What Sites Are Blocked in China? A Guide for Tourists

Last Updated on May 16, 2025 by Editorial

If you’re wondering what sites are blocked in China, the short answer is: more than you probably expect. The list includes big names like Google, Facebook, Instagram, X (Twitter), and YouTube. 

China’s government heavily filters the internet. This system of control is part of a broader effort to manage information and limit access to foreign content. 

This guide breaks down how internet censorship works in China, so read on if you want the answer to what sites are blocked in China.

Understanding the Great Firewall of China

The Great Firewall is the nickname for China’s internet censorship system. It’s a mix of legal rules and tech controls that restrict what people in China can see online. The main goal is to block access to information the government sees as harmful or sensitive. It’s part of a wider effort by the state to manage the internet inside its borders.

People often ask what sites are blocked in China. They include social media sites, and most news outlets like the BBC and The New York Times. Even apps like WhatsApp and services like Dropbox are off-limits unless you resort to using the best VPNs for China.

Who Runs the Great Firewall of China?

Several parts of the Chinese government play a role, but the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) is the main agency in charge. It sets internet policy, monitors content, and tells platforms what to remove. 

The Ministry of Public Security and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology also help enforce the rules.

How the Great Firewall of China Works

The Great Firewall uses several tools to filter the internet. Here are the main ones:

• DNS Filtering: When you type in a website’s name, your device needs to find the IP address that matches. China can block this lookup, so the site never loads.

• IP Blocking: If the DNS trick doesn’t work, China can just block the IP address tied to a service. This stops all traffic going to and from that server.

• Deep Packet Inspection (DPI): This is more advanced. It looks at the actual data being sent to detect keywords or banned content. If it finds anything flagged, it can block or slow down the connection.

Together, these tools make it tough to get around the system unless you use a reliable VPN, and even those get shut down regularly.

Why the Great Firewall of China Exists

The Great Firewall isn’t just about blocking websites — it’s about control. Here’s why it exists:

• Social Control: The government wants to control what people see and talk about online. Sensitive topics like protests, criticism of the Communist Party, or events like the Tiananmen Square crackdown are quickly censored.

• Political Stability: By managing the flow of information, the state tries to avoid unrest or organized opposition. Social media platforms that can be used to spread ideas quickly are often blocked or heavily monitored.

• Economic Protectionism: Blocking foreign tech companies helps boost local versions. Instead of Google, there’s Baidu. Instead of Twitter, there’s Weibo. This has helped Chinese tech giants grow without competition from abroad.

The Great Firewall is one of the most advanced Chinese internet censorship systems in the world. It’s not perfect — people still find ways around it — but it’s been very effective in shaping how the internet works in China.

Categories of Websites Commonly Blocked in China

The list of what sites are blocked in China is quite long, and we won’t be able to fit them all here. The following are some of the notable ones.

Social Media

Social media is one of the first things many people notice is missing when they visit China. These platforms are often blocked to control the flow of information and public discussion.

• Facebook – Blocked since 2009 after ethnic riots in Xinjiang, partly because activists used it to communicate.

• Instagram – Blocked since 2014 after protests in Hong Kong, where it was used to share real-time photos.

• Twitter (X) – Banned since 2009. Though some officials use it outside China, regular access is restricted.

• Snapchat – Never gained much ground in China and is blocked by default.

• Reddit – Blocked due to its open forum format, which includes uncensored discussions.

• Threads – Blocked along with its parent app, Instagram.

• Pinterest – Was accessible for a while, but got blocked in 2017 without much warning.

Search Engines

Search engines are a huge part of how people access the internet. In China, foreign ones are often blocked or heavily throttled.

• Google – Fully blocked since 2010, including all related services like Gmail, Docs, Maps, and Translate.

• DuckDuckGo – Blocked because it doesn’t track users and skips censorship, which doesn’t sit well with local rules.

• Yahoo – It’s not as popular now, but its services were also restricted and gradually phased out.

• Bing – Not entirely blocked, but often slow or limited, making it hard to use.

Messaging & Communication

Apps used for texting, calling, or sharing files are often shut out to prevent unmonitored conversations.

• WhatsApp – Blocked since 2017. Even the text function stopped working during sensitive political periods.

• Telegram – Banned early on because activists were using it to organize events.

• Signal – Works briefly from time to time but gets blocked soon after.

• Facebook Messenger – Blocked along with Facebook itself.

• Discord – Game chats and group calls don’t fly under the radar, so it’s also blocked.

China promotes local options like WeChat, where communication can be monitored more easily.

Streaming & Entertainment

Streaming sites are blocked mainly to limit access to foreign content and ideas.

• YouTube – Blocked since 2009. Alternatives like Bilibili and Youku are allowed instead.

• Netflix – Never available in China. People use local services like iQIYI and Tencent Video.

• Twitch – Was briefly available but got blocked after it became too popular during esports events.

• Spotify – Not officially available. Most people use QQ Music or NetEase Cloud Music.

• Vimeo – Blocked for hosting uncensored and independent video content.

So if you’re traveling, don’t count on your usual playlists or shows unless you’ve got a workaround.

News and Information

News sites often get blocked to control what kind of stories people can read or share.

• The New York Times – Blocked after reporting on the wealth of Chinese officials.

• BBC – Blocked after it covers sensitive issues like the Hong Kong protests and Xinjiang.

• Reuters – Frequently blocked for its coverage of China’s politics and international relations.

• The Guardian – Not always blocked completely, but certain articles and pages won’t load.

• Bloomberg – Blocked for reporting on government corruption and finances.

• Wikipedia – Chinese version is fully blocked. The English version is partially accessible but heavily filtered.

These blocks are some of the clearest answers to the question: what sites are blocked in China.

Privacy and Security Tools

Tools that help you stay anonymous or get around restrictions are tightly controlled.

• VPN websites – The sites are blocked, and the apps usually don’t work without a special setup.

• Tor – The network and website are both blocked. Most entry nodes are shut down quickly.

• ProtonMail – Blocked because of its encryption features and ties to activist groups.

• Tutanota – Like ProtonMail, this email service is blocked for its secure messaging.

That’s why VPNs are both widely used and constantly targeted in China.

Chinese Alternatives to Blocked Sites

Just because all the mentioned sites are blocked in China doesn’t mean Chinese citizens don’t have access to social media, streaming, or news sites. China has its own versions of these platforms—some with features that overlap, and others with a totally different feel. 

Here’s a look at the most common replacements.

YouTube → Bilibili, Youku

Bilibili is probably the closest thing to YouTube in China, especially for younger users. It started with anime, gaming, and fan content, but now it covers everything from cooking to tech reviews. What makes it stand out is the real-time viewer messages that shoot across the screen as you watch.

Youku, on the other hand, is more like a mix of YouTube and a traditional streaming platform. It used to be a big player in user-uploaded content, but over time, it leaned more into professionally produced shows and movies. So while you can still find user videos, it’s not quite the open platform that YouTube is.

Google → Baidu

The Chinese Google alternative, Baidu, dominates the search market there. It works similarly on the surface. You type in your keywords, and you’ll get pages of results. However, Baidu is more tuned to local content and tends to push its own products, like Baidu Baike (a Wikipedia-style site) and Baidu Tieba (a forum-based service).

Unlike Google, Baidu’s results are heavily shaped by government policies and local laws. This means some topics won’t show up at all. Ads are also more aggressive, and sponsored content can be hard to tell apart from organic results. Still, for Chinese-language searches and local services, Baidu does the job.

Facebook/Instagram → WeChat, Weibo

WeChat is a mix of messaging, social networking, and mobile payments all in one app. People use it to chat, post updates, read news, and even book a doctor’s appointment. While it doesn’t look or feel like Facebook or Instagram, it replaces both in many ways. 

Weibo is closer to the public social media feel of Instagram and Twitter combined. It’s a place where influencers, celebrities, and regular users post updates, photos, and short videos. Unlike WeChat, it’s more open. Visual content plays a big role, and many brands use it as their main social media platform in China.

Twitter/Reddit → Zhihu

Zhihu is more like Reddit crossed with Quora. It’s a question-and-answer site where users go deep on everything from tech to relationships. While Twitter is fast and casual, Zhihu encourages longer answers and thoughtful replies. People use it to share knowledge and opinions, and it’s built around asking questions, not broadcasting updates.

WhatsApp → WeChat

WeChat completely takes the place of WhatsApp in China. It has one-on-one and group messaging, voice and video calls, and all the basics you’d expect. But it doesn’t stop there. Inside the app, users can follow official accounts, order food, pay bills, and even file taxes. It’s more like a lifestyle app than just a messaging tool.

WeChat also has its own security model and content rules. Messages aren’t end-to-end encrypted like on WhatsApp, and sensitive content can get blocked or deleted. Still, for people living in China, WeChat is the main way to stay connected.

Netflix → iQIYI, Tencent Video

iQIYI is a major player in the Chinese streaming scene. It’s packed with dramas, variety shows, and some original content. The interface feels a bit like Netflix, with personalized recommendations and binge-worthy series. But it also includes ads unless you pay for a premium account, which is common for Chinese platforms.

Tencent Video is another big name and offers a lot of the same types of content: local TV shows, movies, and some international titles. What sets it apart is its connection to Tencent’s other products, like QQ and WeChat. It’s integrated into the ecosystem, making it easier to share and talk about what you’re watching.

These alternatives show that while many global sites are blocked, people in China aren’t cut off from digital life. They just use different tools to do the same things. If you’ve ever asked what sites are blocked in China and what people use instead, this should give you a good picture.

Tips for Travelers, Expats, and Digital Nomads

If you’re heading to China as a traveler, expat, or digital nomad, getting set up before you land will save you a ton of stress. Here are some tips to keep in mind.

• Install a VPN in advance: Start by installing a VPN before you arrive. Once you’re in the country, downloading a VPN might be impossible because most VPN websites are blocked. A reliable VPN lets you access sites and apps that are usually restricted. But be aware that not all VPNs work in China.

• Set up offline translation tools: You need to set up offline apps for translation, like Pleco, which is very good for Mandarin. You also need maps and any travel guides you may need to access on the go. It’s smart to back up important emails and contacts, too.

• Switch to Chinese apps: Once you’re on the ground, switch to apps that work without issues. WeChat is your go-to for messaging, mobile payments, and even booking services. Alipay is another must-have for payments and QR codes. For navigation, Baidu Maps and AutoNavi (also known as Amap) are the most reliable.

• Don’t get caught using a VPN: Virtual private networks are a gray area in China. While many foreigners use them without issue, it’s smart to avoid discussing them or posting about them publicly. 

• Avoid carrying sensitive materials: Make sure your devices are clean before entering the country—avoid carrying sensitive or politically charged material, even in private messages. Handle the business that took you to China, then leave. Don’t turn into an activist.

Wrapping Up

Now you know what sites are blocked in China and the alternatives you can use if you’re planning to travel there. Google, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube are all off-limits without a VPN, along with many news platforms and messaging apps.

The restrictions can make daily tasks more frustrating if you’re not prepared. Set up your tools ahead of time, download a reliable VPN before you land, and get familiar with local apps that actually work. 

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