What VPN Works in China?

VPNs that consistently work in China (2026 test results)

How to set up a VPN for China (BEFORE you travel)

1. Subscribe and download at home — the VPN websites and app stores are blocked in China.
2. Enable obfuscation / stealth mode in the app settings. This disguises VPN traffic as regular HTTPS so the firewall can't detect it.
3. Test the connection on a different network (some hotels/corporate networks block VPN by default).
4. Save offline config files for OpenVPN / WireGuard as a backup — sometimes the app fails to load servers.
5. Save the .apk file (Android) and offline installer — in case you need to reinstall without Google Play.

Best protocols to use in China

• ExpressVPN — Automatic Protocol: Tries OpenVPN, Lightway, and IKEv2 until one works. Best for beginners.
• NordVPN — Obfuscated Servers: Uses modified OpenVPN (XOR patch) to bypass DPI.
• VyprVPN — Chameleon: Wraps OpenVPN in extra encryption. Excellent against deep packet inspection.
• WireGuard alone doesn't work in China — needs obfuscation wrapper (Mullvad supports this via "obfs4").

VPNs that DO NOT work in China

These are popular but blocked or unreliable as of 2026:

• Most free VPNs (Hola, Turbo VPN, SuperVPN) — China blocks the IPs, and free VPNs often sell your data.
• Surfshark (NoBorder mode helps, but inconsistent).
• ProtonVPN (works occasionally, but not a primary choice for China).

Backup plans if your VPN stops working

• Switch servers in the same country (try Japan, Singapore, LA).
• Try a different protocol (OpenVPN → IKEv2 → WireGuard with obfuscation).
• Use Shadowsocks or V2Ray as a last-resort tunnel (technical users only).
• Connect to hotel Wi-Fi only — sometimes mobile data has stricter DPI.