Traveling to mainland China? Be prepared: popular platforms like Google, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube are blocked due to the Great Firewall. To stay connected, you’ll need a VPN or China eSIM. Below is a curated list of tested best VPN in China for foreigners visiting China.
Important Note VPNs are heavily regulated in China. While foreign tourists are rarely prosecuted for personal use, avoid discussing sensitive topics or engaging in illegal activities.
China eSIM: Unrestricted Internet Without a VPN
Instead of juggling VPNs or hunting for SIM cards, China eSIM lets you stay connected to apps like Google Maps, Instagram, LINE and more from the moment you land.
Here’s why it works:
- No VPN needed: The eSIM bypasses the Great Firewall automatically, so you can access blocked apps without extra tools or subscriptions.
- Instant activation: Scan a QR code after purchase, and you’re online—no waiting in stores or fiddling with tiny SIM cards.
Just make sure your phone supports eSIM (most newer iPhones and Androids do). For travelers tired of unreliable Wi-Fi or pricey roaming fees, this is a easy fix.
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Quick Comparison for Best China VPN 2025
- Long-term stays: Astrill (best reliability) or Mullvad (privacy).
- Short trips: LetsVPN (balance money and speed) + Shadow X (backup).
- Not Well: ExpressVPN (frequent drops), NordVPN (unreliable), and free tiers for sensitive tasks.
| Category | VPN | Price (Monthly) | Speed (MBps) | Success Rate | Platforms |
| Premium | Astrill VPN👍 | $30 | 8.2 | 98% | iOS, Android, Win, Mac, Routers ✅ |
| ExpressVPN | $6.66 | 8.0 | 90% | iOS, Android, Win, Mac, Routers ✅ | |
| Cheap | Surfshark | $2.19 | 7.0 | 90% | iOS, Android, Win, Mac, Linux ✅ |
| LetsVPN👍 | $6.69 | 7.4 | 95% | iOS, Android, Win, Mac ✅ | |
| Free | Shadow X | Free | 3.5 | 70% | iOS, Android ✅ |
| TunnelBear | Free | 3.0 | 60% | iOS, Android, Win, Mac ✅ |
Premium China VPNs (High Speed & Reliability)
1. Astrill VPN (The OG Reliable Choice)
Astrill saved my sanity in Shanghai—Netflix, Zoom calls, even gaming worked most of the time. Yeah, it’s pricey ($30/month hurts), but when your WeChat Pay won’t load and you’re desperate to call home, it’s worth every penny.
- Success Rate: 98% (optimized for GFW bypass)
- Speed: 8.2 MBps (Home), 4.5 MBps (Mobile)
- Server Locations: 58+ countries, including Hong Kong, Japan, and Taiwan
- Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, routers.
- Price:
- Monthly: $30 (no long-term discounts).
2. ExpressVPN
Summary: Used to be my favorite, now inconsistent but still viable
- Success Rate: 90% (unreliable in 2025 per user reports)
- Speed: 8.0 MBps (Home), 4.5 MBps (Mobile)
- Server Locations: 94+ countries, including Hong Kong and Japan
Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, routers.
- Price:
- 15-Month Plan: $6.66/month.
Cheap China VPNs (<$5/month)
3. Surfshark
Shared it with my kids’ tablets—no device limits! YouTube Kids worked… until 7 PM when speeds tanked. Also, that ‘no-logs’ claim? My buddy got a random IP leak. Use it for cat videos, not crypto trades.
- Success Rate: 90% (moderate stability).
- Speed: 7.0 MBps (Home), 4.2 MBps (Mobile).
- Server Locations: 100+ countries.
- Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS, Linux.
- Price:
- 2-Year Plan: $2.19/month (85% off).
4. LetsVPN
With Alipay/WeChat Pay support, LetsVPN ($6.69/month) is perfect for quick trips. It unblocks YouTube and Minecraft Education seamlessly but struggles with niche platforms like Discord. Limited to 30+ servers, it’s not ideal for heavy streaming—think of it as your “emergency exit” VPN.
- Success Rate: 95% (user-recommended).
- Speed: 7.4 MBps (Home), 4.2 MBps (Mobile).
- Server Locations: 30+ countries, optimized for Asia.
- Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS.
- Price:
- Monthly: $6.69.
Free China VPNs (Short-Term/Backup)
5. Shadow X (Free)
Used Shadow X when Astrill crashed. Got my flight check-in done… then spent 20 mins resetting passwords after a leak scare. Free = risky, but hey, better than begging strangers for hotspot codes.
- Success Rate: 70% (best free option)
- Speed: 3.5 MBps (Home), 2.0 MBps (Mobile)
- Server Locations: 15+ countries (prioritize Japan/Korea)
- Platforms: iOS, Android.
- Price: Free (limited servers).
6. TunnelBear
TunnelBear’s adorable until you’re stuck reloading WhatsApp for 10 mins. The 500MB free data lasted me 2 days of light browsing. Pro tip: Only use it in Shenzhen—somehow works better there?
- Success Rate: 60% (limited utility).
- Speed: 3.0 MBps (Home), 1.8 MBps (Mobile).
- Server Locations: 22 countries.
- Platforms: iOS, Android, Windows, macOS.
- Price: Free (upgrade for $9.99/month).
How to Use VPN in China for Foreigner
1. Choose a Reliable China VPN
- Opt for reputable providers like Astrill VPN or VyprVPN, which are designed to bypass the Great Firewall while adhering to technical compliance measures (e.g., obfuscated servers and AES-256 encryption)
- Avoid free VPNs, as they often lack proper encryption, leak data, and may violate local laws. Stick to paid services with verified no-logs policies (e.g., NordVPN or ExpressVPN, though reliability varies).
2. Prepare Before Arrival
- Download and install the VPN before entering China. Most VPN websites (e.g., Astrill, NordVPN) are blocked within the country.
- Enable obfuscation features (e.g., StealthVPN on Astrill or Chameleon Protocol on VyprVPN) to mask VPN traffic from detection.
- Save setup guides offline in case app updates or support pages become inaccessible.
3. Use Legally Permitted Servers
- Connect to nearby servers like Hong Kong, Taiwan, or Singapore for faster speeds and reduced risk of disruptions. Avoid U.S./European servers unless necessary, as they’re more likely to be throttled.
- Avoid sensitive activities (e.g., political content or torrenting). Stick to basic browsing, email, and approved apps like Zoom or Gmail.
4. Stay Within Legal Boundaries
- Use VPNs for personal, non-commercial purposes. While China tolerates VPN use by foreigners for accessing international services, distributing or promoting VPNs locally is illegal.
- Pay anonymously via Bitcoin or international credit cards to avoid linking payments to Chinese accounts.