A VPN that works in China?

Question

Hi, I travelling to China for 10 days in a few days time. I have an eSIM, Holafly but I want to connect my laptop as well. I can hotspot of course but I believe I'll still need a VPN for the laptop to be able to connect to western sites.

can anyone recommend a VPN that currently works in mainland China?

Thanks

Answer

Using a VPN while traveling in mainland China can help you access many western websites and services that are otherwise blocked by the Great Firewall of China and other filtering systems. However, there are a few important caveats you should keep in mind:

Legal and risk considerations:

While internet censorship is strictly enforced in China, the legal status of VPN use for travellers remains somewhat ambiguous. Unapproved VPN services may be subject to blocking or disruptions, and providers who operate without permission may face consequences.

You should install your chosen VPN before you arrive in China (when you still have full access to app stores and download pages), since many VPN provider websites and apps may already be blocked once you're inside.

Travelling with a laptop plus an eSIM (or hotspot) means you’re in a good position — but VPN reliability can vary depending on your exact location, network (hotel WiFi, mobile data), and any recent changes to censorship protocols.

What to look for in a VPN for China:

Obfuscation or “stealth” protocols which mask VPN traffic so it appears more like regular HTTPS traffic.
A provider with a reliable track-record in China, not just general “great worldwide” claims.
Good device support (Windows for your laptop, maybe mobile for your phone/hotspot) and a kill-switch or fallback option in case VPN connection drops.
Install it and test it BEFORE your trip (off-site) so you know it works and you have credentials etc ready.

Here are several VPN options that recent tests and travel-user reports suggest can work in China (though no guarantee, since censorship is dynamic):

ExpressVPN: Many recent guides list ExpressVPN as #1 or near-top for China (November 2025).
Mullvad VPN: Described as “works reliably in China” in an updated review; good obfuscation features.
VyprVPN: Also noted for obfuscation/stealth protocol support and decent performance in China.
NordVPN: Frequently cited as a strong overall choice for China in various VPN-tests.
Astrill VPN: An older favourite for China specifically; high reliability but more expensive.

Some practical tips for your laptop + travel setup:

- Before you depart, subscribe/install the VPN on your laptop (and optionally your mobile device) outside of China. Make sure you can connect to one or two servers.
- When you arrive in China, prefer connecting via your mobile data or hotspot (from your eSIM) then enabling the VPN on your laptop. Some hotel WiFi networks might block VPN ports or throttle unknown protocols.
- Choose a nearby server (for your VPN exit) with good latency: e.g., Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore or Japan (depending on the provider) often gives better performance than a U.S. exit.
- If you encounter connectivity problems (slow, drops, no access), switch the VPN protocol: many providers offer OpenVPN, WireGuard, or “stealth” modes tailored to China.
- Have a backup: Since censorship enforcement may change, it’s wise to have a second VPN account ready (or a backup way to access essential services).
- Respect local laws and avoid using the VPN for any illegal activity (which could increase your risk). As noted, providing or using unapproved VPNs can theoretically run into regulatory issues in China.

In short: Yes, you likely will want a good VPN for your laptop in China if you need access to western services. Choose a reputable provider with a strong track record for China, set it up before you travel, and be prepared for variable performance depending on location and network conditions.

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