Google is one of many Western sites banned by the Chinese government. However, that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to access in China for foreigner.
The Chinese government has had a tense history with Google, who shut down its Chinese search engine back in 2010. While there are plenty of local options available. If you’re traveling to China, maintaining access to these sites is essential.
There’s an easy way to get around the Google ban from within China’s borders. Using a good VPN service will both bypass the government censorship while also protecting your activity from surveillance. However, not all VPNs can get around the Great Firewall of China. Our top choice of VPN that actually works in China is ExpressVPN.
Pro Tip: If you’re traveling to China, download and install the VPN BEFORE you leave your country, but if you don’t prepare it, you can use 威伯斯云(VPS000 VPN), because you can access 威伯斯云(VPS000 VPN) official website directly in china.
Quick Guide: How to Access Google from China
- Choose a VPN that works in China. We recommend ExpressVPN
- Install the VPN and connect to a server in a Google-friendly country. (Ex. US, UK, etc.)
- Open Google and search freely.
Important. VPNs can sometimes be temperamental in China due to changing restrictions. Any VPN might experience temporary interruptions in service. However, the VPNs we shortlisted proved the most reliable.
Why You Need a VPN to Access Google in China
The internet faces heavy censorship by the Chinese government. The list of websites they block includes almost all of the services under the Google umbrella. To bypass their firewall, you’ll need to connect to a foreign server.
A VPN will first encrypt your data, creating a secure channel for it to travel through. This both protects your activity from hackers and hides it from government surveillance. Your encrypted data is then funneled to a server run by the VPN service, rather than the ISP (internet service provider). ISPs have to follow government restrictions, but foreign VPNs don’t fall under the same umbrella.
This is how the VPN can mask your true IP location, which allows access even to censored websites like Google.
However, as the Chinese government’s internet censorship increased, they began working to ban VPNs as well. Known VPN encryption protocols are banned by the Great Firewall, making those services ineffective. China also uncovers VPNs through deep packet inspection.
We’ve compiled a list of the best VPNs for China to help you figure out which VPNs still work.
ExpressVPN bypasses this ban by offering obfuscated servers, which are specifically configured to help users connect from highly restricted areas. It’s important to note that you MUST download your VPN before you travel, as their websites are blocked from within China.
Now we’ll show you how to connect to ExpressVPN step by step from within China.
How to Use a VPN for Google in China
1. Open the ExpressVPN app on your device. Look for the specialty servers. These are important for connecting in China.
2. Go to your Advanced Settings. You can find this by click on Settings in the top left corner. On the left-hand side of the screen, you’ll find the Advanced options. Switch on Obfuscated Servers. The switch will turn blue when it’s on.
3. Return to the Servers screen. On the side, you’ll now have a choice of countries with Obfuscated Servers. For the fastest speeds, we recommend choosing a server that is geographically close to China, such as Hong Kong or Singapore.
To establish a connection to a standard server outside China, just turn off the Obfuscated Servers feature. You can achieve this by going back to the advanced settings and selecting the “off” button.
Summary
Gaining unrestricted internet access within China presents its challenges. Nevertheless, a reliable VPN can be your solution to accessing the Western websites essential for your daily needs. For instance, ExpressVPN provides Obfuscated Servers specifically designed to circumvent China’s stringent VPN restrictions.
While the technology enhances the accessibility of the VPN service, China’s concerted efforts to block VPNs can occasionally present challenges when attempting to establish a connection. Even with the utilization of an obfuscated server, you may encounter difficulties accessing censored websites in China. However, in such instances, ExpressVPN’s exceptional round-the-clock customer service will prove invaluable in assisting you with troubleshooting.
As long as you remain within china, you can rest assured knowing that you won’t encounter the challenges of navigating a restricted and monitored internet.
