China VPN
Compare the Best VPNs for China Travel
We’ve listed the top China VPN providers for easy comparison. Pick the China VPN that best suits your travel needs and enjoy your trip to China. (For eSIMs, please check here).
Best option for overall balance – Surfshark VPN
Time Validity: 1 month, 12 months, and 24 months
Summary
Surfshark VPN stands out with its 7-day free trial, stable performance, and strong value. It’s ideal for both short-term travelers and long-term users looking for affordable, reliable VPN service.
Best option for value – LetsVPN
Time Validity: 1 week, 1 month, 12 months, and 24 months
Summary
LetsVPN is fast, reliable, and one of the few providers offering a 1-week subscription at a reasonable price, making it a top choice for most travelers.
Best option to pair with an eSIM – NordVPN
Time Validity: 1 month, 12 months, and 24 months
Summary
NordVPN is a great choice, especially with its 30-day money-back guarantee. Since it shares the same parent company as Saily eSIM, you can sometimes find bundle deals that offer excellent value on both services.
Best option if you want a well-known brand – ExpressVPN
Time Validity: 1 month, 12 months, and 24 months
Summary
ExpressVPN is trusted by users worldwide. While connections in China can sometimes be slow or unstable, it offers excellent customer support and a 30-day money-back guarantee.
What’s VPN?
VPN (wikipedia) stands for Virtual Private Network. It hides your IP address by routing your internet connection through a remote server, which helps protect your online identity and bypass restrictions like the Great Firewall in China
Why do I need a VPN when traveling to China?
Because of the Great Firewall, many Western websites like Gmail, Facebook, and TikTok are blocked in China. A VPN helps you securely access these restricted apps and websites. It also keeps your data and personal information secure, especially when using public Wi-Fi.
Is it legal for travelers to use a VPN in China?
Although China has strict regulations for VPN providers, it’s still legal for travelers to use a VPN as long as the provider complies with Chinese laws.
What should I pay attention to?
- Be sure to choose a trusted VPN provider, as some unsafe ones may collect your data.
- Please note that VPNs can use more battery and processing power while running.
VPN vs eSIM ?
Both eSIMs and VPNs are popular choices for travelers to China, especially if you want access to Western websites. Both allow you to enjoy unrestricted internet access in China, so you can still use your everyday apps and websites like Gmail, YouTube, and WhatsApp.
but they have some differences:
- Connectivity: An eSIM provides a data plan, so you don’t need Wi-Fi. A VPN, however, requires an existing internet connection (Wi-Fi or hotspot).
- Speed & Convenience: Depending on your setup, a VPN can sometimes be faster or easier to use, especially on laptops.
- Cost: VPNs are typically more affordable, particularly if you use large amounts of data
- Setup: Both are simple to install, but VPNs are generally easier to set up.
The key question is, which one is right for you? It varies, but in general we suggest:
- If you don’t have a China SIM card, an eSIM is the better choice, it gives you mobile internet access and helps you bypass the Great Firewall.
- If you already have a China SIM card, a VPN is the better option to access Western websites and apps securely.
- If you need both data and unrestricted access, consider using both an eSIM and a VPN for the best experience.
Didn’t find your question? Check out our FAQs