Why You Need a Quality VPN When You Visit China
Aug. 18, 2020
Copley Sutton
After years in marketing and then completing a course in copywriting, Copley has been a copywriter for the past 6 years.
Do you want to stay connected to the internet in China? You may find it difficult to browse the internet when you’re there because they have limitations on popular sites, which means sites like Twitter and Facebook are simply blocked.
As the Great Firewall of China becomes more sophisticated you’ll need advanced cyber technology to assist you to get around restricted sites. The only technology that’s guaranteed to work is a quality VPN. Not only will an advanced VPN give you access to restricted sites but it will also help you stay anonymous while you browse the internet.
So how does a VPN work in China and how many sites can you get around using it? Keep on reading.
How to Use A VPN in China
China has strict internet prohibitions. Sites such as Facebook, YouTube and Reddit are among the popular sites you can’t connect to when you’re in China. This is because the Chinese government has built a sophisticated digital system called the Great Firewall to censor internet information they don’t approve of.
But if you use a premium VPN service you can effectively get around these limitations and stay connected. Privacy is also extremely important so a VPN ensures you can browse these sites without being monitored by third-party agencies.
A VPN in China is mandatory if you want to:
- Have internet freedom
- Stay secure online
- Gain better internet access
- Disguise Your IP address
- Obtain location privacy
To use a VPN in China all you have to do is find one that will work in this region. It’s as simple as downloading a VPN onto a device and connecting to it before browsing the internet. Once you’re connected to the VPN it will mask your IP address and allow you to connect to all of the restricted sites, since the VPN will make it seem as if your browsing from another country, one that has no such limitations.
VPNs can be installed on any type of device such as Smartphones, laptops and tablets so you can browse the internet easily, no matter what application you’re using.
Which Main Sites are Available when Using a VPN in China?
There are many sites that are restricted in China. Here is a list of top popular sites and platforms you’re only able to access in China if you use a VPN:
- YouTube
- Netflix
- SnapChat
- WordPress
- Gmail
- Wikipedia
Going Behind the Great Firewall
In the 90s the internet became widely available in China and by the end of the decade the country’s government launched the golden shield project. This was a collective name for various surveillance and security projects in China, including the Great Firewall.
The Great Firewall was developed to censor certain sites so the government could have control over what information is accessed.
Another reason for the Great Firewall is to boost the use of Chinese companies. Chinese companies can flourish because more people will use their services and sites for what they need, rather than using brands from other countries. For example, China has its own Uber service called Didi and a Facebook-type service called WeChat.
So how does the Great Firewall work? Well, if you try to access a popular site that’s restricted, the web page simply won’t load. They use a series of methods to block these sites such as:
- Blocking website IP addresses
- DNS cache poisoning
- URL filtering that will detect certain keywords to block them
The only way you can get around the Great Firewall is by using a quality VPN.
Do All VPNs Work in China?
Not all VPNs work in China because they don’t have software integrated into the program that’s advanced enough to get around the Great Firewall. That’s why it’s important to select the correct VPN for your needs.
Is it Illegal Using a VPN in China?
VPN software is not illegal to use in China. But the government will determine who may use a VPN and what it will be used for. Companies that want to use a VPN will have to go through an approval process with the Chinese government.
For a foreigner, tourist or even locals, VPNs are completely legal and safe to use in China.
Tips for Selecting the Correct VPN in Restricted China
The first tip is to find a VPN that is guaranteed to work in China. Express VPN, as well as NordVPN, can work in this region.
You should also select a VPN service provider that won’t slow down your internet speed and that has more than 3000 servers worldwide. The VPN you select should also have military-grade encryptions and protocols.
Another feature your VPN should have is a kill switch. It’s simply an extra layer of protection that will shut down your internet connection should your VPN stop working. The kill switch ensures your IP address doesn’t leak.
Final Thoughts
So if you’re looking for a VPN that will get around the Great Firewall’s censorships and protect your online privacy, opt for software that will keep you connected to all your favorite sites. With a VPN you’re able to have the internet freedom you want in China during your next visit. Make sure you’re prepared!
Top VPNs that Will Work in Restricted China
- Will never store your logs
- Great price
- 24/7 customer support
- 30-day refund policy
Programs such as PandaVPN are developed to optimize internet user security and privacy. PandaVPN may be a newly developed program but it offers many benefits for users that are conscious about the confidentiality of their online activities.
- Unlimited streaming access
- 60-day money back guarantee
- Bank-grade encryption
- Blocks ads & ad tracking
Norton not only offers you a secure and reliable VPN service but the brand also has strong antivirus programs that protect you from malware attacks. The Norton VPN is an excellent program for blocking inappropriate and annoying adverts. This makes the Norton VPN a premium choice to add to children’s web browsing devices. It’s the type of VPN service you and your family need to maintain your online privacy.
- 30-day money-back guarantee
- Get SurfShark for your phone, tablet, and laptop.
- 24/7 support
- Protect your online activity
Surfshark VPN cares about the safety of your internet information especially if you’re browsing on an unsecured Wi-Fi connection. For affordable prices, you can install Surfshark VPN on all your internet browsing devices so your information is undetected and safe at all times.
- Bufferless HD streaming
- 1,000+ servers in over 190 countries
- Rated one of the top VPN programs
- 30 days money back
HMA VPN was developed to provide top-notch cybersecurity to anyone who is sensitive about online privacy. You’re able to browse the web undetected from your internet service provider and have an added layer of protection from malware attacks.