Why VPN is Needed for Travelers to China, If you plan to travel to China, you should know that travelers to China face restrictions on accessing information online. A Virtual Private Network (VPN) allows users to bypass filters and access blocked content. This makes a VPN an essential tool for anyone visiting China.
Overview of Internet Censorship in China
The Chinese government implements strict control over online content and monitors internet usage of citizens and visitors. This is done through an advanced filtration system known as the Great Firewall of China.
Websites and services blocked in China include:
- Global social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter, YouTube
- Messaging services like WhatsApp, Line, Telegram
- News outlets like BBC, New York Times, Bloomberg
- Search engines like Google, Bing
The firewall uses deep packet inspection to filter traffic and block banned sites and keywords. The system is sophisticated enough to even cut connections mid-use if prohibited terms are detected.
The censorship aims to control the narrative and flow of information. It prevents Chinese citizens from accessing information their government deems inappropriate or dangerous. And it limits foreign visitors from freely using the internet during their stay.
Why Travelers Need a VPN in China
For travelers accustomed to unfettered internet access, China’s strict limitations can make life difficult:
Staying in Touch
Messaging apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger, which people rely on to stay in contact with family and friends when traveling, are not accessible in China without a VPN.
Social Media
Posting updates and photos on blocked platforms like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook is impossible without a VPN.
News and Information
Visitors cannot access international news outlets to stay updated. Google and Wikipedia are not available to look up basic information.
Work and Business Purposes
People traveling for work will be unable to use critical business tools and websites that are censored by the firewall.
Transport and Directions
Google Maps is blocked, so people cannot use it for navigation or looking up destinations. Ride sharing apps like Uber are banned as well.
Entertainment
Streaming sites and many foreign media services cannot be accessed directly. Even buying movies or e-books from global stores like iTunes and Kindle is restricted.
How a VPN Enables Access in China
A VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between the user’s device and a server located outside mainland China. This allows the user to bypass the firewall and access the open internet:
Encrypted Connection
The VPN tunnel encrypts all traffic between the local device and remote server, preventing the firewall from analyzing packets to filter traffic.
IP Masking
The local device is assigned an IP address from the foreign VPN server’s location. This masks the user’s true location and identity.
Access to Unrestricted Content
By connecting via a server abroad, the VPN tunnel allows the user to access content as if they were in the server’s country. Websites and services blocked in China become accessible.
Public Wi-Fi Security
Connecting through a VPN encrypts data and masks IPs even on public networks, providing protection from snoopers and hackers.
Defeating Throttling
Some ISPs deliberately throttle traffic from VPNs. A reputable VPN uses protocols and dedicated servers to bypass this throttling.
Factors to Consider When Choosing a VPN
With many VPN providers in the market, travelers should evaluate them thoroughly before selecting one for a trip to China:
Server Locations
Look for VPNs with server locations strategically placed to offer the best speeds in China, as well as exit points in other countries.
Protocols
OpenVPN and WireGuard are considered the most secure protocols. Providers should offer both options.
Device Compatibility
The VPN should support all major platforms – Windows, Mac, iOS, Android. Router installation support is also ideal for securing all connected devices.
Speeds and Reliability
Select a VPN that delivers fast enough speeds to stream HD video and make VoIP calls without lags or disconnections within China.
Subscription Plans
While free VPNs exist, paid providers with monthly, half-yearly or annual plans tend to be more reliable. Check different pricing tiers.
Customer Support
VPN providers should offer 24/7 live chat and email support in case issues arise during the trip. Conversational English support is preferred.
Using a VPN to Bypass the Firewall
You can find some of the best VPNs for China from VPN reviews or searching online, including using Chinese phrases such as “VPN“. Once a suitable VPN provider is selected, using the VPN in China takes just a few simple steps:
Installation
Install the VPN app on all your internet-enabled devices before leaving for China. For routers, configure VPN before departure as well.
Connection
Connect to the VPN server after arriving in China. Select a server location – Hong Kong and Taiwan servers generally offer optimal speeds.
Access Blocked Websites
Websites and apps blocked in China can now be freely accessed via the encrypted VPN tunnel.
Disable VPN When Not in Use
Turn off the VPN connection while not surfing the internet to conserve battery life.
Conclusion
China’s internet censorship presents a formidable obstacle for foreigners unaccustomed to not having ready access to information. With the country blocking a large number of popular websites and services, travelers would find it extremely limiting to directly use the internet there. A high-quality VPN provides the perfect solution to bypass the firewall. It allows travelers to use the internet freely in China by encrypting traffic and masking their identity. From staying in touch with family to using Google Maps, a VPN is an essential tool for any visitor to have a stress-free experience in China.
