If you’re traveling to China and want to keep using Google, Gmail, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, or other international services, it’s worth setting up a VPN before you arrive.
The difficult part is choosing one that actually connects.
A VPN that works perfectly in the US or Europe can behave very differently once you’re behind China’s Great Firewall.
I test VPNs from inside mainland China throughout the year, using hotel Wi-Fi, home broadband, and mobile networks in Chengdu, Xi’an, Kunming, and Chongqing.
Based on my current tests, this is the setup I would take on a China trip:
- AdGuard VPN — my first choice
- Proton VPN — best free backup
- Windscribe — useful second backup
- PureVPN — Chrome-only fallback in my testing
NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark have not worked reliably in my current tests inside China, so I wouldn’t make any of them my only VPN for a trip.
China VPN performance changes frequently, so I still recommend installing at least two options before you fly.
Quick Answer: Which VPN Would I Use in China?
If I were preparing a phone and laptop for China today, I would install AdGuard VPN and Proton VPN before leaving home.
AdGuard VPN has been the easiest of the working options in my testing.
Proton VPN makes a useful backup because it has a free plan with unlimited data.
I would also consider installing Windscribe as another backup if I had space on my devices.
PureVPN is different. Its Chrome extension works in my current tests, but its desktop client does not, so I wouldn’t use it as my main VPN.
| VPN | Result in My China Tests | Best Use |
|---|---|---|
| AdGuard VPN | Works | Primary VPN |
| Proton VPN | Works | Free backup |
| Windscribe | Works, but often needs retries | Second backup |
| PureVPN | Chrome extension works | Browser-only fallback |
| NordVPN | Not working reliably in my tests | Not a current pick |
| ExpressVPN | Not working in my current tests | Not a current pick |
| Surfshark | Not working in my current tests | Not a current pick |
| Astrill VPN | Not a current recommendation from my tests | Not a current pick |
Important: These are my own current results from inside mainland China. VPN performance can vary by date, city, ISP, server, protocol, device, and app version.
Do You Actually Need a VPN in China?
Not every traveler needs one.
If you’re happy using Chinese apps throughout your trip, you may be fine without a VPN.
Apps and services such as these normally work on Chinese networks:
- Alipay
- Didi
- Baidu
- Taobao
- Xiaohongshu
- Douyin
The problem starts when you want to keep using international services that you normally rely on at home.
Travelers commonly want a VPN for:
- Gmail
- YouTube
- International news websites
- Work and cloud services
If any of those are important during your trip, set everything up before entering mainland China.
VPN websites and app-store availability can be more difficult to access after you arrive.
How I Test VPNs in China
I don’t test these VPNs from another country and assume they’ll behave the same way in China.
My current testing covers:
- Chengdu
- Xi’an
- Kunming
- Chongqing
- Hotel Wi-Fi
- Home broadband
- Mobile data
I also retest services instead of judging them from one connection attempt at one hotel.
What I Look For
The first question is simple:
Can I actually log in and connect from inside China?
That’s more important to me than a long list of generic VPN features.
I also look at:
- Whether the normal app can connect
- How many attempts it takes
- Whether the connection stays usable
- Whether the result changes between Wi-Fi and mobile data
- Whether normal browsing, messaging, and email work
- Whether a traveler could realistically use it without complicated setup
This is why my rankings may look different from general VPN review sites.
I’m ranking these specifically for travel in mainland China, not for everyday VPN use elsewhere.
1. AdGuard VPN — My First Choice for China
AdGuard VPN is the option I would start with on a normal China trip.
In my current testing, its desktop client connects directly and generally requires less fiddling than the other working options on this page.
That’s important in China.
I don’t want to spend 20 minutes changing settings every time I open my laptop in a new hotel.
What I Like
AdGuard VPN has been relatively straightforward to connect in my tests.
The normal client works, so it isn’t limited to browser traffic.
The free plan also includes 3GB of data per month, which may be enough for a short trip if you’re mainly using messaging, email, maps, and light browsing.
For heavier use, there are paid plans without the same data limitation.
What I Don’t Like
The free plan is slower than the paid version, and 3GB disappears quickly if you start watching video.
I would consider the free tier a useful option for light travel use rather than a replacement for unlimited mobile data.
Best For
I’d choose AdGuard VPN for:
- First-time visitors to China
- Short trips
- Travelers who want a relatively simple setup
- A primary VPN backed up by another provider
2. Proton VPN — My Favorite Free Backup
Proton VPN is the backup I would keep installed even if I were using another VPN as my main option.
Its desktop client works in my current China testing, and the main advantage of the free plan is simple:
Unlimited data.
That’s useful on a longer trip.
The Catch
The free plan gives you fewer server-location choices and generally lower speeds than the paid tier.
For messaging, email, and basic browsing, that may not matter much.
For video, large downloads, or other bandwidth-heavy use, you’re more likely to notice it.
Best For
Proton VPN makes the most sense for:
- Budget travelers
- Longer trips
- A free backup VPN
- Travelers who care more about unlimited data than maximum speed
Even if you plan to pay for another service, I would still consider installing Proton VPN before your trip as a backup.
3. Windscribe — Useful, but Less Predictable
Windscribe also works in my current testing, but it hasn’t been as consistent as AdGuard VPN or Proton VPN.
The main issue is connection attempts.
Sometimes it connects without much trouble. Other times I need to retry several times before getting a usable connection.
That’s why I think of Windscribe as a second backup rather than my first choice.
Its free plan includes 2GB per month, with paid plans available if you need more data.
Best For
Windscribe is worth installing if:
- You want an additional backup
- You don’t mind retrying connections
- You only need a small amount of free data
- Your primary VPN stops connecting
I wouldn’t arrive in China with Windscribe as my only option.
4. PureVPN — Browser-Only Fallback
PureVPN is a slightly strange case in my testing.
The desktop client does not currently work for me inside China, but the Chrome extension does.
That makes it useful in a very specific situation.
If I only need to open a website in Chrome, it can be a fallback.
But it doesn’t give me the same full-device connection as the working AdGuard VPN, Proton VPN, or Windscribe clients.
Traffic from other applications isn’t covered by the Chrome extension.
Best For
I would only use PureVPN for:
- Light browser use
- Chrome traffic
- An additional emergency option
I would not use it as my main VPN for a China trip.
What About NordVPN, ExpressVPN, and Surfshark?
This is where my current results differ from a lot of older China VPN guides.
NordVPN
NordVPN has not been reliable in my current testing from inside mainland China.
I’ve encountered login and connection problems that make it difficult for me to recommend as a primary China VPN right now.
That doesn’t mean nobody will ever get NordVPN connected in China.
It means I wouldn’t personally arrive with NordVPN as my only option based on what I’m currently able to reproduce.
ExpressVPN
ExpressVPN is another name that still appears frequently in older China travel guides.
It does not work in my current tests, so it isn’t one of my present recommendations.
China VPN conditions change, and older reports don’t always match current results.
Surfshark
Surfshark also fails in my current testing from inside mainland China.
Again, I’m reporting what I can reproduce rather than saying the VPN can never work on any Chinese network.
For a short trip, though, I wouldn’t gamble on a VPN that isn’t working in my own current tests.
Astrill VPN
Astrill has a long history of being discussed in connection with China.
Based on my current testing, however, it isn’t one of the VPNs I’m recommending at the moment.
Are There Any Free VPNs That Work in China?
Yes — at least in my current testing.
That’s one of the more useful findings for travelers who don’t want to pay for a full year of VPN service just for a short China trip.
The free options I currently use are:
AdGuard VPN
- 3GB per month
- Normal client works in my tests
- Relatively easy to connect
- Best suited to light use or a short trip
Proton VPN
- Unlimited free data
- Normal client works in my tests
- Fewer free server locations
- Lower speeds than the paid plan
Windscribe
- 2GB per month
- Works in my tests
- Often needs more connection attempts
- Better as a backup
Free plans are usually enough for things like:
- Gmail
- Light browsing
- Google searches
- Checking travel information
They become less attractive if you want to stream video, make frequent video calls, or use large amounts of data.
In that case, a paid plan may make more sense.
Why I Recommend Installing More Than One VPN
China is one of the few places where I’d actively recommend traveling with more than one VPN.
A service can work on one network and struggle on another.
Hotel Wi-Fi may behave differently from mobile data.
A VPN can also work well one week and become unreliable later.
Because of that, my preferred setup is:
Primary VPN + free backup.
For example:
AdGuard VPN + Proton VPN
That gives you another option immediately if one service has trouble connecting.
This is much easier than trying to download a new VPN after you’ve already arrived.
Install Your VPN Before Traveling to China
This matters more than almost any advanced VPN setting.
Install everything before your flight.
For each device you’re taking:
- Download the VPN app.
- Create your account.
- Sign in.
- Confirm the app opens correctly.
- Save your login details somewhere secure.
- Install at least one backup VPN.
Do this on your:
- Phone
- Laptop
- Tablet
If you’re using an iPhone or iPad, getting the apps installed before your trip is especially important because app availability can vary by region.
Don’t Forget Your Other Apps
The same preparation applies beyond VPNs.
Before traveling to China, I would also install and update:
- Google Maps or another map app
- Offline maps
- Translation apps
- Airline apps
- Hotel apps
- eSIM apps
- Netflix or other entertainment apps
- Messaging apps
- Payment apps
Download anything you might need offline too.
For example, you can download Netflix shows before arriving, although regional licensing can still affect whether every downloaded title remains playable.
See my separate guide:
What Should You Do If Your VPN Stops Working?
VPN connection problems in China aren’t unusual.
Before spending a long time changing advanced settings, I usually try the simple options first.
Try Another Server
Switch to a different available location.
Nearby Asian locations can sometimes provide better latency, but the server that works best can change.
Try Another Protocol
If your VPN app offers several protocols, try another one.
Different networks may interfere with different connection methods.
Restart the VPN App
Fully close the app and reopen it.
Simple, but worth trying before changing everything else.
Switch Networks
If you’re using hotel Wi-Fi, try mobile data.
If mobile data isn’t working well, try another Wi-Fi connection.
VPN performance can differ significantly between networks.
Use Your Backup VPN
This is usually my preferred solution.
If one provider isn’t connecting, I’ll try the second VPN I already installed before spending a long time troubleshooting the first one.
That’s exactly why I recommend bringing more than one option.
International Roaming and eSIMs Can Also Help
A VPN isn’t the only connectivity option for foreign travelers in China.
Depending on how your mobile provider routes international data, international roaming can sometimes give you a different internet experience from using a normal local Chinese connection.
Some travel eSIMs work in a similar way.
This can be useful as a backup, particularly if:
- Hotel Wi-Fi is poor
- Your VPN struggles on the current network
- You need internet immediately after landing
- You want another way to stay connected
Not every roaming plan or eSIM behaves the same way, so check the details before buying one.
For a China trip, I prefer having more than one route to the internet rather than relying completely on hotel Wi-Fi.
Are VPNs Legal in China?
China tightly regulates VPN services and cross-border internet connections.
For an ordinary traveler, the practical situation is different from operating or selling an unauthorized VPN service, but regulations can change and this guide isn’t legal advice.
If legal certainty is important for your work or trip, check current official guidance before traveling.
At a minimum:
- Don’t operate or sell unauthorized VPN services
- Don’t use a VPN for illegal activity
- Don’t assume a travel blog replaces legal advice
- Follow current local laws and regulations
China VPN FAQ
What Is the Best VPN for Travel to China in 2026?
Based on my current testing inside mainland China, AdGuard VPN is my first choice.
Proton VPN is the free backup I would keep installed, while Windscribe is another useful fallback.
PureVPN currently works for me only through its Chrome extension.
Where Have You Tested These VPNs?
My current testing covers Chengdu, Xi’an, Kunming, and Chongqing.
I test on hotel Wi-Fi, home broadband, and mobile networks rather than relying on a single connection.
Which VPNs Are Working in China in Your Tests?
AdGuard VPN, Proton VPN, and Windscribe currently work through their normal clients in my testing.
PureVPN works for me through its Chrome extension, but not through the full desktop client.
Does NordVPN Work in China?
NordVPN has not worked reliably in my current testing inside mainland China.
VPN performance changes, so that isn’t the same as saying nobody can ever connect with NordVPN.
But based on my current results, I would not use it as my only VPN for a China trip.
Does ExpressVPN Work in China?
ExpressVPN does not work in my current tests.
Because China VPN performance changes over time, I would pay more attention to recent testing than old recommendations.
Does Surfshark Work in China?
Surfshark is also not working in my current China tests, so it isn’t one of my present recommendations.
Is There a Free VPN That Works in China?
Yes, in my current testing.
AdGuard VPN offers a limited amount of free monthly data, Proton VPN has an unlimited free tier, and Windscribe also provides a small free allowance.
All three have worked for me, although free plans generally come with speed, server, or data limitations.
Should I Install More Than One VPN?
Yes.
This is one of the strongest recommendations I would make for a China trip.
VPN performance can vary by city, ISP, network, server, app version, protocol, and date.
Having a second VPN already installed is much easier than trying to find one after your main service stops connecting.
Do I Need a VPN If I Only Use Chinese Apps?
Probably not.
If you only plan to use services such as WeChat, Alipay, Didi, Baidu, Taobao, and other Chinese apps, you may have little reason to use a VPN.
A VPN becomes much more useful if you need Google, Gmail, WhatsApp, Instagram, YouTube, or international work services.
Can I Install a VPN After Arriving in China?
Possibly, but I wouldn’t plan on it.
VPN provider websites and app availability can be more difficult to access once you’re already in mainland China.
Install, sign in, and test your VPNs before departure.
Why Might Your Results Differ From Other VPN Reviews?
China VPN performance isn’t static.
Results can change based on:
- Date
- City
- Internet provider
- Wi-Fi versus mobile data
- VPN server
- Protocol
- App version
That’s why I report what I can reproduce from inside China rather than assuming a VPN that worked somewhere else will behave the same way here.
Final Thoughts
Choosing a VPN for China is different from choosing one for an ordinary trip.
The biggest question isn’t which provider has the longest feature list.
It’s:
Can it actually connect after you arrive?
Based on my current testing, I would prepare for a China trip with AdGuard VPN as the primary option and Proton VPN as a backup.
Windscribe is useful as another fallback, while PureVPN currently makes more sense to me as a Chrome-only backup.
I would not rely on NordVPN, ExpressVPN, or Surfshark as my only China VPN based on my current test results.
Most importantly, install everything before you travel.
Having two working VPNs already logged in on your phone and laptop is much more useful than having the “perfect” VPN recommendation saved on a webpage you can’t open after you arrive.