VPN for China Travel

The Reality of VPNs in China

VPNs in China operate in a constant cat-and-mouse game with the Great Firewall. A VPN that works perfectly today might be blocked tomorrow. The single most important rule: set up at least two VPN options before you leave home. You cannot download a new VPN app once you're inside China without a working VPN — and app stores inside China don't offer VPN apps.

What Currently Works (Early 2026)

This information changes frequently. Check recent traveler reports on Reddit (r/chinalife, r/travelchina) before your trip for the latest status.

• LetsVPN: Consistently the most reliable option, specifically designed for China. Works on iOS, Android, Windows, and Mac. Simple one-tap connection with no configuration needed. Paid plans from $5/month. Many China-based expats use this as their daily driver.
• Astrill: Long-time China favorite with a dedicated "China-optimized" protocol called StealthVPN. More expensive ($15-30/month) but with a longer track record and more server options. Router-level installation available — useful if you want all your devices protected.
• Mullvad: Privacy-focused Swedish VPN. Works intermittently in China — less reliable than LetsVPN or Astrill, but good as a backup. $5/month, no account required, accepts cryptocurrency.
• Proton VPN: Free tier available but very unreliable in China. Paid tier with Stealth protocol sometimes works. Better as a third backup than a primary option.

Pre-Trip Setup Checklist

1. Subscribe and pay for at least two VPN services before leaving home.
2. Download the apps on ALL your devices — phone, tablet, laptop.
3. Test each VPN — connect, browse, make sure it works.
4. Save your login credentials somewhere offline (write them down or save in a notes app that works offline).
5. Configure the protocol: Most VPNs have a default protocol. In China-specific ones, switch to the recommended China protocol (LetsVPN's default works; Astrill's StealthVPN is their China protocol).
6. Consider an eSIM as backup: Data eSIMs that route through Hong Kong bypass the firewall entirely — no VPN needed. This is increasingly the easiest option for travelers (see our Internet & eSIM guide).