For anyone attempting to access Facebook in China, an encounter with an error page is a common experience. Both the Facebook platform and its companion chat app, Facebook Messenger, are inaccessible within the borders of the People’s Republic. With feeds that refuse to refresh and notifications that go unseen, many individuals resort to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to bypass these restrictions.
This digital blockade is part of China’s internet censorship strategy, known colloquially as the “Great Firewall of China.” The Chinese government has fortified its control over the internet since 2012, effectively locking much of the country’s internet behind this so-called firewall. This censorship extends to foreign websites, particularly those that conflict with the Chinese Communist Party’s principles, making Facebook a prime target.
This censorship applies not only to residents but also to transient visitors who might be seeking ways to stay connected with friends and family back home. However, it’s crucial to understand why Facebook fell under the censor’s hammer before exploring how to circumvent these restrictions.
Facebook was first targeted by Chinese authorities following the Ürümqi riots in July 2009. Activists utilized the platform to organize movements, prompting the government to request Facebook for user data to suppress the unrest. However, Facebook refused to cooperate, resulting in the platform being blocked. The prevailing logic is simple: if the government can’t control the platform, it shouldn’t be accessible to its citizens. This approach is now extended to most Western media platforms featuring user-generated content, effectively allowing the government to control public discourse.
The Great Firewall is a multifaceted tool that filters out connections deemed undesirable. While this results in blocking foreign sites, it also allows the promotion of domestic alternatives. These local versions closely mimic their foreign counterparts’ functionalities, albeit with in-built surveillance and automatic filters for politically sensitive content.
How to unblock Facebook in China?
You can use a VPN to bypass the restriction in China and access Facebook. VPN 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.
This is my way to access Facebook and I guess it’s probably the easiest way. Here are 3 steps.
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.
- 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 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.
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 in a VPN app. For example, in ExpressVPN, there are 7 protocols.
- Lightway: It’s a next-generation VPN protocol that provides the best in speed, security, and reliability.
- OpenVPN: It is a very popular and highly secure protocol used by many VPN providers.
- IPSec/IKEv2: It sets the foundation for a secure VPN connection by establishing an authenticated and encrypted connection.
- Wireguard: It is the newest and fastest tunneling protocol the entire VPN industry is talking about.
- SSTP: Secure Socket Tunneling Protocol (SSTP) is a fairly secure and capable VPN protocol created by Microsoft.
- L2TP/IPSec: It’s simply a VPN tunneling protocol that creates a connection between you and a VPN server.
- PPTP: Point-to-Point Tunneling Protocol (PPTP) was created in 1999 and was the first widely available VPN protocol. It was first designed to tunnel dialup traffic!
I remember once I was suffering a terrible, terrible network environment in China and only this Lightway protocol of ExpressVPN was able to help me access the internet, so I was really impressed!
Step 3: Enjoy Facebook
Once you have access to the internet on your phone or PC, you’re connected to a VPN, which should enable you to access the website facebook.com, or download the Facebook apps without any problems. Well, It’s surely common to experience some interruptions with your connection, so I suggest you test out the best VPN servers for yourself.
If you’re still having trouble accessing Facebook or other blocked websites, you should contact your VPN’s customer support team for further assistance.
What is the best VPN for Facebook?
| Number of US server cities | 16 |
| Number of servers | 3,000+ |
| Server locations | 160 |
| Maximum devices supported | 5 |
In my opinion, ExpressVPN is the best all-around VPN for unblocking Facebook 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.
As well as getting reliable, above-average speeds (especially when you switch on its proprietary Lightway protocol), with smart selection wizards and 24/7 live chat assistance, that goes for anybody outside the country, too.
ExpressVPN will let you be able to download the app and register a Facebook account when you’re in China (I know because I’ve tried). You’re secure too with Bitcoin payment, P2P support, industrial-level encryption, a kill switch, DNS protection, and a clear no-logging policy.
The only limitation of ExpressVPN is that its clients are limited to five simultaneous connections, which is fewer compared to other VPN services. However, if you don’t need to connect more than five devices, then ExpressVPN is a nearly perfect choice.
Is it illegal to use Facebook in China?
Navigating the online world within China’s borders can prove a challenging endeavor, particularly when it comes to popular global platforms like Facebook. The Chinese government, known for its stringent internet regulations, has effectively blocked Facebook. But is it illegal for individuals in China to use the platform? Let’s unravel the facts.
It’s essential to note that while accessing Facebook in China can be complicated due to the block, it isn’t technically illegal for individuals to use the platform. The government’s primary approach has been to erect digital barriers, namely the “Great Firewall,” preventing straightforward access to Facebook, rather than criminalizing individual users for attempting to use the service.
However, this doesn’t mean that using Facebook or other blocked platforms is entirely without risk. The Chinese government has been known to monitor internet activity closely, and the use of VPNs to bypass the Great Firewall can potentially draw attention. While enforcement varies, certain regions or circumstances may lead to fines or other penalties for the use of VPNs, although prosecution is generally rare, especially for foreigners.
For residents and visitors alike, it’s crucial to understand these nuances. While the use of Facebook isn’t technically prohibited, the measures required to access the platform could potentially lead to complications. It’s always recommended to exercise a degree of caution and, if possible, consult with a legal expert or local guide familiar with the ever-evolving landscape of China’s internet regulations.
Is Facebook and WhatsApp allowed in China?
Facebook, along with its associated chat application, Facebook Messenger, is blocked in China. The same goes for WhatsApp, another product owned by Facebook. Users trying to access these platforms from within mainland China will be met with an error page. Therefore, under standard internet conditions, one cannot access Facebook and WhatsApp in China.
Can you use Facebook or Instagram in China?
Similarly, Instagram, also owned by Facebook, is blocked in China. This means that under regular circumstances, you cannot access Instagram in China either.
However, many people residing in or visiting China manage to bypass these restrictions using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). A VPN encrypts your internet connection and routes it through a server in a different location, effectively masking your internet activities from local networks and allowing you to access blocked websites.
Please note that while the use of VPNs is widespread, the legal status of VPNs in China is complex. China’s stance on VPN usage has been ambiguous, with reports of certain approved VPNs allowed for use. For definitive advice, it is always best to consult with a legal expert or conduct thorough research before your visit.
Remember that even when using a VPN, you should be mindful of the content you share on these platforms, given the country’s strict regulations on internet content.
