Are VPNs Legal in China? A Worldwide Guide for Visitors

Last Updated on April 16, 2025 by Editorial

People planning to travel to China usually have one pressing question; are VPNs legal in China? The short answer is yes, some selected VPNs are allowed in China. However, the Chinese government has imposed extremely heavy restrictions to the point that using them becomes almost impossible.

In this article, I’ll take you through the VPN landscape in China, show you how the rules affect internet usage, and at the same time, give you alternative VPN options you can use. We will also explore some of the consequences you may face as a foreigner if you’re caught using a VPN.

So read this to the end to learn more about VPNs in China and unlock digital possibilities!

VPNs in China: Regulatory Landscape

In China, the regulatory landscape surrounding VPNs is complex and strictly enforced. The Chinese government has implemented various regulations and policies to control and censor internet access. It views VPNs as tools that can be used to circumvent its internet censorship measures. 

As a result, there are stringent regulations in place to restrict and monitor VPN usage. Since 2017, all VPN providers in China have been required to obtain official approval from the government to operate. This means that only government-approved VPNs can legally provide services within China. 

China’s approved VPNs must comply with strict regulations, including data logging and government access to user data. Blocked international VPN service websites make it hard for residents to access unauthorized VPNs. Despite this, some still use VPNs for content access and online privacy.

However, using unauthorized or non-approved VPN services can carry legal repercussions, including fines and potential legal sanctions. It is essential for individuals or organizations considering using a VPN in China to be aware of the regulations and potential risks involved. It is advisable to consult with legal professionals or experts to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations.

Internet Censorship in China

The Chinese government enforces strict internet regulations through the Great Firewall of China, aiming to control information flow and censor politically sensitive content. It’s a widely debated and discussed topic due to its comprehensive nature.

China’s internet control involves blocking foreign websites, monitoring content, and filtering social media. Critics say it limits freedom of expression, while proponents consider it crucial for stability and security. The clash of perspectives raises the question: can a country prosper with a restricted internet? Time holds the answer.

The Great Firewall of China 

This refers to the extensive system of internet censorship and surveillance implemented by the Chinese government. It was established in the late 1990s and has become one of the world’s most sophisticated and extensive online censorship apparatuses.

The primary goal of the Great Firewall is to control the flow of information and maintain strict control over Chinese cyberspace. This is achieved through technological measures, regulations, and legal frameworks. 

The system employs advanced filtering and blocking techniques to restrict access to certain websites, search engine results, social media platforms, and online services deemed politically sensitive or potentially harmful to the Chinese government’s interests.

The Great Firewall uses keyword filtering, DNS tampering, IP blocking, and Deep Packet Inspection to control internet traffic. These practices restrict access to specific content and services. ISPs are also mandated to monitor and filter their networks actively, making it challenging to bypass censorship.

It primarily targets content related to politically sensitive topics, such as discussions on human rights, democracy, Tibet, Taiwan independence, and various criticisms of the Chinese government. Social media platforms and messaging apps are also closely monitored, with censorship often focusing on controlling the spread of dissenting or sensitive information.

This significantly impacts China’s internet, restricting access to unbiased news and diverse information for citizens and posing challenges to businesses and global tech companies operating in the country.

Despite the strict control exercised by the Great Firewall, some Chinese citizens and tech-savvy individuals have developed techniques to bypass the censorship measures. VPNs and other circumvention tools are often used to access blocked content, although the government periodically cracks down on these methods and tightens its control.

The Legality of VPNs in China

While the government officially restricts the use of VPNs that they have not authorized, the use of VPNs is still widespread among individuals and businesses in China.

VPN services continue to operate in China, with both government-authorized and unofficial providers. Government-approved VPNs follow specific regulations under licenses but may face stricter monitoring and offer varying privacy and security levels compared to non-approved services.

Using VPNs in China carries potential legal risks, and individuals and businesses must exercise caution and stay informed about government regulations and restrictions to make informed decisions about their use.

VPN Services That Work in China

The following are some VPNs that may work in China.

VyprVPN 

VyprVPN is one of the few VPN services that work in some places in China. It uses a proprietary obfuscation technology called Chameleon to bypass government censorship. The VPN service operates more than 700+ servers in 70+ locations across the world.

VyprVPN offers several features designed to help bypass Chinese government censorship and restrictions on internet access. These features include:

• Chameleon Protocol: VyprVPN’s Chameleon protocol is the standout feature for bypassing Chinese censorship. It uses advanced obfuscation techniques to scramble and hide VPN traffic, making it look like regular internet traffic. This helps users circumvent China’s Great Firewall, as it becomes more challenging for authorities to detect and block VPN usage.

• VyprDNS: VyprVPN operates its own encrypted DNS service, VyprDNS. By using VyprDNS, users can prevent DNS leaks and DNS-based censorship attempts, enhancing their privacy and allowing them to access blocked websites more effectively.

• No-Logs Policy: VyprVPN adheres to a strict no-logs policy, meaning they do not record users’ online activities. This policy adds an extra layer of privacy and ensures that user data is not stored on their servers, making it harder for authorities to obtain user information.

• Kill Switch: VyprVPN’s Kill Switch feature automatically terminates internet access if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly. This prevents accidental exposure of the user’s real IP address, preserving their anonymity and protecting against potential censorship or monitoring.

• Large Server Network: VyprVPN boasts a considerable network of servers located in various countries, including nearby regions. Having multiple server locations allows users to find a reliable connection and potentially access less restricted internet gateways.

• High-Speed Connections: VyprVPN focuses on providing fast and stable connections, which can be crucial when bypassing censorship as it reduces any noticeable slowdown in internet speeds.

Astrill VPN

Astrill VPN is known for bypassing Chinese government censorship and the Great Firewall. It has servers in 142 cities across 56 countries.  Some of the features that help Astrill VPN in this regard include:

• StealthVPN Protocol: Astrill VPN offers its proprietary StealthVPN protocol, specifically designed to bypass deep packet inspection (DPI) Chinese ISPs use to detect and block VPN traffic. StealthVPN disguises VPN traffic as regular HTTPS traffic, making it harder to identify and block.

• OpenWeb Protocol: OpenWeb is another protocol provided by Astrill VPN that is optimized for use in restrictive regions like China. It’s designed to overcome censorship measures and provide access to blocked content.

• No-Logs Policy: Astrill VPN adheres to a strict no-logs policy, ensuring that user activity and connection logs are not stored on their servers. This policy enhances user privacy and makes it more difficult for authorities to trace users’ online activities.

• Kill Switch: Astrill VPN includes a Kill Switch feature that automatically cuts off internet access if the VPN connection drops unexpectedly. This helps prevent accidental exposure of the user’s real IP address.

• Large Server Network: Astrill VPN has a diverse network of servers worldwide, allowing users in China to connect to different server locations and access the open internet through less restricted gateways.

• Routers and Smart Devices Support: Astrill VPN supports routers and various smart devices, allowing users to protect all their internet-connected devices simultaneously.

Consequences of Using VPNs in China

Using VPNs in China has legal consequences, especially when used for unlawful purposes. The “Great Firewall” restricts access to foreign websites and services, leading some to employ VPNs to bypass censorship, which is illegal in China.

The potential legal consequences of using VPNs unlawfully in China encompass various aspects:

• Administrative Penalties: Those caught using VPNs to access blocked content may face administrative penalties, including fines and warnings. In some instances, the VPN service provider might also face punishment.

• Criminal Charges: In more severe instances or when individuals use VPNs for illegal activities such as spreading politically sensitive information or organizing protests, they may face criminal charges. Such charges could lead to serious consequences, possibly resulting in imprisonment.

• Disruption of VPN Services: The Chinese government actively identifies and blocks VPN services, leading users to discover that their chosen VPNs no longer function as intended. This may result in the loss of money spent on VPN subscriptions and the potential exposure of personal information if the VPN provider cooperates with authorities.

• Employment Consequences: Individuals using VPNs for illegal activities may face employment consequences, primarily if they work in sensitive industries or for government-related organizations.

Examples  of  cases  where someone was arrested for using a VPN in China:

• In January 2019, a Chinese man was sentenced to nine months in prison for selling VPN services without the approval of the government. He was found guilty of “providing software and tools for invading and illegally controlling the computer information system” under China’s Cybersecurity Law.

• In July 2017, a Chinese citizen was sentenced to five and a half years in prison for using a VPN to access foreign websites and social media platforms, which were otherwise blocked in China. The individual was charged with “illegally providing software and tools for invading and illegally controlling the computer information system.”

• In December 2019, a foreign national living in China was detained for using a VPN to access blocked content. The individual was subsequently deported from the country, and their visa was revoked. 

Alternatives to VPNs in China

Several alternatives to VPN work better in China. The Alternative to VPNs include:

Shadowsocks

Shadowsocks is a favored open-source proxy tool using the SOCKS5 protocol, designed to bypass the Great Firewall of China. It has gained popularity as a more reliable alternative to conventional VPNs by obscuring internet traffic, making it challenging for the government to identify and block restricted connections.

• How it works: It Creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and a remote server outside China. This server then acts as a proxy, relaying your traffic to its final destination. The use of encryption and a variety of ports makes it challenging for the Chinese authorities to detect and block Shadowsocks traffic effectively. 

Tor

The Onion Router is a decentralized network using volunteer-operated servers to anonymize internet traffic. It employs multi-layered encryption through relay nodes, making it hard for anyone, including government agencies, to trace users’ physical locations.

• How it works: When you connect to the Tor network, your data is bounced between different nodes, and each node only knows the previous and next nodes in the circuit. This way, the source and destination of the traffic are concealed. However, it’s essential to note that using Tor in China may be slower due to the extra hops and encryption.

Proxy Servers

Proxy servers are intermediaries between your device and the internet. They relay your requests to access websites and resources, effectively hiding your IP address and location.

• How it works: Instead of connecting directly to a website, your requests are routed through the proxy server first. The website sees the proxy server’s IP address rather than your own. While this method can provide some anonymity, it may not be as secure as a VPN since proxies do not typically encrypt your data.

SSH Tunnels

SSH tunnels allow you to encrypt and route your internet traffic through a secure connection. While not as user-friendly as VPNs, they can be effective for tech-savvy individuals.

• How it works: It relies on the Secure Shell (SSH) protocol, which is commonly used for secure remote access to servers. By setting up an SSH tunnel, you can encrypt your internet traffic and route it through a remote server, effectively bypassing censorship.

Anti-censorship Tools and Apps

There are various apps and tools specifically designed to help users circumvent internet censorship in regions like China. Examples include:

• Lantern: An open-source, peer-to-peer internet censorship circumvention tool that uses a distributed network of volunteer-run proxy servers.

• Psiphon: A free and open-source circumvention tool that uses a combination of VPN, SSH, and HTTP Proxy technologies to provide access to censored content.

• Ultrasurf: A lightweight tool that helps users access the open internet by routing traffic through its own servers and utilizing encryption to protect user data.

Local SIM Cards or Roaming

Sometimes, using a local SIM card or roaming from a foreign provider might give you access to different internet services and content. Some foreign mobile carriers may not be subject to the same censorship restrictions as local Chinese carriers.

Additional Tips For Expats and Travelers in China

Having a reliable VPN is crucial, but there are additional tips to consider for uninterrupted internet access:

• Install VPN before arriving in China: Set up your preferred VPN service before entering China, as popular VPN apps may be removed from app stores and websites blocked within the country. Having the VPN installed in advance ensures you have access upon arrival.

• Use multiple VPNs: Have multiple VPNs simultaneously since certain services might get blacklisted by Chinese authorities. Installing a backup VPN allows you to switch seamlessly if you experience downtime.

• Keep VPN software updated: Regularly update your VPN software to benefit from the latest technology and security features. VPN providers continuously work on staying ahead of China’s blocking efforts.

• Choose VPNs with obfuscation technology: Opt for VPNs that offer obfuscation technology to mask VPN traffic, making it harder to detect and block, especially in countries with strict internet censorship like China.

• Understand VPN usage guidelines: Familiarize yourself with any restrictions or guidelines regarding VPN usage in China to comply with local laws and avoid potential issues during your stay.

By following these tips, you can enhance your VPN experience in China and ensure more seamless internet access during your time as an expat or traveler.

Conclusion

So are VPNs legal in China or not? The answer still isn’t as clear cut. While they are crucial for online privacy, security, and bypassing censorship, you need to exercise caution when in China. Their legality and effectiveness remain complex, with potential legal consequences. Users must stay informed as technology evolves and consider alternative tools for navigating digital restrictions.

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