Are you a frequent traveler between Hong Kong and mainland China, but worried about internet censorship policies in China? If so, then you’re not alone. As you may know, the Chinese government imposes heavy censorship on internet use within the country, making it challenging for expats and travelers to stay connected with the outside world.
Does ExpressVPN work in China in 2024?
Yes, ExpressVPN still can be used in China based on my experience.
I found the connection to be stable with occasional drops, but reconnection was quick. Internet speeds were quite impressive and were more than enough for browsing and streaming content.
I’m currently working in Hong Kong. However, I will be traveling back and forth to mainland China from time to time for personal reasons. Due to the strict internet censorship policies in mainland China, I’m using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) to ensure that my online activities remain private and secure.
These days, it’s getting tougher to use VPNs in China ’cause the government is cracking down more and more. After the protests in 2022 about the Zero-Covid policy, lots of VPNs became super hard to connect to. But ExpressVPN is still up and running in China, which is pretty cool. They don’t have any servers inside China, so they don’t have to play by China’s logging rules. That’s one of the reasons why I picked ExpressVPN.
- Does ExpressVPN work in China in 2024?
- How to use ExpressVPN in China?
- Download the ExpressVPN for China
- Why do I use ExpressVPN in China?
- Internet restriction in China
- Why does China restrict the internet so heavily?
- What services are blocked in China?
- How do I use a VPN if I’m already in China?
- Is there any VPN that works in China?
- Which is the best VPN to use in China?
- How much does ExpressVPN cost?
- FAQs About Using ExpressVPN in China
How to use ExpressVPN in China?
I know using a VPN in China can be challenging due to the country’s internet restrictions. If you’re experiencing connectivity issues with ExpressVPN, here are some tips I would like to share to help you get the best possible experience.
1. Set your VPN protocol to “Automatic.” ExpressVPN has a range of protocols to choose from, but the automatic mode is the best option for connecting from China.
2. Be patient when waiting for ExpressVPN to complete the connection request. This process can take up to 30 seconds, so give it time to establish a connection. If the app tells you the connection has failed, only retry it once. If it still doesn’t work, exit the app and restart your device before trying again.
3. Clear your browser cache to prevent websites from blocking your VPN’s IP address or cookies. You can also try connecting to a different server if you’re having trouble accessing a specific website. For further protection, activate IP and DNS leak protection in the ExpressVPN app’s advanced settings.
4. If you’re still having trouble with your VPN connection, contact ExpressVPN’s customer support team by email. They respond promptly and can provide a list of recommended servers for China if needed. Just make sure to take note of the customer support email address in case you can’t access the website. With these tips, you can make the most of ExpressVPN and stay connected while in China.
Download the ExpressVPN for China
A single subscription covers your computer, tablet, phone, and more! Download ExpressVPN for all your devices now!
- ExpressVPN China for Windows
- ExpressVPN China for Mac
- ExpressVPN China for iOS
- ExpressVPN China for Android
How to update the ExpressVPN in China
When an app update is available to you, you will see a banner at the top of the app screen. Follow these steps to update the app:
- Click Update Now.
- On the ExpressVPN website, click Download on the right.
- Follow the instructions.
If you do not see a banner that prompts you to update the app, you are already using the latest app version available to you. If you want to make sure you are using the latest version available to you, you can download the app from the website.
Why do I use ExpressVPN in China?
I have been using ExpressVPN when I’m traveling in China. I think it is a great VPN product for a variety of reasons, ExpressVPN is an ideal choice for internet users in China. Firstly, it is extremely fast and provides access to over 3,000 VPN servers in 94 countries.
Secondly, it boasts excellent multi-platform support and even offers custom firmware that simplifies the installation process on network routers.
I can tell ExpressVPN places a high priority on information security because it employs 256-bit AES encryption, perfect forward secrecy, and protection against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks. Furthermore, the desktop version includes an internet kill switch protection feature that instantly halts all traffic if your VPN connection drops unexpectedly. Most importantly, ExpressVPN does not log any personally identifiable information and allows for anonymous payment via Bitcoin. Standard payment methods are also available.
While I know many VPNs offer their lowest prices for long-term commitments, ExpressVPN’s 30-day money-back guarantee certainly is a viable option for me. While an immediate payment is required, I can cancel at any point for a full refund, effectively allowing you to try the service for free.
Internet restriction in China
China’s internet censorship policy, known as the Great Firewall, poses a significant challenge to those living or traveling in the country.
While most countries have some level of online content restriction, China’s restrictions are far-reaching and comprehensive. Many popular social media sites, messaging apps, and western news outlets are blocked, making it difficult for people to stay connected with friends and family and to access unbiased information about the world.
Fortunately, there is a way to bypass the Great Firewall and access blocked sites using a Virtual Private Network (VPN) like ExpressVPN. By encrypting traffic and routing it through international server networks, VPNs can help users access blocked content and keep their online activities private and difficult to monitor.
IMPORTANT TIP: It is recommended that users sign up for a VPN service before traveling to China to ensure that they have uninterrupted access to the sites they need.
However, it is important to note that VPNs are not foolproof and are sometimes targeted by the Chinese government. It is essential to use a reputable VPN provider that is proven to work in China and to follow best practices such as enabling obfuscation and using multi-hop connections. In addition, users should be aware that using a VPN to access blocked content is technically illegal in China and could lead to consequences if discovered.
Overall, while the Great Firewall may present a significant challenge to those living or traveling in China, VPNs can help users stay connected and access the content they need. It is important to use caution and follow best practices to ensure the safety and privacy of online activities.
Why does China restrict the internet so heavily?
The main reason for China’s heavy internet restrictions is because of the country’s authoritarian political system. The Chinese government has long sought to maintain strict control over information and communication within the country, both to maintain political stability and to prevent citizens from accessing information deemed sensitive or threatening to the regime.
China’s internet censorship regime often referred to as the “Great Firewall,” is among the most sophisticated in the world. It uses a combination of technical and legal tools to block websites and monitor online activity and employs tens of thousands of censors to monitor social media and other online content for anything that might be deemed subversive or harmful to the regime.
The Chinese government’s approach to internet control has come under criticism from many human rights advocates and organizations, who argue that it violates basic human rights such as freedom of speech and expression. However, the Chinese government maintains that its internet controls are necessary to maintain social stability and to protect national security.
What services are blocked in China?
China has a strict internet censorship policy and blocks a number of popular websites and services. The government uses the “Great Firewall” to monitor and control access to the internet, and many websites and services are blocked for political or ideological reasons. Some of the most popular services that are blocked in China include:
- Google and all its services, including Gmail, Google Maps, and YouTube
- Facebook and its subsidiary platforms, including Instagram and WhatsApp
- Telegram (How to use Telegram in China?)
- WhatsApp (How to use WhatsApp in China?)
- Netflix (How to watch Netflix in China?)
- Disney Plus (How to watch Disney Plus in China?)
- Dropbox
- The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, and other news websites
- Pornography and adult content websites
It’s important to note that the list of blocked websites and services in China is constantly changing, and new websites and services may be added to the list at any time. Additionally, some Chinese companies offer alternatives to some of the blocked services, such as WeChat, which is a popular alternative to WhatsApp and Facebook.
How do I use a VPN if I’m already in China?
In order to bypass internet restrictions in China and access websites and services that are otherwise blocked, instead of attempting to download the necessary VPN software directly from the provider’s website, which is often inaccessible within the country, I intend to ask a friend who is located outside of China to help them.
This plan involves requesting my friend to download the VPN software and then share the installation files with me via email. This approach is a common workaround, as many individuals in China use VPNs to access the global internet, and the use of VPNs has been known to be restricted by the Chinese government.
Is there any VPN that works in China?
At present, the VPN services that are known to work consistently in China are ExpressVPN, VyprVPN, Hotspot Shield, PIA VPN, and CyberGhost VPN. However, the main websites for these services are currently inaccessible in China, so you will need to find a functional mirror site to sign up when in the country. Since these mirror sites can also become blocked, it is strongly recommended that you register for these services before traveling to China.
Which is the best VPN to use in China?
ExpressVPN, in my opinion, is the best all-around VPN to use in China. Because it offers the best of everything from speed and security to ease of use, compatibility, and customer service. It’s particularly well suited for use in China as it has a whopping 3,000+ servers spread across 160 locations and 94 countries.
Is ExpressVPN still trustworthy?
In general, ExpressVPN is a reliable and secure VPN service with the ability to deliver fast connection speeds. Moreover, it is compatible with various streaming platforms, including Hulu, Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Amazon Prime Video.
How much does ExpressVPN cost?
ExpressVPN provides a single plan that includes unrestricted access to all available applications, unlimited bandwidth, and round-the-clock customer support. The cost for this plan is $12.95 per month, but discounts are available for customers who pay in advance for six months ($9.99 per month) or 12 months ($6.67 per month).
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FAQs About Using ExpressVPN in China
Yes, you can. ExpressVPN offers native applications for all major platforms, including iOS and Android. The VPN service utilizes automatic obfuscation on all of its servers, which conceals your VPN usage while in China, enabling you to bypass the Great Firewall on any device you require. ExpressVPN has also incorporated its proprietary Lightway protocol into its mobile applications. This unique obfuscation technology will not impede your internet speeds as it sometimes can with other VPNs. By selecting the automatic protocol option, the VPN will identify and employ the most suitable choice for you.
ExpressVPN’s situation in China is intricate. Since it lacks approval from the Chinese government, it is considered prohibited in the country, along with any other VPN that hasn’t received official licensing. VPN providers often become the subject of legal action. Nonetheless, it’s an uncommon occurrence for an individual VPN user to face prosecution, and no tourist has ever been legally pursued for using a VPN while in China. However, it’s wise to exercise prudence when utilizing any VPN in the country.
ExpressVPN does not operate servers in mainland China, but it does have servers located in Hong Kong and Macau. This enables it to bypass China’s stringent data-logging regulations. By utilizing the Hong Kong and Macau servers, you can take advantage of nearby server locations to maximize your internet speeds. In addition, Hong Kong and Macau have less restrictive internet censorship than mainland China, so using these servers grants you access to a more open internet.
Indeed it does. ExpressVPN is one of the scarce VPNs that maintains a functioning mirror site for China. To obtain the most current link to its mirror site in China, you can contact ExpressVPN’s customer support through their 24/7 online chat or their support email. Additionally, ExpressVPN has a .onion site that can be accessed via a dark web browser. You can access the link to its .onion site, http://expressobutiolem.onion, using a browser like Tor.
No, ExpressVPN doesn’t have any relation to any business entity originating from China. Like any reliable and trustworthy VPN, ExpressVPN comes from a country known for its neutral diplomatic stance, providing foundations for preserving your privacy.
