Which VPNs work in China in 2026?›
Astrill (StealthVPN/OpenWeb), NordVPN (Obfuscated Servers), ExpressVPN (Lightway obfuscated), and Surfshark (Camouflage Mode) have the best track record. Standard WireGuard and OpenVPN connections are blocked. You need obfuscation.
Is using a VPN in China illegal?›
China prohibits unauthorized VPN use under its cybersecurity laws. Foreign nationals visiting China operate in a legal grey area. We recommend researching current enforcement posture before traveling. This is not legal advice.
Should I install a VPN before going to China?›
Yes. App stores in China don't carry most VPN apps. Download, install, and test your VPN before you cross the border.
Will a VPN that works in China also work well for streaming back home?›
Not automatically — obfuscation performance inside China and streaming-unblock performance outside it are tested separately. Astrill is purpose-built for China but isn't our top streaming pick; NordVPN and ExpressVPN score well on both fronts, which is why they lead this list rather than a China-only specialist.
How do I know a VPN's China servers still work right now, not just when it was last reviewed?›
The Great Firewall updates its blocking rules frequently, and a VPN that worked last month can fail without warning. We retest obfuscated connections from inside China and flag the date of the most recent successful test — check that date before you travel, not just the general review date.
Do you earn commissions on these recommendations?›
Yes. We earn affiliate commissions on some links. Our rankings are set by test data collected independently. Commission rates do not affect ranking position. Commission rates for each recommendation are published in individual reviews.