miss.

Blocked (you need a VPN)

  • Google Search, Gmail, Google Maps, Google Drive, Google Docs
  • YouTube
  • WhatsApp (often partially or fully blocked)
  • Instagram, Facebook, Messenger
  • Twitter / X
  • Telegram
  • Snapchat, Pinterest
  • The New York Times, BBC, Bloomberg
  • Dropbox, OneDrive
  • Most VPN websites themselves

Works without VPN

  • WeChat (messaging, calls, pay)
  • Alipay
  • Baidu Maps (中文 / limited English)
  • Didi (ride-hail)
  • Meituan / Eleme (food delivery)
  • Apple Maps (works, but less detail in China)
  • Spotify (partially, check your account region)
  • LinkedIn (mostly works)
  • Bing (mostly works)
  • Chinese domestic news and apps

How to pick a VPN that works in China

Not every VPN works. The GFW actively detects and blocks standard VPN protocols. What you need is a provider that offers obfuscated servers (also called "stealth" mode) or specialty China-optimized protocols. Read traveler forums and Reddit (r/China, r/vpnreviews) for recent experiences—test results change month to month.

  • Obfuscated/stealth servers: Make VPN traffic look like regular HTTPS, much harder for the GFW to block. Essential for China.
  • Multiple protocols: Providers with Shadowsocks, V2Ray, or Xray alongside OpenVPN/WireGuard give you fallback options when one is blocked.
  • Server locations: Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, and Taiwan tend to give good speeds from China; look for providers with servers in these regions.
  • China-specific guide: Check if the provider publishes a setup guide for China. It signals they actively maintain China compatibility.
  • Kill switch: Prevents your real IP leaking if the VPN drops. Useful on sketchy hotel Wi-Fi.

Setup checklist: do this before you leave home

  1. 1 · Choose and subscribe to a VPN

    Pick a paid provider with a track record in China. Free VPNs almost universally fail at the GFW and are often insecure. Subscribe, download the app, and log in from home. Do not wait until you land—the provider's website may be blocked inside China.

  2. 2 · Enable stealth/obfuscation mode

    In the app settings, find "Obfuscation," "Stealth," or "Shadowsocks" mode and enable it. In standard mode many VPNs are blocked within minutes of connecting in China. Stealth mode is what actually keeps connections alive.

  3. 3 · Test a connection and try different servers

    Connect and check that Google loads. Try 2–3 different server locations (Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong) and note which is fastest for you. Write them down—you may need to switch servers quickly if one drops inside China.

  4. 4 · Install a second backup VPN

    The GFW often blocks one provider while another keeps working. Install a second app (even just the free trial of another paid service) so you have options. Both should be set up and tested before departure.

  5. 5 · Prepare offline backups

    Download Google Maps offline for your cities. Save key contacts in your phone rather than just in Gmail. Screenshot hotel addresses, train times, and emergency info. This way, even if both VPNs fail, you're not helpless.

What to expect once you're inside China

VPN speeds in China are typically slower than at home—plan on 5–20 Mbps on a good connection, sometimes less. Speeds tend to drop during peak evening hours and around major national events or anniversaries when the GFW is tightened. Video calls usually work; streaming HD video may buffer. For email and messaging, even a slow VPN is fine.

When the VPN stops working

Switch to a different server location first. If that doesn't help, try changing the protocol (e.g. from WireGuard to OpenVPN or Shadowsocks). If you're on hotel Wi-Fi, try your mobile data instead—they sometimes use different routing. Switch to your backup VPN if the main one is completely down. If both are down, use Baidu Maps and WeChat for navigation and messaging until one comes back.

Phone and laptop setup

Install the VPN on both devices. On Android and iOS you can enable "always-on VPN" or "connect on demand" so it activates automatically. On a laptop, remember to reconnect after waking from sleep. Keep the app updated before travel—update availability inside China varies. If you use iPhone, make sure your App Store region is not set to mainland China or you won't be able to download VPN apps at all.

VPN availability and legality can change. Use only for lawful personal use. This guide reflects typical traveler experience and is not legal advice—check current rules for your destination before you travel.