China’s “Great Firewall” is among the most sophisticated internet filtering systems in the world. It blocks several major websites, social networking platforms, and services like as Google, Facebook, and YouTube, as well as foreign VPN providers that allow access to this content. Despite this, there are still ways to get over VPN limitations, bypass VPN block in China, and access the free internet. The most effective ways to overcome these obstacles are outlined below.
What is the Great Firewall of China?
This term refers to the legal and technological censorship methods employed by the Chinese government to restrict internet access within the country. Officially, it is known as the Golden Shield Project. Because the government owns all internet service providers (ISPs), it has the ability to monitor and censor the material that Chinese citizens access online.
Are VPNs legal in China?
Short answer: VPNs are not banned in China, but their use is strictly limited.
Long answer: Using a VPN in China is not considered unlawful. China enables VPN companies to function as long as they cooperate with the government, which negates the privacy benefit of using a VPN in the first place. Many VPN services are prohibited, and the government frequently threatens to shut VPNs entirely.
Why are VPNs Blocked in China?
Strict internet censoring laws are enforced by the Chinese government to keep information flow under control. Virtual private networks, or VPNs, are frequently targeted because they enable users to get around these limitations. A lot of VPN services are blocked, and even those that do function could throttle or perform worse.
How to Choose the Best VPN for China
Selecting the appropriate VPN is crucial if you intend to use it to get around China’s Great Firewall. Because of the government’s efforts to prevent them, not all VPNs are made equal and some might not function properly in China. Look for a VPN with a solid reputation for getting over Chinese restrictions when making your selection. Additionally, to safeguard your security and privacy when online, it is critical to use a VPN that supports robust encryption. Selecting a VPN with servers situated in neighboring nations may also be a good idea because it can increase dependability and speed. Before committing to a VPN, it is a good idea to read reviews and conduct some research to confirm that it is right for you. With the correct VPN, you can circumvent China’s Great Firewall and browse the internet freely and securely.
Methods to Bypass VPN Blocks in China
1. Use an Obfuscated VPN
Obfuscation is a technique used by VPNs to disguise VPN traffic as conventional internet traffic, making it difficult for Chinese censors to identify. VPNs with obfuscation techniques are more likely to get over China’s firewall.
2. Shadowsocks (SOCKS5 Proxy)
Shadowsocks is a lightweight proxy protocol that hides internet traffic and is more difficult to detect than conventional VPN traffic. It is not a VPN, but it can be coupled with VPN technology to improve privacy and security. One of the best VPN for this option will be Enova VPN.
To use Shadowsocks, follow these steps: 1. Download the client.
– Set the settings to a server address that is not prohibited in China.
– Use it in conjunction with a VPN to increase privacy.
3. Switch VPN Protocols
Most VPNs support numerous protocols, and switching between them can help you avoid detection. The most typically prohibited protocols in China are OpenVPN and PPTP, but using less commonly blocked protocols such as WireGuard, L2TP/IPsec, or IKEv2 can be beneficial. You can get all these protocols at one place only in Enova VPN.
4. Use a Dedicated IP Address
Many VPN companies provide the option to use a dedicated IP address. Because the majority of prohibited VPN traffic originates from known shared IP addresses, a unique IP address can aid users in avoiding detection. Once again, Enova VPN can provide a great solution for this.
5. Deploy a Self-Hosted VPN
Another option is to create your own VPN using a cloud service provider that is not currently prohibited in China, such as Amazon Web Services (AWS), Microsoft Azure, or Google Cloud. This method establishes a private connection that is difficult for the Great Firewall to identify and block.
To self-host a VPN, rent a cloud server (such as from DigitalOcean or AWS).
– Create a VPN server on the rented cloud server with open-source software such as OpenVPN or WireGuard.
– Connect to the VPN from within China.
6. Use a VPN with Stealth Mode
Stealth Mode VPNs go a step further, concealing the fact that a VPN is even being utilized. They employ a variety of encryption and tunneling techniques to prevent detection by DPI (Deep Packet Inspection) technology typically utilized by Chinese ISPs.
7. Tor with Bridges
While the Tor network is restricted in China, Tor bridges (private Tor relays that are not publicly published) can help users connect to the Tor network and avoid Chinese internet censorship.
How To Use Tor Bridges:
– Download the Tor Browser.
– Set it to link through obfuscated bridges.
– You can request bridges using the Tor Project website or by email.
8. Use Mobile Networks Instead of Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi networks are sometimes subjected to tighter censorship than mobile networks. Connecting using a mobile network (such as 4G or 5G) may improve your success with VPN or other circumvention solutions.
9. Keep Your VPN Updated
VPNs are always striving to evade Chinese censorship, so keeping your VPN software up to date ensures you have access to the most recent technologies and protocols designed to get around barriers. Check with your VPN provider on a frequent basis for upgrades.
Final Tips for Bypassing VPN Blocks in China
– Test before you travel: Install and test your VPN before visiting China, as certain VPN provider websites are prohibited.
– Use numerous VPNs: Not every VPN is reliable, thus it is a good idea to have backups in case one fails.
– Keep VPN documentation offline: If you need to modify settings while in China, having the material stored locally is crucial (rather than depending on prohibited websites).
Conclusion
Despite China’s strict internet censorship, it is still possible to circumvent VPN limits utilizing obfuscated VPNs, Shadowsocks, stealth VPN modes, and other complex tactics. If you want all of these options in one place, then you should try Enova VPN. They also provide a User-Friendly Interface, Military-Grade Encryption, Global Server Network, Dynamic Security Settings, Kill Switch Functionality, and many more features. To preserve internet access while in China, use the correct VPN provider, keep it up to date, and consider alternate options such as Tor or dedicated IP addresses.