For anyone traveling to or living in China, internet censorship poses one of the most significant challenges when trying to access the global internet. Many popular websites, like Google, YouTube, and Facebook, are blocked by the Great Firewall, a sophisticated system used by the Chinese government to control and limit online content. However, Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) offer a solution by encrypting your internet connection and allowing you to bypass these restrictions.

Among the various VPNs, ExpressVPN stands out as a top choice for navigating the strict internet regulations in China. Its reputation for speed, security, and ease of use makes it a popular choice for many users who need reliable access to blocked websites and services. In this guide, we’ll explore why ExpressVPN is a favorite for China, how to set it up before and after entering the country, and practical tips for maintaining a stable connection in 2024.

1. Why is ExpressVPN Popular in China?

ExpressVPN has become one of the most recommended VPN services for China, and for good reasons. With its obfuscation technology, ExpressVPN is able to mask your VPN traffic, making it appear as regular internet traffic, which helps it evade detection by China’s sophisticated internet censorship systems. Here are some of the top reasons ExpressVPN is so effective in China:

  • Obfuscation and Lightway Protocol: One of ExpressVPN’s standout features is its automatic obfuscation. This ensures that your VPN traffic is disguised and less likely to be detected by the Great Firewall. When the app detects you’re in a heavily censored environment like China, it activates obfuscation to prevent your connection from being blocked. Additionally, ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol offers a balance between speed and security, ensuring a stable connection even with obfuscation enabled​.
  • Global Server Network: While ExpressVPN doesn’t have servers located within China (which would require government approval and compromise privacy), it offers servers in nearby regions like Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, and Taiwan. These nearby servers provide users in China with fast and reliable access to international content​. This vast network of servers ensures that users can bypass Chinese censorship and still enjoy a stable and fast internet connection.
  • Compatibility Across Devices: ExpressVPN is compatible with a wide variety of platforms, including Windows, MacOS, Android, iOS, Linux, routers, and more. Whether you’re using a laptop or smartphone, ExpressVPN provides native apps that make connecting to a secure VPN server easy. This cross-platform compatibility is critical for users in China, where internet access often depends on the type of device and connection​.
  • Ease of Use for Non-Tech-Savvy Users: One reason ExpressVPN is especially popular in China is that it’s user-friendly, even for people who aren’t technically inclined. The interface is straightforward and includes recommended server locations based on your region. For many users in China, this ease of setup and use is essential to overcoming the otherwise daunting challenges of circumventing government censorship​.
  • Customer Support and Money-Back Guarantee: ExpressVPN offers 24/7 customer support via live chat and email. If users encounter issues with connecting or need guidance, the support team is responsive and knowledgeable, providing step-by-step instructions. The 30-day money-back guarantee is also a significant draw, allowing users to try the service risk-free.

In summary, ExpressVPN has earned its place as a leading VPN for users in China because it combines strong encryption, fast servers, and a simple-to-use interface. The service has been tested repeatedly by users in China and continues to perform reliably in 2024, despite ongoing efforts by the Chinese government to block VPN traffic​.

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2. Setting Up ExpressVPN in China: Step-by-Step Guide

For those traveling to China or already within the country, setting up ExpressVPN requires a few steps to ensure a smooth and secure connection. China blocks the websites of most VPN providers, including ExpressVPN, making it necessary to prepare ahead. If you’re already in China, don’t worry—there are still solutions to get ExpressVPN working. Here’s a detailed guide to help you.

Before Traveling: Download and Set Up ExpressVPN

It’s crucial to install and configure ExpressVPN before entering China. The Chinese government blocks access to VPN provider websites, making it difficult to download and install VPN software while inside the country. Here’s what you should do if you’re preparing to visit China:

  1. Download the App: Visit the ExpressVPN website from your home country and download the app for your devices (Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, etc.)​.
  2. Set the Protocol to Automatic: This ensures ExpressVPN selects the most suitable protocol for your network. Go to “Options” > “Protocol” and select Automatic. ExpressVPN’s automatic obfuscation feature will engage if it detects censorship​.
  3. Enable Kill Switch and Leak Protection: Under General Settings, enable the kill switch (Network Lock) to ensure that if the VPN connection drops, your internet traffic will be blocked, preventing data leaks. Also, enable IPv6 leak protection under the Advanced Settings​.

If You’re Already in China: How to Install ExpressVPN

If you are already in China and haven’t installed ExpressVPN, you’ll need to get creative. Here’s how to get it working:

  1. Use a Mirror Site or Ask for Assistance: ExpressVPN has mirror sites, which are alternative URLs not blocked by the Great Firewall. You can request the latest mirror link by contacting ExpressVPN’s support team at support@expressvpn.zendesk.com​. Once you receive the mirror link, you can download the app as if you were outside China.
  2. Manually Download the .apk File: For Android users, ExpressVPN can provide an .apk file (an installation file for Android devices) through email. You should avoid downloading .apk files from forums or search engines to minimize security risks. The safest approach is to request this directly from ExpressVPN’s support team​.
  3. Download in a Nearby Region: If all else fails, you can try traveling to nearby regions like Hong Kong, Macau, or Taiwan where internet censorship is far less stringent. This allows you to access ExpressVPN’s website and download the app freely​.

Configuring the VPN for Best Performance

After installing ExpressVPN, there are some additional configurations you can apply to maximize its performance in China.

  1. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies: Websites can use cookies and cached data to detect your real location, which could cause problems when trying to access content while using a VPN. Clearing your cache and cookies in the browser’s privacy settings can help​.
  2. Choosing the Best Servers: ExpressVPN has several servers optimized for use in China. These include servers in Japan (Yokohama), USA (Los Angeles 5 and Santa Monica), Singapore (Marina Bay), France (Alsace), and UK (Wembley)​. Selecting one of these servers should provide better connection stability.
  3. Enable Auto-Connect: To ensure you’re always protected, enable auto-connect in ExpressVPN’s settings. This feature will automatically connect you to the last-used server whenever your device starts up, so you don’t have to remember to turn the VPN on manually​.

By following these steps, you can successfully install and set up ExpressVPN, whether you’re inside or outside China. Once connected, you’ll have access to the full internet, including blocked services like Google, YouTube, and social media platforms.

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3. How to Maintain a Stable Connection in China

Once you’ve set up ExpressVPN and are connected, it’s important to maintain a stable and secure connection while navigating China’s restricted internet. Due to the advanced censorship measures implemented by the Great Firewall, there are a few key strategies to keep your VPN running smoothly and avoid interruptions.

Choosing the Right Servers

ExpressVPN has a network of servers specifically optimized for users in China. These servers are strategically located in nearby regions such as Japan (Yokohama), Singapore (Marina Bay), and Hong Kong, providing faster and more reliable connections than more distant servers in Europe or the Americas. If you experience connection issues, it’s helpful to switch between these servers until you find the one that works best for you at any given time.

In addition to location, it’s crucial to avoid servers that are heavily congested. During peak hours, server congestion can slow down your VPN speed. ExpressVPN’s app typically recommends the best available servers based on current conditions, so always opt for these suggestions first.

Dealing with Connection Issues

If you encounter problems maintaining a stable connection, try these troubleshooting steps:

  1. Reconnect the VPN: Sometimes, simply disconnecting and reconnecting to a different server can resolve connection issues. ExpressVPN typically takes around 30 seconds to establish a connection, but it may take longer in regions with slower internet speeds or stricter censorship. Give it time, and if a connection fails, try another server.
  2. Update or Reinstall the App: Ensure that your ExpressVPN app is updated to the latest version. VPN providers frequently update their apps to stay ahead of the Great Firewall’s censorship techniques. If you’re still having trouble, try reinstalling the app to eliminate any corrupted files that might be causing the issue.
  3. Clear Browser Cache and Cookies: Websites may track your real location using cached data or cookies, which could interfere with your VPN connection. Clear your browser cache and cookies regularly to prevent this from happening.
  4. Check Your Internet Connection: Before assuming it’s a VPN issue, check the stability of your internet connection. ExpressVPN can only work as well as your local internet allows. If your connection is unstable, try restarting your modem or switching from Wi-Fi to mobile data to see if that improves performance.

Political Events and Public Holidays

China’s internet restrictions often tighten around sensitive political events, such as government meetings or public holidays. During these periods, you may experience temporary disruptions in your VPN connection. The Great Firewall is usually more aggressive during these times, leading to VPN shutdowns or slower speeds. In such cases, it’s a good idea to be patient and keep trying different servers. Alternatively, use auto-connect and the kill switch features to ensure that your traffic remains secure and your VPN reconnects automatically when the connection is restored.

Enabling Auto-Connect and Other Security Features

To avoid accidentally browsing without protection, it’s essential to enable ExpressVPN’s auto-connect feature. This setting will automatically reconnect you to the VPN when your device starts or when the connection drops, ensuring you’re always protected. Additionally, enabling the kill switch (Network Lock) is vital for preventing data leaks when your VPN disconnects unexpectedly.

By following these practices, you can maintain a more consistent and secure VPN connection in China, ensuring uninterrupted access to the global internet.

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4. Performance and Speed in China

One of the most important factors when choosing a VPN for use in China is speed and performance. ExpressVPN is highly regarded for its fast connection speeds and stability, even when using obfuscated servers to bypass the Great Firewall. However, due to the nature of VPNs and the additional encryption and obfuscation they require, some speed loss is inevitable. In this section, we’ll discuss what you can expect in terms of performance while using ExpressVPN in China and offer tips to optimize your connection.

Speed Tests: What to Expect

ExpressVPN has consistently shown reliable speeds, even when connected to servers near China. While connecting to servers in Hong Kong, Japan, or Singapore, users have reported fast download speeds that are sufficient for streaming content, browsing, and other everyday internet activities. In speed tests, connections to Hong Kong servers often yielded the best results, with download speeds exceeding 100 Mbps in some cases. Connecting to US or European servers, however, generally results in slower speeds, typically between 20-30 Mbps, which is still usable for most purposes but may not be ideal for high-definition video streaming.

It’s important to keep in mind that your internet service provider (ISP) and local infrastructure can greatly influence performance. Users on faster local networks, such as China Telecom or China Unicom, typically experience better speeds when using ExpressVPN. However, users on slower networks or in rural areas may face reduced speeds.

Impact of Obfuscation on Speed

ExpressVPN’s obfuscation technology is designed to mask VPN traffic, making it appear as regular internet traffic to evade detection by the Great Firewall. While this feature is essential for maintaining access to restricted content in China, it can also lead to a slight reduction in speed due to the extra processing required. Despite this, ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol, which is optimized for both speed and security, helps mitigate these effects. Users can expect some slowdown when obfuscation is enabled, but overall, ExpressVPN remains one of the faster VPNs available for China.

For example, in one test conducted on a Mac device in Shenzhen, China, without the VPN, the download speed reached 155 Mbps. After connecting to a Hong Kong server using ExpressVPN, the speed dropped to 116 Mbps, which is still exceptionally fast for a VPN connection. On a US server, the speed was around 30 Mbps, which is slower but adequate for most activities, including video streaming at lower resolutions.

Streaming and Accessing Blocked Content

ExpressVPN excels in providing access to streaming services that are typically blocked in China, such as YouTube, Netflix, and BBC iPlayer. Thanks to its optimized servers and fast connection speeds, users can stream video content with minimal buffering, especially when connected to servers in nearby regions like Hong Kong or Japan. For users wanting to watch content from US-based services like Hulu or Amazon Prime Video, it’s advisable to connect to one of ExpressVPN’s US servers, although the speed may be slightly lower due to the greater distance.

It’s also worth noting that while ExpressVPN’s Lightway protocol enhances speed, using the OpenVPN protocol with TCP (the more secure but slower option) may result in lower speeds. Users looking for the best performance while streaming should try both protocols to see which works best for their specific needs.

Tips for Maximizing Speed

To get the most out of ExpressVPN while in China, consider the following tips:

  1. Connect to the Nearest Server: For the best performance, choose servers in nearby regions such as Hong Kong, Japan, or Singapore. These servers are optimized for use in China and generally offer the fastest speeds.
  2. Use the Lightway Protocol: This protocol offers a good balance between speed and security, making it ideal for streaming or other high-bandwidth activities.
  3. Switch Servers During Peak Times: If you experience slow speeds, especially during peak usage hours, try switching to a different server. ExpressVPN’s app makes it easy to find alternative servers that may offer better performance at that time.
  4. Optimize Your Device’s Network Settings: Clearing your browser cache and cookies, as mentioned earlier, can improve your connection stability. Additionally, using a wired connection (if available) instead of Wi-Fi can reduce latency and improve speed.

By following these steps and utilizing ExpressVPN’s optimized servers, users can maintain fast and stable connections, even under China’s restrictive internet environment.

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5. Common Issues with ExpressVPN in China

Although ExpressVPN is one of the most reliable VPN services for bypassing the Great Firewall, it’s not immune to occasional connectivity problems and limitations, especially given China’s aggressive censorship measures. In this section, we’ll cover some of the common issues users experience while using ExpressVPN in China and offer solutions to resolve them.

1. Unstable Connection During Political Events and Holidays

China’s internet censorship tends to become more aggressive during sensitive times, such as major political events (like the National People’s Congress meetings) or national holidays. During these periods, users often report sudden disruptions in their VPN connections or slower speeds. This is because the government intensifies its censorship efforts, targeting VPNs more aggressively to prevent access to blocked content during politically sensitive moments.

Solution: If you experience this issue, try switching between servers in nearby countries, such as Japan, Singapore, or Hong Kong, which may still offer reliable connections during these peak times. It’s also helpful to enable ExpressVPN’s auto-connect feature to automatically reconnect if your connection drops. Additionally, keeping auto-updates enabled ensures you’re using the latest version of ExpressVPN with the newest protocols optimized for China’s censorship​.

2. Server Connection Failures

At times, users in China may encounter connection failures when trying to connect to specific servers. This can be due to various factors, such as local network conditions, temporary blocking of a particular server by the Chinese authorities, or server congestion.

Solution: If a server connection fails, don’t immediately assume the VPN is blocked. Try the following troubleshooting steps:

  • Switch to a Different Server: ExpressVPN provides a range of servers optimized for use in China, including those in Japan, USA (Los Angeles or Santa Monica), and UK (Wembley). If one server fails, try connecting to another one nearby​(.
  • Reconnect the VPN: Disconnect and reconnect to the VPN or restart the ExpressVPN app. Sometimes, a new IP address can resolve connection issues​.
  • Clear Browser Cache and Cookies: Your browser may be caching old location data that can interfere with the VPN. Clear your cache and cookies to allow the VPN’s IP address to function correctly​.

3. Speed Reduction with Obfuscation

While ExpressVPN uses obfuscation technology to hide VPN traffic from the Great Firewall, this feature can cause a slight drop in speed due to the extra processing required to mask the traffic. Users who prioritize speed, especially for streaming or gaming, may notice reduced performance.

Solution: To maintain the best speeds:

  • Use the Lightway protocol, which is optimized for both speed and security, offering a faster experience than OpenVPN with obfuscation enabled​.
  • Select servers closer to China (e.g., Hong Kong, Japan, or Singapore) for faster connection speeds.
  • During off-peak hours, such as early mornings or late at night, servers may be less congested, improving performance.

4. No GUI for Linux Users

One limitation of ExpressVPN is that its Linux version does not have a graphical user interface (GUI). This can make it less convenient for users who aren’t familiar with using the terminal to configure their VPN.

Solution: Linux users will need to manually connect to ExpressVPN using terminal commands. ExpressVPN provides comprehensive guides on their website to help Linux users install and manage the VPN via the command line. Additionally, for users who need an easier setup, installing ExpressVPN on a compatible router can provide VPN coverage for all devices on the network, including Linux-based systems​.

5. Website Access Issues

Because China blocks access to ExpressVPN’s official website, users often have difficulty downloading the app or updating it while in China.

Solution: If you’re already in China, request a mirror link from ExpressVPN’s support team via email (support@expressvpn.zendesk.com) or access the VPN through one of their mirror websites. This will allow you to download and install the app without needing to bypass the Great Firewall​.

If you continue to experience issues, ExpressVPN’s 24/7 customer support is always available to help troubleshoot and provide solutions tailored to your specific situation.

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6. Is Using ExpressVPN Legal in China?

The legal landscape surrounding VPN usage in China is a complicated and often misunderstood topic. While the Chinese government imposes strict regulations on VPNs and heavily censors the internet, the use of VPNs by individuals remains a somewhat gray area. In this section, we’ll break down the legal aspects of using ExpressVPN in China to give you a clearer understanding of the risks and considerations.

China’s VPN Regulations

In 2017, China began tightening its control over VPN services, requiring all VPNs to be licensed by the government. Officially, only government-approved VPNs are allowed to operate within China, and any unlicensed VPN is technically illegal. This regulation primarily targets businesses and organizations, especially those using VPNs to bypass internet restrictions for commercial purposes.

For individuals, however, enforcement of this law is inconsistent. While it’s illegal to use unlicensed VPNs, very few cases have been reported where individuals were prosecuted for VPN usage. In most instances, the government focuses on blocking access to the VPN providers’ websites or disrupting VPN traffic rather than punishing users. That said, this does not mean there is no risk.

Risks of Using ExpressVPN in China

Using any VPN, including ExpressVPN, could technically place users at odds with Chinese regulations. However, the Chinese government has historically focused on monitoring and controlling the availability of VPN services rather than prosecuting individual users. Most VPN users in China are able to access blocked content without issue, but it’s important to be aware of the following risks:

  1. Targeting Businesses: China is more likely to enforce VPN regulations against companies and organizations that use unlicensed VPNs for commercial purposes. If you’re using a VPN for personal use, the chances of facing legal action are much lower, though it’s still possible.
  2. Content Matters: What you do while connected to a VPN can also impact the level of risk. Accessing content deemed sensitive or critical of the government could increase your chances of being flagged by the authorities. The government prioritizes censorship of political dissent, foreign media, and certain social platforms.
  3. Fines and Warnings: In rare cases, individuals have been fined for using VPNs. For example, in 2019, a Chinese citizen was fined for using a VPN to access foreign websites. However, such instances are few and far between, and typically involve users who were accessing restricted content that the government closely monitors.

Minimizing Legal Risks

While the legal risks are present, most users in China are able to use VPNs like ExpressVPN without facing consequences. Here are some steps you can take to minimize your risk:

  • Use VPN Discreetly: Avoid drawing attention to your VPN usage by keeping your activities discreet and not publicly discussing circumventing censorship.
  • Stick to General Content: Avoid accessing politically sensitive or illegal content that could put you under government scrutiny. Sticking to general usage like streaming, browsing, and social media is generally safer.
  • Keep Software Updated: Regularly update ExpressVPN to ensure you have the latest security and obfuscation features. This will help mask your VPN usage and reduce the chances of detection.

Conclusion: Is It Safe to Use ExpressVPN in China?

While using a VPN like ExpressVPN is technically illegal in China, enforcement against individuals is rare. The government focuses on blocking VPN traffic rather than prosecuting individual users. That said, it’s always wise to use your VPN cautiously and responsibly, avoiding access to content that could provoke government attention. With ExpressVPN’s advanced obfuscation and privacy features, you can navigate China’s internet censorship with a lower risk of detection.

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7. Alternatives to ExpressVPN for China

While ExpressVPN is a leading VPN choice for bypassing the Great Firewall, there are several other strong VPN contenders that users in China can consider. Each of these alternatives brings its own advantages, whether in terms of pricing, speed, or unique features designed to evade China’s internet censorship.

1. NordVPN

NordVPN is another highly recommended VPN service for use in China. It is known for its strong obfuscation technology, which helps disguise VPN traffic as regular web traffic, much like ExpressVPN’s approach. Additionally, NordVPN provides a large network of servers across the globe, including optimized servers for Chinese users in nearby countries like Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

Key features of NordVPN:

  • Affordable Pricing: With lower starting prices compared to ExpressVPN, NordVPN can be a cost-effective alternative, especially for long-term plans.
  • Simultaneous Connections: NordVPN allows up to six devices to be connected simultaneously, which is more than ExpressVPN’s limit.
  • Strong Security Features: NordVPN offers military-grade encryption, a no-logs policy, and an automatic kill switch, making it a strong choice for privacy-conscious users.

For users looking for an alternative to ExpressVPN with similar features but at a more affordable price, NordVPN is an excellent option.

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2. VyprVPN

VyprVPN is another well-regarded VPN service known for its Chameleon protocol, which is designed to defeat deep packet inspection (DPI), a common method used by the Great Firewall to detect and block VPN traffic. VyprVPN’s proprietary protocol helps mask the fact that you’re using a VPN, making it more difficult for Chinese censorship to block your connection.

Key features of VyprVPN:

  • Chameleon Protocol: This proprietary technology is specifically built to evade government censorship and ensure reliable access to blocked content in China.
  • Transparent Pricing: VyprVPN offers straightforward pricing plans and discounts for longer subscriptions.
  • Reliable Performance: While not as fast as ExpressVPN, VyprVPN provides stable performance for activities such as streaming and browsing.

VyprVPN is particularly attractive for users who prioritize privacy and security, given its zero-logs policy and strong encryption.

3. Surfshark

Surfshark is quickly becoming a popular alternative for those looking for a budget-friendly VPN that still performs well in heavily censored countries like China. One of Surfshark’s standout features is its NoBorders mode, which is designed to detect and bypass internet restrictions automatically, making it effective for users in China.

Key features of Surfshark:

  • Unlimited Device Connections: Surfshark allows users to connect an unlimited number of devices simultaneously, making it a great choice for households with multiple users.
  • Low Cost: Surfshark is significantly cheaper than both ExpressVPN and NordVPN, especially for users on long-term plans.
  • NoBorders Mode: This feature is designed to automatically detect censorship and optimize the VPN connection to bypass the Great Firewall.

Surfshark is ideal for users who are looking for an affordable, multi-device solution while still maintaining good speed and security for accessing the global internet.

4. Astrill VPN

Astrill VPN is often cited as one of the most reliable VPNs for China, although it is also one of the most expensive. It is a favorite among expats and long-term residents in China due to its consistent performance and advanced features for bypassing the Great Firewall.

Key features of Astrill VPN:

  • StealthVPN and Smart Mode: These are two modes designed to avoid detection by the Great Firewall. StealthVPN hides VPN traffic entirely, while Smart Mode allows users to route domestic traffic through the local internet and international traffic through the VPN.
  • Reliable Speeds: Astrill consistently provides good speeds, even during high-censorship periods.
  • Stable Performance: Astrill is known for its stability, offering consistent access to blocked sites like Google, Facebook, and YouTube.

Astrill is best suited for users who are willing to pay a premium for top-tier performance and reliability in China.

Conclusion: Which VPN Should You Choose in China?

While ExpressVPN is undoubtedly one of the top choices for bypassing the Great Firewall of China due to its speed, ease of use, and strong obfuscation technology, there are several other VPNs worth considering based on your specific needs. NordVPN and Surfshark are more budget-friendly options with strong security features, while VyprVPN and Astrill VPN offer advanced protocols designed to evade China’s censorship efforts. Each VPN has its own strengths, so the best choice ultimately depends on your priorities—whether it’s cost, speed, privacy, or ease of use.