
Using a VPN in China can be a bit of a challenge, but Mullvad VPN is a reliable option. It's based in Sweden, which means it's not subject to China's Great Firewall.
Mullvad VPN has servers in over 20 countries, but it doesn't have any servers in China. This is actually a good thing, as it makes it harder for the Chinese government to block access to the VPN.
One of the key features of Mullvad VPN is its focus on security and anonymity. It uses strong encryption and doesn't keep any logs of user activity.
Mullvad VPN offers a free trial, which is great for testing out the service before committing to a paid plan.
Using Mullvad VPN in China
Mullvad VPN is a popular choice for Chinese users due to its strong emphasis on security and anonymity.
Mullvad VPN has servers in Hong Kong, which is a relatively stable option for accessing the internet in China.

To use Mullvad VPN in China, you'll need to download and install the Mullvad VPN app on your device.
Mullvad VPN offers a simple and user-friendly interface that makes it easy to connect to a server and start browsing the internet.
In China, Mullvad VPN uses the OpenVPN protocol, which is a secure and reliable option for encrypting your internet traffic.
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Navigating the Great Firewall
The Great Firewall is the government's way of enforcing strict censorship and blocks on the internet through different technologies. It restricts and blocks any website or app that goes against its beliefs, making it impossible for people to use or visit.
Astrill VPN, Mullvad VPN, and LetsVPN are considered the most reliable options for internet users in China seeking unrestricted access. Popular services like ExpressVPN, NordVPN, PrivateInternetAccess (PIA), and Surfshark have proven unreliable or non-functional within China's borders.
To get around the blocks, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) helps by encrypting data, making it impossible for the ISP to know what website you want to visit. This is especially important in China, where even VPNs are banned, but not made illegal.
Mullvad VPN, along with the OpenVPN protocol, offers WireGuard for devices that support it, making it a promising option for working in China. Alternative protocols like V2ray and Shadowsocks also offer effective solutions for many users.
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Using Obfuscation
Using Obfuscation can be a useful feature when accessing Mullvad VPN in China, but it's essential to understand the potential impact on your VPN speed.
You can enable Shadowsocks or UDP-over-TCP obfuscation in the Mullvad VPN app settings, which can help bypass certain internet restrictions.
This obfuscation method can affect the VPN speed negatively, especially with servers that are far away from your real location.
Security and Performance
Mullvad VPN uses OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols, which are two of the most secure protocols available. These protocols ensure that your browsing activities remain private and secure.
Mullvad's encryption methods are also top-notch, with AES encryption for OpenVPN and ChaCha20 for WireGuard. This means your data is scrambled in a way that's virtually unbreakable.
One of the standout features of Mullvad is its ability to mask your IP address and location identifiers, making it difficult for anyone to track your online activities. This is especially important in countries like China, where online censorship and surveillance are common.
Here are the details of Mullvad's protocols and encryption methods:
Mullvad also offers additional security features, including multi-hop and obfuscation, which can help further protect your online identity.
Security Analysis
Mullvad supports two of the most secure protocols: OpenVPN and WireGuard. These protocols are designed to keep your browsing activity private and secure.
OpenVPN uses AES encryption to protect your data, while WireGuard employs the more secure ChaCha20 encryption method.
Mullvad doesn't leak your IP address or location identifiers while you browse, giving you peace of mind.
The service also offers multi-hop and obfuscation features, which add an extra layer of security to your browsing experience.
Here's a quick rundown of Mullvad's security protocols:
Lab Capability Test Results
In our lab tests, Mullvad was able to unblock many popular streaming services. This includes Netflix and Amazon Prime Video.
We also tested Mullvad's ability to access other streaming services, but it wasn't able to get into Max. Unfortunately, this means you won't be able to use Mullvad to watch Max content.
However, Mullvad was able to unblock Amazon Prime Video, which is a major win for users who want to access this popular streaming service.
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Features and Pricing
Mullvad's pricing is surprisingly straightforward. You'll pay a flat rate of about $5.70 per month, which hasn't changed since 2009.
This price is subject to change based on currency conversion rates. If you're wondering how to pay, Mullvad offers a unique option: you can send cash to their address, along with a random account number generated on their website.
Here are the key features and pricing details at a glance:
Reviews and Comparisons
Mullvad is the best VPN for China, according to our detailed reviews. Mullvad is the top choice for accessing the open internet in China, while Astrill VPN is another option with a good chance of helping you access the internet.
Astrill VPN is a secure VPN for China, and it's a good backup option to have. If you're heading to China, downloading at least three VPN apps can save the day.
The Great Firewall uses advanced techniques like deep packet inspection (DPI) to block VPNs that don’t comply with the government’s dictates. This means that a strong China VPN needs features like obfuscation, stealth servers, and rotating IP addresses to outwit the firewall.
Suggestion: Is Mullvad a Good Vpn
Our VPN experts have extensively tested and reviewed potential VPNs for China. Mullvad is the best China VPN, and it's worth trying with its 14-day money-back guarantee.
Here are the top 5 VPN recommendations for China:
- Mullvad VPN — The overall best VPN for China. Try Mullvad using its 14-day money-back guarantee.
- Astrill VPN — Secure VPN for China. Subscribe to Astrill’s two-year plan for the best deal.
- VyprVPN — User-friendly VPN. Save 50% on VyprVPN’s one-year plan.
- hide.me — Feature-rich VPN with a free plan. Get hide.me’s two-year plan at a significant discount, plus two months free.
- Windscribe — Stealth VPN with a free plan. Try Windscribe’s Build-A-Plan subscription for a custom plan.
It's worth noting that NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN are often at the top of the list, but they don't reliably work in China.
Troubleshooting and Setup
If you're having trouble setting up Mullvad VPN in China, don't worry, we've got you covered. The country blocks many VPN websites, so it's recommended to download the VPN before you travel to China.
To troubleshoot common issues, try checking your internet connection and ensure that your device's date and time are set correctly, as this can affect the VPN's ability to connect to a server. If you're still having trouble, consider restarting your device or reinstalling the VPN app.
If you're setting up OpenVPN on your device, follow these steps: download and install the OpenVPN app, create a configuration file, and then import it into the app. Alternatively, you can manually configure the OpenVPN settings, but be careful to enter the correct server address and credentials.
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Quick Guide
To set up a VPN in China, you'll want to subscribe to a plan and download the VPN app before you travel. This is because China blocks many VPN websites, so it's best to get it done ahead of time.
You can use a VPN like Mullvad, but similar steps apply to other VPN providers. To use Mullvad, you'll need to follow these steps:
- Subscribe to a VPN: Visit your preferred VPN's website, choose a plan, and proceed to payment.
- Download and Install the VPN: Go to your device's app store and download the VPN for your operating system, or download it from its website.
- Connect to a Server: Open the VPN app, search for your preferred server, and click to connect.
- Browse the Free Internet: Open your browser or app and start enjoying the open internet safely.
If you're having trouble connecting to a server, you can try setting up OpenVPN manually. This will let you connect to a VPN server without a VPN app.
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Working or Banned
Mullvad is not recommended for use in China, as it fails to bypass the Great Chinese Firewall.
It's not the only provider to have trouble in China, so don't feel discouraged if you're looking for an alternative.
Mullvad is extremely unlikely to work in other highly censored countries like Turkey, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Iran.
This is because its inability to bypass restrictions in China suggests it may not be effective in other countries with similar levels of censorship.
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General Information
Mullvad VPN is the overall best VPN for China. It has a 14-day money-back guarantee, which is a great way to test its reliability.
Mullvad VPN has been extensively tested and reviewed by VPN experts, who have found it to be the most effective VPN for China. The experts have also recommended using at least three VPN apps when traveling to China, as a backup in case the primary service doesn't work.
Here are the top 5 VPNs for China, as recommended by the experts:
- Mullvad VPN — The overall best VPN for China
- Astrill VPN — Secure VPN for China
- VyprVPN — User-friendly VPN
- hide.me — Feature-rich VPN with a free plan
- Windscribe — Stealth VPN with a free plan
Our Methodology
We tested over 50 VPNs to find the best options for China, considering key factors like obfuscation, security features, and privacy credentials. Our goal was to suggest strong VPNs that can bypass China's Great Firewall.
We looked for VPNs with obfuscation, which is essential to prevent detection by China's deep packet inspection (DPI). Only VPNs with obfuscation made it on our list.
We also considered the server network, looking for VPNs with servers in at least 40 countries. This ensures you have access to local servers, which can offer faster speeds.
Critical security features like AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch were also a must-have. We confirmed that each VPN has these features to ensure your online safety.
We reviewed each VPN's privacy policy to ensure they abide by a strict no-logs policy. VPNs based in privacy-friendly jurisdictions and operating RAM-only servers scored high marks.
To test speed, we ran speed tests of every VPN outside of China. VPNs with reasonably high download and upload speeds and low latency made the cut.
We looked for VPNs with user-friendly apps for mobile and desktop platforms. Navigating the app and connecting to a server should be easy and straightforward.
Here's a summary of our key considerations:
- Obfuscation: Prevents detection by China's Great Firewall
- VPN server networks: Servers in at least 40 countries with local servers for faster speeds
- Security features: AES encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch
- Privacy credentials: Strict no-logs policy, privacy-friendly jurisdictions, and RAM-only servers
- Speed: Reasonably high download and upload speeds and low latency
- Usability: Easy-to-use apps for mobile and desktop platforms
The Landscape
The digital terrain in China presents unique challenges, with the Great Firewall constantly evolving. If you're planning a trip to China, you'll need a reliable VPN to access the open internet.
China's internet censorship system, the Great Firewall, uses advanced techniques like deep packet inspection (DPI) to block VPNs that don't comply with the government's dictates. This means a strong China VPN needs features like obfuscation, stealth servers, and rotating IP addresses to outwit the firewall.
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Astrill VPN, Mullvad VPN, and LetsVPN have consistently demonstrated their ability to bypass China's blocking techniques. These services have proven stable connections for users within the country.
NordVPN, Surfshark, and ExpressVPN are popular VPNs, but they don't reliably work in China. You're strongly advised against relying on these services, regardless of assurances from their advertising or support teams.
Here are some working VPNs in China:
- Astrill VPN
- Mullvad VPN
- LetsVPN
Keep in mind that China's VPN-blocking systems are constantly evolving, and what works today might not work tomorrow. It's essential to have a backup VPN in case your preferred service doesn't work in the country.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it illegal for a foreigner to use a VPN in China?
No, it's not illegal for a foreigner to use a VPN in China, but using an unapproved service can still have consequences. Read on to learn more about the risks and approved VPN options.
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