[latest] Is it Legal to Use a VPN in China? Personal usage review guide

The legal status of Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) in China is a complex issue that raises questions for many internet users.
While the Chinese government has implemented strict regulations on VPN usage, the enforcement of these laws varies depending on the context.

This comprehensive guide will explore the nuances of VPN usage in China, providing valuable insights and practical advice for those seeking to maintain online privacy and access restricted content.

How to Use VPN from China

｜Best VPNs for China

Minimal Risk for Personal VPN Usage

In China, the use of VPNs that have not received government approval is technically illegal.

However, it's crucial to note that this legislation primarily targets companies and corporations rather than individual users.
As a result, personal VPN usage often flies under the radar of enforcement agencies.

 

Assessing Personal Risk

While the law stipulates potential fines or even imprisonment for illegal VPN use, cases of individual prosecution for personal use are extremely rare.

Many expatriates and locals in China routinely employ VPNs to access popular platforms like YouTube without facing legal consequences.
Nevertheless, it's essential to exercise caution and discretion when using VPNs in China.

 

The Purpose of China’s Internet Censorship

The Chinese government's internet restrictions serve two primary purposes:

Understanding these objectives can help users navigate the digital landscape more safely.

 

Essential Guidelines for VPN Use in China

To minimize risks associated with VPN usage in China, adhere to the following best practices:

1. Personal Use Only

Limiting VPN usage to personal activities reduces the likelihood of detection.
Avoid publicly endorsing or promoting VPN services on social media platforms.

2. Avoid Commercial Use

Using VPNs for business purposes, especially offering VPN services or engaging in overseas contract work, can attract unwanted attention.
A cautionary tale involves a Chinese programmer who faced legal repercussions for working remotely for an overseas company while circumventing the Great Firewall.

A Chinese programmer who was working for an overseas software company while circumventing the Great Firewall has found himself on the wrong side of the law. The programmer, who was employed from 2019 to 2022, was actively engaged in coding tasks on GitHub, addressing user queries on support platforms, and even conducting remote work via Zoom.

However, his work beyond China’s internet restrictions didn’t go unnoticed. The local authorities in ChengDe stepped in and deemed the programmer’s earnings of 1,058,000 RMB as “illegitimate income.” As a result, he was slapped with a 200 RMB fine and had the substantial sum of 1,058,000 RMB (144,991 USD) confiscated as “proceeds of illegal activities.”

https://www.reddit.com/r/China/comments/16qzbil/chinese_programmer_fined_three_years_salary_for/

3. Mindful Information Sharing

Exercise discretion when sharing information obtained through VPN usage.
Refrain from posting content from blocked platforms like YouTube on social media, as this may reveal your use of unauthorized VPNs.

4. Government-Critical Content

Some foreign media outlets publish content critical of the Chinese government that may not be reported within China.
Engaging with or disseminating such content could increase the risk of VPN detection.

5. Avoid Free VPNs

Free VPN services often lack robust privacy and security measures.
Opt for reputable paid VPN providers with a track record of operating successfully in China, such as ExpressVPN or NordVPN.

 

Step-by-Step Guide: How to use VPN in China

Follow these simple steps to use a VPN in China:

How to use VPN in China

Step 1: Register with ExpressVPN

To begin, visit the Express VPN official website and click on the "Get ExpressVPN Today" button.

You will be directed to the pricing plans page, where you can choose a subscription that suits your needs.
Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the registration process.

Step 2: Download and Launch the ExpressVPN App

Once you have successfully registered with ExpressVPN, proceed to download and install the ExpressVPN app on your device.

Launch the app and click on the "..." icon to open the server selection menu.
In the search box, type "the US" to find the available the US servers.

Connect to US server

Select a server located in the US and click on the power icon in the center of the app to establish a connection.
You are now connected to a server in the US, enabling you to access any contents from China as if you were physically present in the country.

Step 3: Access to the contents you want to use in China

Begin by connecting to a US server through your VPN, then navigate to the the website or services you want to use in China.

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ExpressVPN Website

 

【Access ChatGPT from Anywhere in the World】Recommended VPNs

Securing a reliable VPN service while within China's borders can be challenging due to the government's restrictions on non-approved VPN providers.
Rest assured, all the VPNs mentioned here are works in China, so you can use them with confidence.

｜Best VPNs in China

All the VPNs introduced here come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.
This means that if you're unsatisfied with the service, you can request a full refund.

1. ExpressVPN｜Popular Among Japanese Users! Beginner-Friendly VPN with Fast Connections

Rate: 9.7 / 10

Works in China: ✓

Express VPN is a highly respected VPN service that has built a solid reputation over many years.

Employing the advanced "AES-256 bit" encryption technology, which is trusted by military, financial, and government institutions, Express VPN ensures a secure internet experience both domestically and internationally.

With an extensive network spanning over 90 countries, Express VPN boasts one of the most comprehensive coverage areas in the industry.
Additionally, users have access to more than 3,000 servers, ensuring they never struggle to find a connection point.

Express VPN supports HD and 4K streaming, allowing users to enjoy high-quality content from platforms like YouTube and Netflix seamlessly and at high speeds.

Express VPN Ratings by Category

Express VPN Website

 

2. NordVPN｜High Security! Popular VPN with Fast Connection Speeds

Rate: 9.5 / 10

Works in China: ✓

NordVPN is one of the most highly regarded and reliable VPN services worldwide.

It employs the cutting-edge "AES-256 Bit" encryption technology, which is trusted by military, financial, and government institutions, ensuring an exceptionally high level of security and safety.

Users can choose from servers located in 59 countries across the globe, with a total of over 5,900 servers available. Moreover, NordVPN offers high-speed connections optimized for 4K streaming, enabling users to enjoy high-resolution video content and a seamless internet browsing experience.

NordVPN Ratings by Category

NordVPN Website

 

3. Surfshark｜Excellent Value! High-Performance VPN with Robust Security

Rate: 9.4 / 10

Works in China: ✓

Surfshark is a VPN service that has gained recognition for its exceptional security capabilities and swift connection speeds.

Employing military-grade "AES-256 Bit" encryption technology, Surfshark ensures top-notch security and safety for its users.
With servers located in 95 countries worldwide and over 3,900 servers available, Surfshark offers an extensive network for its users.

The service provides high-speed connections suitable for 4K streaming, enabling users to enjoy high-quality video content and a seamless internet browsing experience.

Surfshark Ratings by Category

Surfshark Website

 

4. CyberGhost｜Entertainment-Focused! Affordable VPN with Numerous Servers

Rate: 9.2 / 10

Works in China: ✓

CyberGhost is a widely acclaimed VPN service that offers exceptional value for money.

CyberGhost employs the same robust encryption technology (AES-256 bit) used by military, banking, and government institutions, ensuring your online activities remain private and secure.

With over 9,700 servers across 91 countries, CyberGhost provides users with a vast array of connection options.
It's high-speed connections are optimized for 4K streaming, allowing you to enjoy your favorite content without buffering or lag.

Additionally, the service offers dedicated servers tailored for specific streaming platforms and websites, further enhancing your streaming experience.

Surfshark Ratings by Category

CyberGhost Website

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Which popular sites and apps are blocked in China?

China's internet restrictions affect numerous popular services, including:

>>>[Related]How to Access Netflix in China with a VPN 
>>>[Related]How to Access Google in China with a VPN
>>>[Related]How to Access Youtube in China with a VPN
>>>[Related]How to Access Facebook in China with a VPN
>>>[Related]How to Access LINE in China with a VPN
>>>[Related]How to Access WhatsApp in China with a VPN
>>>[Related]How to Access Amazon Japan in China with a VPN
>>>[Related]How to Access Instagram in China with a VPN

What is currently considered the best VPN for use in China?

Express VPN is widely regarded as the top choice for China due to its reliability, speed, security features, and ability to bypass restrictions consistently.
Its no-logging policy, verified by PricewaterhouseCoopers, provides users with added confidence in their online privacy.

Concluding Thoughts

While using non-government-approved VPNs in China is technically illegal, individual users face minimal risk of prosecution for personal use.

By following the guidelines outlined in this article and choosing a reputable VPN service, you can maintain online privacy and access restricted content more safely.
Remember to exercise caution, respect local laws, and stay informed about any changes in regulations regarding internet usage in China.

How to Use VPN from China

Rate：9.7 / 10

Express VPN Website

 

｜Best VPNs for ChatGPT