China’s internet landscape is unique, and it comes with its own set of challenges for accessing foreign streaming platforms. If you’re an ex-pat or traveler in China who wants to enjoy Amazon Prime Video, you may encounter certain restrictions due to geo-blocking.
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However, with the right tools and strategies, you can successfully bypass these limitations and indulge in your favorite shows and movies. In my opinion, I think using VPN is the best way to access Amazon Prime Video in China.
What is VPN (Virtual Private Network)? It is a tool for protecting people’s internet traffic and keeping their identities private online. Your internet traffic will go through an encrypted tunnel that nobody can see when you connect to a secure VPN server.
That said, using a VPN will let you switch your IP location to a selected country hence letting you be able to access websites or content of the selected country, which means you can watch Amazon Prime Video in China.
How to watch Amazon Prime Video in China with a VPN?
Lots of VPN services claim to be “the best”, but not many of them actively work in China market. China nowadays is quite strict on VPN usage so it could cost a lot to maintain in this market.
Step 1: Choose the right VPN
The very first step for you is to find a VPN that can work in China. For this first step, a few things you need to be careful of.
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- If you’re planning a trip to China and want to use a VPN to bypass the Great Firewall, not all VPNs are created equal. The Chinese government has gotten pretty good at blocking VPNs, so it’s important to do your research and find one that will actually work.
- Make sure to download and set up your VPN app and account before you go to China, because you won’t be able to download it once you’re there. And forget about downloading it directly from the provider’s website, because that’s blocked too.
- Before you head off on your trip, take some time to figure out what kind of VPN plan you need. I suggest going for a yearly or multi-year plan so you don’t get caught without access due to a forgotten renewal. But of course, it all depends on how long you’ll be staying in China.
Step 2: Turn on your VPN
After you’ve signed up for a VPN account and purchased a plan, you’re free to use your VPN! There are 2 crucial settings you need to know.
Choose the right protocol: VPN protocols are sets of programs and processes that determine how that tunnel is actually formed. There will be a few protocol options for you to choose from in a VPN app.
Choose the right server: Normally, a VPN will provide users with 100+ servers from different countries. Because the network speed could be different by region, you need to test a bit to see which countries’ servers could give you the best network speed.
Step 3: Open Your Amazon Prime Video and Enjoy it.
The last step is the easiest and most exciting one. If you’re using a PC or Mac, you can directly visit the Amazon Prime Video website with your connected VPN. If you want to watch Amazon Prime Video shows on your mobile devices, you can download the Amazon Prime Video app from the app store.
Now you can enjoy your Amazon Prime Video shows without any concern. Also, you’re able to unblock contents from different regions with the VPN. For example, if you’re looking for Japanese movies, you can simply switch your VPN server to Japan. After reopening your Amazon Prime Video App, or refreshing your webpage, you can access all content in the Japan region.
What is the best VPN for Amazon Prime Video?
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I’m recommending NordVPN for anyone in China looking for a fast, secure, and reliable VPN. With a solid overall score of 8.8/10, NordVPN makes sure your internet experience is smooth even with online restrictions.
NordVPN’s performance is impressive, you can stream, work, and browse with little to no slowdowns. Using advanced protocols like NordLynx (based on WireGuard), NordVPN keeps your connection fast and secure.
What sets NordVPN apart is its huge network of over 7,200 servers in 118 countries. This makes it easy to unblock websites and streaming services, which is especially important for users in China who need to bypass restrictions.
The best part? NordVPN offers affordable pricing, starting at just $4 per month (or $60 for the first year). Plus, with a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try it risk-free.
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Here’s a quick look at why NordVPN is a great choice:
| Key Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Overall Score | 8.8/10 |
| Introductory Pricing | $4 per month / $60 for the first year |
| Average Speed Loss | Only 3% drop in download speeds (2025 tests) |
| Global Servers | 7,200+ servers |
| Countries Covered | 118 countries |
| Jurisdiction | Panama |
| Advanced Protocols | NordLynx (WireGuard), OpenVPN, NordWhisper |
| Money-Back Guarantee | 30 days |
If you want a fast and private VPN with easy access to global content, NordVPN is a great choice. Start using it today for a better, safer online experience and don’t miss NordVPN 1 year deal with 58% off for $5.00/mo!
Is Amazon Prime available in China?
Amazon Prime Video is not officially available in mainland China. The Chinese government has implemented strict regulations on foreign streaming platforms, resulting in limited access to services like Amazon Prime Video.
However, it’s worth noting that the availability of streaming platforms can change over time, so it’s recommended to check for any recent updates or changes in regulations. Additionally, some users in China have reported being able to access Amazon Prime Video using certain methods, such as VPNs or other workarounds.
Is Amazon Prime available in Hong Kong?
Amazon Prime Video is available in Hong Kong. Hong Kong is considered a separate region with different regulations compared to mainland China, and therefore, residents of Hong Kong have access to Amazon Prime Video.
Subscribers in Hong Kong can enjoy the full range of content available on the platform, including movies, TV shows, and Amazon Originals. It’s important to note that availability and content libraries can change, so it’s always a good idea to check the official Amazon Prime Video website or app for the most up-to-date information on availability in Hong Kong.
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In which countries Amazon Prime is not available?
I think Amazon Prime is not available in the following countries:
- Cuba
- Iran
- North Korea
- Sudan
- Syria
To determine users’ location, Amazon will use their Buy Now delivery address when they are signed in to your account. Otherwise, Amazon will use their IP address.
Why is Amazon failed in China?
China’s e-commerce market, valued at a staggering $2 trillion in 2022 as reported by GlobalData, presents a lucrative opportunity for American companies due to the country’s expanding middle class.
Back in 2004, Amazon made its entry into the Chinese market through the acquisition of Joyo.com, an online book and media seller, for $75 million. This joint venture was subsequently rebranded as Amazon China and operated under the domain Amazon.cn from 2011 onwards.
However, Amazon faced fierce competition from e-commerce giants Alibaba Group and JD.com, both of whom own and operate some of China’s largest and most trusted business-to-consumer e-commerce platforms. These formidable competitors had a deep understanding of Chinese consumer preferences, as reflected in their shopping, payment, and delivery systems, ultimately surpassing Amazon in China.
While Amazon initially focused on promoting its e-reader and tablet products, their entry into the Chinese market was hindered by the country’s intricate regulatory approval process. Consequently, this delay impeded the growth of the U.S. e-commerce giant.
Between 2011 and 2012, Amazon managed to maintain a market share of around 15%. However, according to iResearch, its market share plummeted to less than 1% by 2019. As a result, Amazon made the decision to officially close its online marketplace in China in July 2019.
The challenges faced by Amazon in China serve as a testament to the fierce competition and the importance of understanding and adapting to the unique preferences and market dynamics of consumers in different countries.
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FAQ: About Amazon Prime Video in China
As you may be aware, while China doesn’t explicitly block access to Amazon within its borders, it remains challenging to fully utilize Amazon’s exceptional services such as Prime Video, Prime Music, and Fire TV from within the country.
Amazon collaborates with Hangzhou to promote increased participation of online merchants in international selling. Furthermore, in the coming times, the warehouse will be equipped to handle products from Amazon’s US and Japanese websites. The company also plans to expand its product categories to include pet food.
Yes it does. VPNs will allow you to watch Amazon Prime and Instant Video from outside the US on a Windows PC, Mac OSX, iPhone, iPad, Android, and Linux. Plus all the VPNs we recommend offer unlimited bandwidth so there is no limit on how much you can stream Amazon Prime content.
