Netflix is basically the best option for families, those who love exclusive content, those who love the quality experience, and those who love movies. You’ll find great movies and shows, and amazing original content on Netflix. Wait, you’re saying you’re in China now?
Is Netflix Available in China? No, it isn’t. The situation is that only certain countries have been licensed to stream Netflix content and China is not one of them. Although Netflix’s website is accessible, unlike Facebook or Twitter, you’ll see a notice like “Sorry, Netflix hasn’t come to this part of the world yet”.
Therefore, you actually don’t need to unblock Netflix for content, you just need to switch to regions that are licensed to stream Netflix content.
- Step 1: Download a VPN
- Step 2: Adjust your VPN Settings and Server Locations
- Step 3: Open Your Netflix and Enjoy it.
- Best VPN for unblocking Netflix in China
- How to watch Netflix in China on TV
- How to watch Netflix in China on iPhone?
- Why is Netflix not in China?
- Will Netflix enter China?
- Netflix equivalents in China
- FAQ: about using a VPN to watch Netflix in China
- Netflix China documentary
- Netflix China drama
- Netflix China movies
How to watch Netflix in China with a VPN?
What is VPN? 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 Netflix in China.
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: Download a VPN
Go to the PrivadoVPN official website to download it. It’s providing VPN for computers, phones, tablets, routers, browsers, and more. It’s basically covering every major platform and solution for all your favorite devices. The whole setup process only took me about five minutes.
Step 2: Adjust your VPN Settings and Server Locations
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 from in a VPN app.
I feel comfortable using PrivadoVPN for all my content access so I personally only subscribe to one VPN service. But if you find other awesome VPN services, don’t hesitate to so have a backup.
Step 3: Open Your Netflix 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 Netflix website with your connected VPN. If you want to watch Netflix shows on your mobile devices, you can just download the Netflix app from the app store.
- Netflix for Android – APK Download
- Netflix for iOS – APK Download
Now you can enjoy your Netflix 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 Netflix App, or refreshing your webpage, you can access all content in the Japan region. If you want to watch the Squid Game, just switch your VPN server to Korea.
How to watch Disney Plus in China?
Best VPN for unblocking Netflix in China
In China’s tightly controlled digital environment, PrivadoVPN emerges as a key player for those seeking unrestricted internet access. My experience with its robust features—from bypassing the Great Firewall to ensuring top-notch security and speed—highlights its effectiveness. Here’s a snapshot of why PrivadoVPN is a game-changer for internet users in China.
| Feature | My Experience with PrivadoVPN in China |
|---|---|
| Zero-Logs Policy | Absolute privacy is a must-have in China, and PrivadoVPN delivers. Knowing they don’t keep tabs on my browsing is peace of mind, especially with Switzerland’s top-tier privacy laws backing it up. |
| Global Network | Their network is a lifeline for bypassing China’s Great Firewall. Fast, secure, and reliable, it’s my go-to for unrestricted internet access here. |
| Streaming’s a Breeze | Even in China, PrivadoVPN cracks open access to Netflix, BBC iPlayer, and Disney+. It’s my ticket to global content without hitting the censorship wall. |
| Speedy Gonzalez | The speeds I get with PrivadoVPN in China defy expectations. Streaming, downloading, or just browsing—there’s no lag, no buffering, just smooth internet. |
| Apps for Days | No matter the device, setting up PrivadoVPN has been hassle-free. Getting my entire network covered via my router was also a straightforward affair. It’s essential for comprehensive security in China. |
| P2P’s Best Friend | Sharing files peer-to-peer can be tricky in China, but PrivadoVPN keeps it smooth and speedy on both free and premium plans. The SOCKS5 Proxy is a game-changer for faster speeds. |
| Top-Notch Security | The level of security PrivadoVPN offers, with protocols like OpenVPN and WireGuard, means I can browse with confidence, knowing my data’s locked down tight from prying eyes. |
| Connect All The Things | Having up to 10 devices connected is a blessing, ensuring all my gadgets are safe. Even on the free plan, the one connection offered is invaluable here. |
| Help Around the Clock | Whenever I’ve hit a snag or had questions, even considering the time difference, PrivadoVPN’s support has been there, ready to assist. It’s like having an expert in your corner, anytime, anywhere. |
| Pay Your Way | In a place where financial privacy is paramount, the option to pay with crypto is a huge plus. But it’s great that traditional payment methods are still in play for convenience. |
| Try It, You’ll Like It | The 30-day money-back guarantee made trying PrivadoVPN in China a no-risk decision. It’s comforting to know there’s an out if it didn’t meet my needs, but spoiler alert: it did. |
How to watch Netflix in China on TV
Alright, so you’re in China and itching to catch up on your Netflix shows on your TV? It’s a bit tricky given the restrictions, but where there’s a will, there’s a way! Here’s the lowdown on how to get your Netflix fix.
- Step 1: You’ll need a VPN—that’s your golden ticket here. A VPN lets you sneak around the internet restrictions by making it seem like you’re browsing from another country where Netflix is all good to go. So, pick a solid VPN service that’s known for doing well in China and can handle streaming without breaking a sweat.
- Step 2: Get that VPN running on something connected to your TV. This could be a smart TV that allows VPN apps, a streaming stick like a Chromecast or Fire Stick, or even just a laptop that you can hook up to your TV with an HDMI cable.
- Step 3: Once your VPN is up and running, connect to a server in a country that has Netflix. Make sure you’re getting a good connection speed, or you might be staring at the buffering icon more than actually watching anything.
- Step 4: just fire up Netflix on your device, and you should be able to dive into the Netflix library of the country you’re connected to. Enjoy binge-watching your favorites right from your TV in China!
Just a heads up, though, this setup can be hit or miss depending on how good your VPN is and the current mood of China’s internet censors. So, keep that in mind and maybe have a backup show in mind, just in case.
How to watch Netflix in China on iPhone?
- Get a VPN: The key to unlocking Netflix. Choose one that’s known for its speed and reliability in China.
- Download the VPN app from the App Store.
- Install and open the app, then log in.
- Connect to a VPN Server:
- Open your VPN app.
- Pick a server in a Netflix-friendly country (like the US or UK).
- Hit connect to make your iPhone appear as if it’s browsing from that country.
- Netflix Time:
- If you haven’t already, download the Netflix app from the App Store.
- Log into Netflix. You should now see the content library of the country you’re connected to via the VPN.
- Start watching your favorite shows and movies!
Why is Netflix not in China?
There can be many reasons for it, but, in my point of view, the following 3 points are the most crucial ones.
1. The local streaming sites in China are really strong
In China, there are dozens of well-established and well-funded streaming sites being run and supported by some Chinese tech giants such as Alibaba, Baidu, and Tencent. I think Netflix is going to cost a lot just to fight for the market share and will face strong competition. Just think about Uber.
2. Prices are low
Even though an increasing amount of content is being restricted to “VIP” users who pay a monthly or annual fee, the monthly fee is still much, much cheaper than Netflix. Netflix has to figure out a way to let Chinese users be willing to pay the high price for their content, or it’s not going to end well or Netflix decide to compete.
3. Censorship and restrictions are crazy
This is actually the biggest barrier to Netflix – China’s media environment is not just “challenging,” but the legislation is downright hostile to foreign companies. Even some local streaming platforms can face some heavy restrictions on how they operate and what they can show in terms of foreign movies and TV series.
Will Netflix enter China?
I don’t think so, at least not for a short period of time. Even Netflix’s co-CEO and chief content officer Ted Sarandos said that they have not “meaningfully” invested in trying to break into the Chinese market “in the last couple of years”, and it’s not likely to happen “any time really soon”.
Netflix equivalents in China
iQIYI
Picture a place where the heartbeat of Chinese pop culture is at its strongest, mixing age-old stories with the newest narratives. Enter iQIYI, birthed by Baidu in 2010 and now a giant in the Chinese entertainment scene. Here, you’ll find everything from edge-of-your-seat dramas to feel-good reality shows.
What makes iQIYI shine is its dedication to original programming, echoing Netflix’s strategy but with a unique Chinese twist. It’s a goldmine for anyone learning Mandarin, packed with shows subtitled in several languages for a fun, immersive learning experience. The platform might seem overwhelming at first glance, but it’s a goldmine of cultural insights for expats and Chinese culture buffs. iQIYI is more than a streaming service; it’s a doorway to contemporary Chinese culture.
Youku
Originally hailed as China’s YouTube, Youku has morphed into a powerhouse streaming service that stands toe-to-toe with the best. Owned by Alibaba Group, it marries a mix of foreign licensed content, original Chinese productions, and user-created content. The strength of Youku lies in its variety, serving up everything from global hits to Chinese indie films.
Its focus on quality and diversity makes it an essential resource for anyone keen to explore Chinese society’s complexities. With interactive elements, Youku becomes a lively space for cultural dialogue and discovery. For international viewers, Youku might require some digital gymnastics to access, but it’s worth it for an authentic peek into Chinese media’s vast landscape.
Tencent Video
A giant in Chinese digital entertainment, Tencent Video boasts an extensive catalog that embodies the essence of Chinese film and TV creativity. As a branch of Tencent Holdings, it enjoys the perks of cutting-edge tech and rich content, positioning it as a streaming juggernaut.
Tencent Video is a haven for content connoisseurs, offering a mix of mainstream successes and hidden gems. Its exclusive offerings, often not found elsewhere, make it a treasure chest for those chasing the complete array of Chinese narratives. Opting for the premium version removes ads and opens up a world of high-quality viewing. For expats and fans, Tencent Video offers a broad vista of China’s dynamic entertainment scene.
Mango TV
Operated by Hunan Broadcasting System, Mango TV uniquely fuses traditional broadcasting excellence with innovative web content. It’s a place where China’s historical depth and contemporary storytelling flair collide. Known for its captivating reality shows and music competitions, Mango TV truly pulses with the spirit of Chinese pop culture.
Its global appeal, thanks to multilingual content, attracts viewers worldwide. Mango TV doesn’t just stream content; it builds cultural connections, making it a pivotal platform for those wishing to dive into genuine Chinese entertainment. With Mango TV, the experience is colorful and interactive, transcending the ordinary act of watching.
FAQ: about using a VPN to watch Netflix in China
Yes, VPNs can still work on Netflix, but it’s a cat-and-mouse game as Netflix actively tries to block VPN servers.
VPNs exist in a legal gray area in China. Officially, unauthorized VPN services are banned, but enforcement varies.
To change your location on Netflix, use a VPN to connect to a server in your desired country, then log into Netflix.
VPN usage in China is challenging due to the government’s efforts to block VPN services through the Great Firewall.
PrivadoVPN is among the VPN apps known to work in China, thanks to their strong obfuscation features.
WhatsApp is blocked in China. Access requires a VPN.
Netflix China documentary
The China Hustle
- Directed by Jed Rothstein
- Written by Jed Rothstein
- Produced by Alex Gibney, Mark Cuban
Produced by Magnolia Pictures and directed by Jed Rothstein in 2017. The finance documentary The China Hustle reveals systematic and formulaic decades-long securities fraud by Chinese companies listed on the US stock market.
American Factory
- Directed by Steven Bognar, Julia Reichert
- Produced by Jeff Reichert, Julie Parker Benello
- Directed by Steven Bognar and Julia ReicherAmerican, Factory (Chinese: 美国工厂) is a 2019 American documentary film about Chinese company Fuyao’s factory in Moraine that occupies Moraine Assembly, a shuttered General Motors plant.
The film had its festival premiere at the 2019 Sundance Film Festival. Distributed by Netflix, American Factory is the first film acquired by Barack and Michelle Obama’s production company, Higher Ground Productions. It won an Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.
The Search for General Tso
- Directed by Ian Cheney
- Produced by Jennifer 8. Lee, Amanda Murray
- Cinematography: Ian Cheney, Taylor Gentry
- Edited by Frederick Shanahan
- Music by Ben Fries, Simon Beins
The Search for General Tso is a documentary film that premiered at the 2014 Tribeca Film Festival. The film begins by exploring theories about General Tso. The film then shifts focus to China, where few recognize the eponymous dish.
The film then traces Tso’s real-life history in the Qing Dynasty as well as the history of Chinese immigration to the United States.
Expedition China
- Directed by Ben Wallis
- Written by Ben Wallis
Disneynature invites you on location in some of the world’s most remote wildlands with the filmmakers of Born in China. The team traveled great distances, climbed to extreme altitudes, and endured brutal conditions to capture tender and exciting moments in the families of pandas, red-crowned cranes, golden monkeys, and chiru.
Featuring sequences from the film, never-before-seen footage, and crew members’ stories – share the production’s challenges and victories…and a glimpse behind the scenes of a True-Life Adventure.
Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry
- Directed by Alison Klayman
- Written by Alison Klayman
- Produced by Andy Cohen
Ai Weiwei: Never Sorry (in Chinese 艾未未：道歉你妹; official title in Taiwan 艾未未：草泥馬) is a 2012 documentary film about Chinese artist and activist Ai Weiwei, directed by American filmmaker Alison Klayman.
Netflix China drama
ASHES OF LOVE SEASON 2
Well, well, well, the beloved Chinese drama Ashes of Love is coming back after nearly three years. The show has been confirmed in production and is planned to be released in the new season in 2021.
This beautiful Chinese fantasy drama takes viewers to a world where deities experience love just like us. Maybe even a little more intensely.
A LOVE SO BEAUTIFUL
This drama is about the ups and downs of school and family. The main character is growing up to test the affection between a budding artist and her handsome but indifferent classmate and neighbor.
METEOR GARDEN
The story is about a girl named Dong Shan Cai (Shen Yue), whose dream came true when she got accepted to the best university in the country. Despite her family’s being in financial trouble, she managed to beat the odds and get in.
She then gets to know the F4, which are the four richest, most popular, and most powerful boys in the university. She isn’t fond of them at the beginning as they are all arrogant, spoiled, and always want their way. But gradually things got changed.
THE PRINCE OF TENNIS
A tennis whiz beats the odds to excel on the court while juggling school and inspiring teammates. Based on the hit manga series by Takeshi Konomi. Starring: Peng Yuchang, Dong Li, Zhang Yijie.
For teenagers feeling under a lot of pressure from their parents, this Chinese drama 2019 gave us is just perfect. Meet Lu Xia, who is a very talented tennis player trying to live up to his father’s expectations.
LOVE O2O
Love O2O is a superb Chinese romantic comedy-drama showing how our social trends are changing as video games become more and more substantial in youngsters’ lives.
Meet university student Bei Weiwei, one of the brightest stars of the computing department.
PUT YOUR HEAD ON MY SHOULDER
On the cusp of graduation, an accounting major searching for her career winds up living with a genius physics student who shakes up her daily routine. Starring: Fair Xing, Lin Yi, Daddi Tang.
This funny and heart-warming series is based on a novel with the same title by Zhao Qianqian. It is a sure delight for everyone, as it is really entertaining while dealing with some serious questions we often ask ourselves on the bumpy road to happiness.
THE UNTAMED
The show arrangement was so spellbinding. Through chuckling, tears, and bliss, the plot drew in me from the beginning. From the absolute first scene, the manikins and puzzling individuals dressed in dark snared the crowd.
Descriptive words like Enthralling, entrancing, charming, captivating, engaging, eminent, luxurious, and absolutely habit-forming suitably portray this jewel of an arrangement. It’s anything but a valuable blessing from China which you know immediately will be an immortal example in the future!
EMPRESSES IN THE PALACE
Empresses in the Palace is one of the most interesting Chinese historical fantasy dramas we can think of. Without a doubt, the customs of various dynasties of China were one of the most beautiful and unique in the world’s history.
ETERNAL LOVE
It was really easy to get attention captured by the story. It’s so hard to go to bed wanting to know what goes on in the next episode.
Mark Chao is remarkable in this movie and makes me sad there are no men like the character he portrays but happy I could imagine it on screen. This is Chinese Drama Netflix. The Ghost tribe prince and the Emperor Lord did a fantastic job too. Honestly, all the characters were perfect for their role.
OH MY GHOST
There is everything good humor, story, romance, and a life lesson too that we all should love ourselves. The only way to overcome underconfidence.
Especially the lead actress her transitions as two different characters are worthy of appreciation. These are really Chinese Dramas on Netflix. If you are a rom-com lover then trust me this drama is certainly your thing, just give it a try.
Netflix China movies
A Chinese Odyssey Part Two – Cinderella (大话西游之大圣娶亲)
Director: Jeffrey Lau
Main Actors / Actresses: Stephen Chow, Man Tat Ng, Athena Chu
Why you should watch: This one is special. At the very beginning, it was not supposed to become a comprehensive love-type movie but just a regular comedy. However, the overall storyline is surprisingly full of a tragic and romantic feel, especially those script writing which have already become classic in Chinese movie history.
Also, the choreography of this movie is very typically New wave at the time, with many sweeping camera motions and acrobatic swordplay, giving the combat a much more mystical edge.
Infernal Affairs (无间道)
Director: Andrew Lau, Alan Mak
Main Actors / Actresses: Andy Lau, Tony Chui-Wei Leung, Anthony Chau-Sang Wong, Eric Tsang
Why you should watch: this is absolutely a milestone for Hong Kong movies! Hong Kong’s police films have become a typical type of film. In the many years of Hong Kong movie development, traditional police films are full of banditry and righteousness, but good and evil are often inseparable in the battle between good and evil.
Devils on the Doorstep (鬼子来了)
Director: Wen Jiang
Main Actors / Actresses: Wen Jiang, Teruyuki Kagawa, Ding Yuan, Hongbo Jiang
Devils on the Doorstep is a black-and-white movie. According to Jiang Wen, the director of this movie, the color itself is the content. The movie has many global lens features, such as many close-up shots, no large-scale motion shots, many hand-held photography shots, and so on.
Happy Together (春光乍泄)
Director: Kar Wai Wong
Main Actors / Actresses: Leslie Cheung, Tony Chiu-Wai Leung, Chen Chang
Hong Kong director Wong Kar Wai’s 1997 work “the light of spring bursts” is not only a representative of the film language expression. This film, which was amazing in the world at Cannes Film Festival in France, has achieved a natural harmony in narration, splicing, light and shadow, and music, and has a very unified and long verve.
King of Comedy (喜剧之王)
Director: Stephen Chow, Lik-Chi Lee
Main Actors / Actresses: Stephen Chow, Cecilia Cheung, Karen Mok, Man Tat Ng
Stephen Chow, the director of the film King of Comedy, once said, “I thought I made a lot of tragedies, but people always think it’s a comedy.”
I have to say King of Comedy is this kind of film. Some people say this film was a comedy when they’re children, but now they think it’s a tragedy.
Chungking Express (重庆森林)
Director: Kar Wai Wong
Main Actors / Actresses: Brigitte Lin, Takeshi Kaneshiro, Tony Chiu-Wai Leung, Faye Wong
Chungking Express, as one of the classic works directed by Kar Wai Wong, has been recognized by numerous movie viewers and received numerous official awards.
The film narrates two subtle events in urban life, outlines the subtle relationship between human feelings in modern cities, and presents a restless alienation and ambiguity as a whole. Unique photography skills and an excellent soundtrack make the film a unique style and have a strong personality and aesthetic trend of the director.
(Feel free to check out the list of best Chinese movies.)
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