In the ever-expanding universe of social media and visual discovery, Pinterest stands as a unique platform that allows users to explore, discover, and curate inspiration through images and ideas. However, if you find yourself in China, you might wonder how to unlock the creative potential of Pinterest in a region where internet regulations can be quite stringent.
Fear not, for this article will guide you through the steps on how to use Pinterest in China while staying in compliance with local laws and regulations.
Why is Pinterest blocked in China
Before we dive into using Pinterest in China, it’s crucial to understand the digital landscape of this vast and dynamic country. China has its own set of internet regulations and censorship mechanisms, often referred to as the “Great Firewall.” This system blocks access to many international websites and platforms, including popular social media networks like Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
Pinterest, like many other foreign websites and platforms, is not available in China primarily due to the country’s strict internet censorship policies and the Great Firewall. Several factors contribute to this unavailability:
To access Pinterest in China, individuals often use Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to bypass the Great Firewall and access blocked websites and platforms. However, it’s essential to note that the use of VPNs for circumventing censorship is also subject to regulation in China, and the availability and effectiveness of VPNs may vary over time.
How to unblock Pinterest in China?
You can use a VPN to bypass the restriction in China and access Pinterest. 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 Pinterest 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 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: Enjoy Pinterest
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 pinterest.com or download the Pinterest 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 Pinterest or other blocked websites, you should contact your VPN’s customer support team for further assistance.
What is the best VPN for Pinterest?
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.
(NordVPN 1 year deal with 58% off for $5.00/mo)
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!
What is the alternative to Pinterest in China?
In China, where Pinterest is not readily accessible due to internet censorship and the Great Firewall, several local alternatives offer similar features and functionalities for users interested in visual discovery and idea sharing. Here are some popular alternatives to Pinterest in China:
- HuaBan (花瓣) – HuaBan is often considered the closest Chinese equivalent to Pinterest. It focuses on lifestyle, design, and creative content, allowing users to pin and discover images of various interests.
The Reddit discussions center around the topic of how to use Pinterest in China
The Reddit discussions center around Pinterest accessibility in China, especially when connected through a VPN:
- VPN and Pinterest in China: Users discuss issues with using Pinterest in China while connected to a VPN. The original poster mentions the necessity of a VPN to bypass the Great Firewall but encounters difficulties when trying to pin something on Pinterest using an iPad.
- App Identification on Pinterest: A user seeks help in identifying an app featured on Pinterest, describing it as a mix of Instagram and Pinterest. The community responds, identifying the app as “Xiao Hong shu.”
- Concerns about Pinterest Operations: There’s a thread discussing concerns about Pinterest’s operations, likening them to the Chinese government. Users express dissatisfaction with account suspensions and the appeals process.
- Pinterest and Sketchy Websites: A user seeks assistance in finding a dress seen on Pinterest, highlighting concerns about the link leading to a sketchy, potentially China-based website.
- Internet Accessibility in China: A broader discussion emerges regarding internet accessibility in China, noting restrictions without a VPN, which limits access to platforms like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, and Pinterest.
- Global Internet Access: There’s a reminder that the internet is free and globally accessible. The discussion emphasizes that users can access international internet addresses freely, despite potential restrictions in specific regions.
In summary, the Reddit threads provide insights into challenges and discussions surrounding Pinterest use in China, touching upon VPN issues, the blockage of Pinterest, app identification, concerns about Pinterest’s operations, and broader discussions on internet accessibility in China.
