what VPN works in china 2023

Planning to visit or live in China in 2023 and wondering What VPN works in China 2023? This in-depth guide explains which VPNs were most reliable in 2023, why some fail, how to set one up safely, legal considerations, step-by-step troubleshooting, and smarter alternatives. Actionable, up-to-date, and written for real travelers and expats.

TL;DR (quick answer): In 2023 there wasn’t a single “guaranteed” VPN for China — but a handful of paid providers consistently performed better than most. Services that most reviewers and long-term testers recommended for working in China in 2023 included Astrill, ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark (with Astrill singled out in many long-term tests for consistent connectivity). Paid, well-maintained VPNs with obfuscation (stealth) features outperformed free or low-quality apps. Always install and test your VPN before arriving in China. Top10VPN+2TechRadar+2

Why this guide focuses on 2023 (and what “works” means)

When people ask “What VPN works in China 2023?” they usually want two things:

Reliable connection to blocked services (Google, Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, YouTube, etc.).
Consistent access — not ‘works once but gets blocked next week.’

China’s Great Firewall (GFW) is an active, evolving censorship system. That means a VPN that works reliably in January could be throttled or blocked later — and vice versa. So “works” in 2023 meant:

The VPN could connect from inside mainland China to external servers in multiple tests during 2023.
It offered obfuscation/stealth features or specialized protocols to hide VPN traffic.
It provided decent speeds and support for mobile + desktop platforms.

This guide blends expert testing, vendor documentation, and user reports from 2023 to give a clear, practical picture of what actually worked that year. Top10VPN+1

Top VPNs that worked in China in 2023 (short list & quick reasons)

Note: “Worked” here reflects widespread testing and user reports during 2023. No service is guaranteed forever.

Astrill — Frequently reported as one of the most reliable options for China due to its specialized protocols and dedicated support for circumventing censorship. Many long-term testers found Astrill maintained connectivity when others did not. Top10VPN+1
ExpressVPN — Known for strong obfuscation (Lightway protocol and proprietary measures) and consistent performance across platforms; often recommended for travelers. TechRadar
NordVPN — Offers obfuscated servers and strong privacy features; many users in 2023 reported success when using its “obfuscated” or “stealth” options. NordVPN
Surfshark — Budget-friendly, has obfuscation/secure protocols (WireGuard + Camouflage/NoBorders features) and worked for many users when configured correctly. TechRadar

Honorable mentions: some niche providers (including a few premium services with specialized servers) also worked for certain users — but reliability varied more than with the four above. Avoid free, low-quality VPN apps (many have privacy risks and poor anti-censorship tech). TechRadar

Why paid, maintained VPNs beat free ones (short technical & privacy reasons)

Active anti-censorship engineering. Paid providers invest in obfuscation, rotating IPs, and protocol updates to evade DPI and blocking.
Server resources & diversity. Paid services maintain many IP ranges and servers — blocking one IP isn’t fatal.
Privacy guarantees & audits. Trusted providers generally have audits, RAM-only servers, and clearer logging policies.
Support & documentation. Real-time support and setup guides for regions like China are crucial.
Free apps often collect data or use suspicious SDKs. Investigations have shown ties between some free VPN apps and risky domain/SKD connections. Don’t rely on free services for censorship circumvention. TechRadar

How VPNs beat the Great Firewall (plain explanation)

The GFW uses deep packet inspection (DPI), IP blocking, DNS tampering, and traffic fingerprinting. VPNs that “work” in China typically add one or more of these defenses:

Obfuscation / stealth protocols: Hide VPN traffic to look like regular HTTPS. (Examples: obfs4, proprietary stealth modes.)
Shadowsocks or SOCKS5 proxies: Lightweight, often used for specific apps (but are not full VPNs).
Rotating/dedicated IPs: If a VPN server IP is blacklisted, providers switch IPs or give dedicated addresses.
Split tunneling + port changes: Advanced users may change ports (e.g., 443) or use split tunneling to route only desired traffic through the VPN.

Providers that combined these techniques were the most durable in 2023. Top10VPN+1

Deep dive: What reviewers and testers reported in 2023

Astrill — the long-term performer

Multiple long-term testing sites and user communities flagged Astrill in 2023 as one of the few VPNs that repeatedly connected from inside China without frequent failures. Astrill’s proprietary protocols and focus on markets with heavy censorship made it a go-to for many expats and businesses. However, Astrill is a premium product (pricing tends to be higher) and some reviews raised UX and speed concerns outside of China. Top10VPN+1

ExpressVPN — strong, consistent, user-friendly

ExpressVPN’s strong reputation for unblocking and reliable apps continued through 2023. It offered proprietary protocol improvements (Lightway) and obfuscation features that helped many users in China. ExpressVPN is widely recommended for travelers because of its easy setup and cross-platform apps. TechRadar

NordVPN — obfuscated modes and layered privacy

NordVPN actively marketed obfuscated servers and “stealth” connectivity options suitable for high-censorship areas. Reviews and user reports in 2023 generally found NordVPN to be effective when obfuscated servers were used. NordVPN also documented the legal risks and practical steps for users considering VPNs for China. NordVPN

Surfshark — value with anti-censorship tools

Surfshark’s NoBorders mode and WireGuard support made it a popular, lower-cost alternative. In 2023, it worked for many users who correctly configured obfuscation and kept apps updated. For casual travelers it was an attractive option because of unlimited devices per account. TechRadar

How to choose a VPN for China (practical checklist)

Use this checklist when picking a VPN for China in 2023:

Obfuscation / stealth features: Look for “obfuscated servers,” “stealth,” or protocols like obfs4.
Track record in China: Prefer providers with documented, recent testing and support for China. (Long-term testing reports are useful.) Top10VPN+1
Active customer support: 24/7 chat and setup support for China is invaluable.
Fast, stable protocols: WireGuard is fast but may be easier to fingerprint; check if the vendor provides a stealthed WireGuard or custom protocol. TechRadar
Cross-platform apps & manual configs: Mobile support and manual router/OpenVPN configs help if an app fails.
No-logs policy + privacy basics: RAM servers, audits, clear jurisdiction.
Avoid free apps: Many free VPNs have privacy or security red flags. TechRadar

Step-by-step: preparing and testing your VPN (do this before you go)

Buy a subscription before travel. Many VPN provider websites are blocked in China; buy and set up an account while still abroad.
Install apps on all devices. Mobile, desktop, router apps — install and sign in ahead of time.
Download alternative installers/manual config files. Save OpenVPN config files, Shadowsocks configs, or WireGuard keys to a secure place (not cloud storage that China may block).
Test from the country you’re coming from. Connect to the VPN, test Google, WhatsApp, YouTube, etc., and try different servers (nearby countries like Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore).
Document fallback steps. Note which server and protocol worked, and keep a screenshot of the working settings.
Keep a copy of support contact info. Some providers offer China-specific setup guides and manual ports. vpnMentor+1

Step-by-step: configuring once you’re inside China (safe practices)

Start with obfuscated/stealth mode. Use the provider’s stealth server settings first.
Try nearby server locations. Hong Kong, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore often give better latency.
Switch protocols if needed. If WireGuard fails, try OpenVPN TCP port 443 or a stealth protocol.
Use split tunneling for speed. Only route needed apps through VPN if speed is an issue.
Change servers if one becomes slow or blocked. Rotate until you find a stable IP.
Keep support chat handy. If the app won’t connect, live chat can give the right port/protocol combination. TechRadar+1

Troubleshooting common problems (and quick fixes)

VPN app won’t connect at all: Switch to a different protocol (OpenVPN TCP 443), or use manual config files.
Websites load but messaging apps don’t: Try a full device VPN (not just browser extension); app traffic sometimes needs different DNS or ports.
Slow streaming speeds: Switch to a nearer server; use WireGuard-like protocols if available and not blocked.
Intermittent disconnects: Use the provider’s dedicated IP option or change servers frequently; consider a paid dedicated IP if you must be consistently reachable. TechRadar+1

Legal & safety considerations (must-read)

Legal gray area: China permits only government-approved VPNs for commercial use; unauthorized VPN use is technically restricted. For tourists and private users, enforcement has historically focused on providers rather than individual travelers — but laws and enforcement change. Be aware of local rules and use caution. NordVPN and other providers detail that VPNs operate in a legal gray area in China. NordVPN
Don’t rely on insecure free VPNs: Investigations in recent years found free apps with suspect ties and data-collection SDKs; these are not safe for censorship circumvention because they can leak data or be shut down. TechRadar
Operational security: Use strong passwords, two-factor authentication for your VPN account, and avoid storing clear configs in easily accessed cloud storage. Consider a disposable email for signup if you care about anonymity.
Business use: If you run a company, consider enterprise-grade, government-compliant solutions and legal counsel for China operations.

Alternatives & complements to VPNs

Shadowsocks / SOCKS5 proxies: Lightweight, sometimes more stealthy for selective app usage, but not a full VPN.
Tor bridges: Tor can be configured with bridges that may work in censoring environments, but it’s slow and less reliable for streaming.
Secure remote desktop to a home machine abroad: If you have a remote PC outside China, you can remote into it and browse — but maintain good security practices.
Paid dedicated IP / residential IP services: These can sometimes evade blocks longer, but cost more and require trust in the provider.

FAQs (short, SEO-friendly answers)

Q: Can I download a VPN app after I arrive in China?
A: Sometimes you can, but many VPN websites and app store links are blocked. Download and install before you travel. vpnMentor

Q: Do free VPNs work in China (2023)?
A: Free VPNs were unreliable and often unsafe. Investigations showed privacy risks with multiple free apps; rely on reputable paid services. TechRadar

Q: Will my VPN get blocked while I’m there?
A: Possibly. Providers rotate IPs and update obfuscation to stay ahead, but blocking can happen. That’s why choosing providers with active China testing and support matters. Top10VPN

Q: Is using a VPN illegal in China?
A: It’s complicated: China permits only government-approved VPNs for formal commercial services. Private use is in a legal gray area—exercise caution and stay updated on local regulations. NordVPN

Sample content block for SEO: “What VPN works in China 2023?” (snippet you can use on a landing page)

What VPN works in China 2023?
In 2023, the most consistently reliable services were paid, actively-maintained VPNs with stealth/obfuscation: Astrill, ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark. Astrill earned a reputation in long-term tests for maintaining connections when many others failed; ExpressVPN and NordVPN offered user-friendly clients and obfuscated server options; Surfshark provided a value alternative with anti-censorship features. Always install and test before you arrive. Top10VPN+2TechRadar+2

Final recommendations (practical next steps)

Choose a paid provider from the short list above (Astrill if you need highest reliability for China specifically; ExpressVPN/NordVPN/Surfshark for strong general coverage). Top10VPN+1
Subscribe and install all apps before travel. Save manual config files.
Test multiple servers and document which servers/protocols worked.
Keep support contact info and screenshots of working settings.
Avoid free VPNs and apps with suspicious SDK ties. TechRadar

Sources & further reading (selected)

Long-term testing and China VPN guides (Astrill reliability): Top10VPN — Astrill VPN Review (testing shows sustained success in China). Top10VPN
ExpressVPN review and performance overview: TechRadar — ExpressVPN review. TechRadar
Astrill deep review and notes on performance: VPNMentor — Astrill Review. vpnMentor
Legal/How-to guidance on VPNs in China: NordVPN blog — How to use a VPN for China? Is it legal? NordVPN
Research on free VPN privacy risks: TechRadar coverage of investigations into free VPN apps tied to risky SDKs. TechRadar

Closing note (safety + ethics)

Using a VPN to access blocked content in China carries technical and legal uncertainty. This guide focused on practical, tested options from 2023 and emphasized privacy and safety. If you rely on VPNs for business or critical communication, plan for redundancy (multiple providers, remote backups) and consult legal counsel for corporate deployments.