Looking for the best virtual private network (VPN) for China? One that actually works there?
From my experience living and traveling in China, most VPNs are terribly unreliable. And I’ve tried dozens.
The good news is that a couple of VPNs still work well, and I’ll share them with you below.
(In case you didn’t know, the internet is censored in China and all major websites and apps, including Google, Facebook, Instagram and YouTube, are blocked on Wi-Fi without a VPN).
So, here are the only VPNs in China I recommend for 2026, based on my regular travel to China.
1. PureVPN
PureVPN is one of the few VPNs that can reliably access social media apps in China. Image by Julian Christ on Unsplash.
PureVPN is the best VPN for China right now, in my opinion.
The Smart Server Connection picks the fastest server available within a few seconds. This is great for lazy travelers like me.
You can use PureVPN on up to 10 devices – meaning you can share your VPN with your friends or family in your travel group, saving you money.
Why it’s great for your trip to China:
- Fast and reliable
- Really affordable (great if you’re on a tight budget)
- Use it on up to 10 devices
- Apps for all major platforms
- 24/7 online chat support – they’ve always been quick to respond to me.
Disadvantage:
- The shorter the plan, the less cost-effective (but this also works the other way as an advantage).
Tap on the button below to get it.
Tip: Make sure you download the VPN before you arrive in China.
2. Astrill VPN
With Astrill VPN, you can access foreign websites and apps while you tour China. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.
Astrill VPN is my second favorite VPN for China.
Honestly, it’s a close second. I have used Astrill VPN in China countless times over the years.
This VPN company is committed to expats in China with dedicated servers (located in the US, Japan and Hong Kong) that are specifically built for China.
Astrill VPN is easy to use, even for technically challenged people like me.
Why it’s great for your trip to China:
- Fast and reliable
- Servers focused specifically on China
- Use it on multiple devices simultaneously
- Option to upgrade to VIP for even quicker performance (I’ve never had to)
- 24/7 live chat support in case you have a meltdown!
Disadvantage:
- It’s more expensive than PureVPN.
Tap on the button below to get it.
Tip: Make sure you download the VPN before you arrive in China.
As at January 2026, PureVPN and Astrill are the only two VPNs that I am personally recommending, given most of the others are super unreliable.
I won’t name names, but it includes all the big VPN companies.
Need more detail?
If you’re a massive tech-head and want a thesis explaining all the security and privacy features, and you have loads of time, you could try a site like vpnMentor.
Otherwise, check out my article on which apps are blocked in China, and why they’re inaccessible.
The most important thing!
Get the VPN before you arrive in China. Image supplied by Mike Cairnduff.
I’ve repeated this tip already. But it’s so important if you want unblocked internet access in China.
You must download and set up the VPN before you board the plane.
If you leave it until after you arrive in mainland China, it’ll be too late. Sadly, you’ll be one of the countless victims of The Great Firewall of China!
Having worked, studied and traveled in China numerous times, I can confidently say I’ve never forgotten my VPNs.
But I know people who have forgotten, and from what I’ve heard it’s technically possible to do in China but extremely hard for the average Joe. VPN sales are blocked in China, it’s as simple as that.
Trust me, tech issues are the last thing you want to be dealing with when you hike the Great Wall.
My VPN tips for group travel in China
Have different VPNs among your travel group. Image by Lucigerma on Shutterstock.
Even the best VPNs are susceptible to the Chinese government’s crackdowns (which are becoming more common), and at times you may find that you can’t connect to the internet at all.
Luckily, there’s a way around this.
If you’re planning a China holiday with family or friends, get each person in your group to buy a different VPN before departing (and don’t worry – using a VPN in China is legal).
I always have both VPNs on this page, plus a bunch of others that aren’t worthy of being included here.
If you only have one and you have connectivity issues, my troubleshooting guide called VPN not working in China may help. But it’s no guarantee and that’s why I recommend having access to at least two different VPNs.
And, remember you can cancel your VPN accounts as soon as you’re home!
So, what’s the very best VPN for China?
If I could only choose one, it would be PureVPN.
This is because it’s cheaper than Astrill and my personal experience with it in China has been excellent.
But I never travel to China without either of them, which says a lot.
I hope you have an awesome trip!
I hope my review of the best VPN for China has helped you. If there is anything you need to know about traveling to China, just ask a question below. I enjoy answering them.
Main image credit: Julia Zavalishina on Shutterstock.
