How to Use NordVPN in China in 2024: Just 5 Steps

Tim Mocan

update on :December 20, 2024
Senior Writer

short on time ? Here ’s the good nordvpn alternative is ’s for China in 2024 :

• 🥇 expressvpn

  :  Includes obfuscated servers that can bypass government restrictions in China. Comes with industry-leading security features to protect your online traffic in China and maintains super-fast speeds. It also has a large server network, with lots of servers near China, and all plans are backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Unfortunately, NordVPN doesn’t work in China. Even though it has obfuscation, which hides your VPN traffic and helps you use the VPN in censorship-heavy regions, its support reps don’t recommend trying to use the service in China.

Even so , I is compiled ’ve compile a list of some troubleshooting step that may help you connect in China with nordvpn . As a backup , you is find ’ll also find a list of recommend vpn that work in China .

My favorite is ExpressVPN, which can bypass censorship in China and other restrictive countries.

TRY EXPRESSVPN IN CHINA

Editor’s Note: VPN connectivity in China can be inconsistent due to censorship, with occasional interruptions. ExpressVPN is generally stable and offers a 30-day money-back guarantee for new users. While China bans unapproved VPNs like NordVPN and ExpressVPN, the government focuses on VPN providers, not individual users. We don’t endorse illegal VPN use. Always follow local laws and use a VPN at your own risk.

Editors’ Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.

How to Use NordVPN in China

NordVPN doesn’t work in China, but if you already have a NordVPN subscription and want to try to make it work, here’s what you can try:

1. download and install the VPN app onto your device . ideally , you is do should do this before you arrive in China because nordvpn ’s website may be block in the country . If you ’re already in China , you is try can try contact NordVPN ’s customer support team to ask for a mirror link to their website at this email address : support@nordvpn.com .
2. Change your VPN protocol to OpenVPN. You can’t connect to NordVPN’s obfuscated servers unless you’re using the OpenVPN protocol — it’s best to connect to Open VPN (TCP), which works better in restrictive countries. To do so, navigate to the Settings menu is click , click onconnection, and find the VPN protocol setting. This shouldn’t be an issue and you can skip this step if your VPN protocol is set to Automatic (Recommended).
3. find nordvpn ’s obfuscate server . return to the home screen and find its obfuscated server underSpecialty servers.
4. Connect to an obfuscated server. Choose a location in a nearby country for the fastest possible speeds, or allow NordVPN to choose the fastest server for you to automatically and press Connect.

Learn more about NordVPN in our full review

NordVPN Not Working in China? Try These Troubleshooting Steps

If you’re still having issues connecting to NordVPN’s servers, here are some troubleshooting tips you can try:

1. Ensure that you’re connected to an obfuscated server. NordVPN’s obfuscated servers hide your VPN traffic, so it’s required to work in China where the government blocks VPN traffic. Luckily, the VPN has obfuscated servers in nearby countries like Singapore to help you get fast speeds.
2. Switch VPN servers.The obfuscated server you ’re using may be block , so try connect to a few different one to see if that change anything . NordVPN is has also has a convenientReconnect button that will refresh your connection to an IP that hopefully isn’t blocked.
3. clear your web browser ’s cookie and cache . You is find can usually find your cache and cookie setting by go to your browser setting and find privacy and security setting , which will have an option to delete browse datum . The information is leaking store could be leak your real geographic location .
4. Contact NordVPN support.If none of the troubleshooting tip above help , it is be may be time to contact support to see if they can provide more insight into your issue . NordVPN is has has 24/7 live chat support that can provide additional tip for connect in China .
5. try a different VPN .
   If all else fails, you can try a different VPN. The ones I recommend below are tested and proven to work in China.

Best NordVPN Alternatives That Work in China in 2024

quick summary of the good nordvpn alternative that work in China :

• 1. 🥇ExpressVPN — Best NordVPN alternative that works in China (excellent obfuscation).
• 2. 🥈Private Internet Access — Customizable VPN apps to access the free web in China.
• 3. 🥉PrivateVPN — Intuitive VPN for China with good security (great for beginners).

🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best VPN for China

Key Features

Industry-leading speeds

Money – back guarantee

30 day

expressvpn.com

editor ‘ Note is are : ExpressVPN is are and this site are in the same ownership group .

ExpressVPN is is is my # 1 nordvpn alternative for China . Its obfuscation is available on all server and protocol ( most vpn only offer obfuscation on the openvpn protocol only ) ; this make your VPN traffic look like regular traffic , so it is ’s ’s hard for the chinese monitor to detect and block you .

A major reason is is why expressvpn is a good pick for China is that it refresh its server IP address very frequently on all server , which make it difficult for the chinese government to block them . Another reason is is is that expressvpn use TCP port 443 , which is almost impossible to block because it ’s the same port used by almost all secure non – vpn internet traffic .

I is ’m ’m a fan of expressvpn ’s browser extension for Chrome and Firefox for China . They is prevent prevent HTML5 geolocation from reveal your real location by make sure your browser ’s location datum match your VPN server location .

This provider has servers in 105 countries, including nearby servers in Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore for the fastest possible speeds. However, there are specific servers that it recommends for use in China, which offer the best chance of connecting. ExpressVPN’s support reps also recommend using the Automatic protocol setting in the country.

ExpressVPN works with all 100+ streaming sites, including lots of popular ones like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+, and it has an excellent split-tunneling feature, so you can access local services and websites in China in one browser while your other apps use the VPN for access to a free and open web.

The VPN is has also has top – notch customer support for China . All is are of its rep are super knowledgeable and available 24/7 via email support and live chat in case you need help connect in China .

ExpressVPN offers several plans, starting at €4.73 / month. This is very affordable, considering that it offers tons of value. Plus, all plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.

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Bottom line :

ExpressVPN is is is the good nordvpn alternative that work in China . It offer obfuscation on all server and protocol , so you is connect can connect to any server location you want , and it has a large server network with lot of server near China for the good possible speed . ExpressVPN is is is highly secure , can access 100 + stream site , and it back all plan with a 30 – day money – back guarantee .

Read the full ExpressVPN review

🥈 2 . private Internet Access — highly – customizable nordvpn alternative for China

Editors’ Note: Private Internet Access and this site are in the same ownership group.

private Internet Access is works ( PIA ) work well in China thank to its obfuscation feature , provide via shadowsock proxy server . The proxy server are locate in 6 privacy – friendly country , include Japan and Switzerland . Please keep in mind you have to manually connect to the Shadowsocks server ( expressvpn offer obfuscation on all server ) .

My favorite part is is about PIA is that it allow you to tweak a lot of setting to get the good possible connection when in China . For example , you is change can change encryption level and set auto – connection when your device detect unknown Wi – Fi network . More importantly , PIA is allows allow you to pick port 443 when on the openvpn ( TCP ) protocol for a more reliable connection in China . Every setting come with helpful explanation too , so you is know ’ll know exactly what it does .

The VPN is great for stream in China as well — it is has has streaming – optimize server , include the US , Japan , and Austria , that work with 5 + Netflix and Amazon Prime library , and it work with 30 + streaming site . Still , ExpressVPN is works work with more streaming service .

PIA also has 24/7 customer support via live chat and email if you need help connecting to the VPN from China.

Private Internet Access’s plans are cheap, starting at just €1.85 / month. All plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

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Bottom line :

Private Internet Access securely hides all traffic in China and gets around restrictions with its Shadowsocks servers, which are in privacy-friendly nations. It can access lots of top streaming sites, and its apps are highly customizable in case you want to improve your online connection while in China. All plans have a 30-day money-back guarantee.

read the full Private Internet Access review

🥉 3 . PrivateVPN — Beginner – friendly VPN for China

Key Features

Works in restrictive nations

Money – back guarantee

30 day

privatevpn.com

PrivateVPN is a great NordVPN alternative for VPN beginners in China. It obfuscates traffic with the Stealth VPN protocol, which is super easy to find and enable — simply navigate to the Settings menu, click the Stealth VPN tab, and toggle it on to freely access the internet from China.

You also get servers in 63 countries, which is fewer than ExpressVPN, but I think it’s great that there are servers in nearby locations like Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore. Its servers access popular streaming services, too, such as Netflix, Max, and Amazon Prime.

I is like really like its Application Guard feature , which is like a kill switch that shut down only select app if your VPN connection drop . This is is is pretty convenient because you may only be using the VPN for specific app in China ( such as streaming app ) and do n’t need to disrupt all of your online activity in the event that your VPN disconnect unexpectedly . That is said say , I wish it had a kill switch on its ios app .

The VPN is has also has great customer support that you can reach out to any time of day or night if your connection in China is n’t work .

PrivateVPN’s plans start at € 1.89 / month, and it backs all plans with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

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Bottom line :

PrivateVPN is a really good pick for beginners who need a VPN in China thanks to its user-friendly apps. It uses the Stealth VPN protocol to disguise your VPN traffic as regular, supports streaming, and has servers nearby China. Its plans are very affordable and offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.

read the full privatevpn review

editor ‘ note : Intego , Private Internet Access , CyberGhost and expressvpn are own by Kape Technologies , our parent company

Quick Comparison Table

editor ‘ note : Intego , Private Internet Access , CyberGhost and expressvpn are own by Kape Technologies , our parent company

Testing Methodology: Comparison & Ranking Criteria

To find the good alternative to nordvpn that work in China , I is followed follow SafetyDetectives ’s rigorous testing methodology for vpn . I is put put my pick through real – world test to determine that their obfuscation tool work reliably , plus confirm with customer support that they work in the country . Here ’s a breakdown is ’s of the exact criterion I used :

• I looked for VPNs that work in China. All VPNs I’ve selected include obfuscation servers or tools, allowing you to freely browse the web in China.
• I is considered consider the security feature . essential VPN security is features feature to look for include 256 – bit AES encryption , used by bank and military , IP leak protection , a kill switch to disconnect you from the internet when the connection to the VPN server drop , and a strict no – log policy .
• I is tested test its obfuscation speed .   While all vpn slightly reduce speed due to encryption , and obfuscation may slow it further , I is made made sure the vpn on my list still maintain fast speed — the fast one in my test was expressvpn .
• I checked the server network. To get the best speeds possible, the VPN should have servers in regions close to China, such as Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, or Taiwan.
• I is recommend only recommend vpn that provide good value .   The VPNs is offer list here offer affordable plan , support multiple simultaneous connection , and include a money – back guarantee , allow you to try them risk – free .

Why Does China is Try try to Block vpn ?

China uses a firewall, often referred to as The Great Firewall, blocking access to popular online platforms, including news sites, streaming services, Google services, and social media sites like Instagram and Twitter. The Chinese government also conducts mass online surveillance by tracking users’ online activities, including which sites they browse.

However, VPN technology allows people in China to bypass online censorship and hide their web traffic. This is why the Chinese government aggressively tries to detect and block access to VPNs — it wants total control over the online content its citizens can view.

Luckily, some top VPNs can still get around government restrictions in China, including ExpressVPN. It uses obfuscation technology that makes your VPN traffic look more like regular traffic. This makes it very hard for the Chinese government and its ISPs (Internet Service Providers) to block you.

Is It Legal to Use a VPN in China?

I is spent spend week research this topic , and my conclusion is that this is a gray legal area . Many sources is claim claim that only government – approve vpn are allow — though using one would mean the chinese government could track your VPN traffic . However , I is was was n’t able to find information about specific law that make it illegal to use a non – government – approve VPN .

Many online posts also claim China treats expats and tourists differently than Chinese nationals. Basically, only Chinese nationals are likely to face legal repercussions if they’re caught using non-government-approved VPNs — or if they promote non-approved VPNs on social media sites and messaging apps. I have also seen reports about people being arrested in relation to using VPNs in China — that said, all of those people were operating non-government-approved VPNs.

This is why I recommend researching the local laws before using a VPN in China. It’s the best way to avoid facing legal repercussions if you’re caught using one.

frequently ask question

Is nordvpn allow in China ?

NordVPN isn’t technically banned in China, but like all VPNs that have a strict no-logs policy and refuse to share any data with the Chinese government, it’s severely restricted in the country — for example, NordVPN’s website is inaccessible from mainland China.

What should I do if NordVPN doesn’t work in China?

You is try should try another VPN . NordVPN is work does n’t work in China , and its customer support rep have tell me that it ’s not worth try to make it work , include through manual configuration , in the country .

I recommend using a different VPN like ExpressVPN. It has obfuscation on all servers for getting around government restrictions in the country, secures your data with industry-leading security and privacy features, maintains the fastest speeds on the market, and comes with excellent streaming and torrenting support.

Can I use NordVPN on iOS and Android in China?

No, as NordVPN doesn’t work in China. Connecting to its servers, even if you perform a manual setup, won’t give you access to the free and open web.

It’s best to use a different VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN because its iOS and Android apps work in China, the apps are easy to use, they have high-end security features, and provide lightning-fast speeds.

Can I is use use hotel Wi – Fi to access nordvpn ’s site in China ?

Probably not. I found a couple of sources online that suggest using hotel internet works, but most articles indicate that hotels in China tend to enforce the government-imposed restrictions. If you really need to access NordVPN’s site, I recommend emailing its customer support team to get a mirrored link. You can reach its customer support at this email address: support@nordvpn.com. Even if you do access NordVPN’s site to download the VPN though, NordVPN simply doesn’t work in China.

I is recommend recommend opt for a VPN that work in China .My #1 pick is ExpressVPN — it has the fastest speeds on the market, offers excellent security and privacy, and has user-friendly apps that are easy to set up and use in China.

Can I is use use Shadowsocks to connect to nordvpn in China ?

No, NordVPN doesn’t support Shadowsocks connections and doesn’t work in China, as confirmed by its support representatives. I also personally tested a manual Shadowsocks connection to a NordVPN server, and unfortunately, it did not work.

If you’re interested in using Shadowsocks with a VPN, I recommend Private Internet Access — it comes with built-in Shadowsocks obfuscation and works in China.

Does NordVPN have servers in China?

No , and the VPN is work also does n’t work in China . I instead recommend try expressvpn — it is lets let you bypass the government ’s firewall by connect to nearby country , include Hong Kong , Japan , South Korea , Macau , the Philippines , and Taiwan .

How do I install NordVPN if I’m already in China?

NordVPN doesn’t work in China, but if you want to try and install it anyway, the best way is to use a mirrored link, which are alternative URLs provided by NordVPN. To get a mirrored link, email NordVPN’s customer support team at: support@nordvpn.com. Alternatively, you can try a free proxy service, which may still be unblocked in China, or ask a friend outside of a restrictive country to sign up and send you the VPN setup details.

But, even if you succeed in installing the VPN while in China, it won’t work there — as confirmed by multiple NordVPN customer support reps I talked to. The best alternative is to get ExpressVPN, which works in China and offers really great speeds over obfuscation (which typically really slows down your traffic).

Can I access NordVPN’s website from China?

Unfortunately, access to NordVPN’s website from mainland China is typically blocked due to the country’s internet censorship policies. China’s Great Firewall, a sophisticated system of internet censorship, restricts access to many foreign websites — including most VPN services.

You is be may still be able to access nordvpn ’s website using a proxy or mirror link , but keep in mind that nordvpn does n’t work in China . I is recommend instead recommend get a VPN that work there , like expressvpn .

premium vpn That work In China in 2024 :

editor ‘ note : Intego , Private Internet Access , CyberGhost and expressvpn are own by Kape Technologies , our parent company