How to get a Chinese IP address with a VPN

Looking to access Chinese websites while abroad? You’ve probably noticed that geo-blocks can be a real barrier. A VPN connection can be your key to unlocking content from platforms like Youku, iQiyi, CNTV, or Tudou. By connecting to a VPN server in China, you get a Chinese IP address, effectively bypassing these restrictions.

But it’s not just about access; it’s also about authority and online privacy. Your Internet Service Provider (ISP) and even the government can monitor your online activities. A VPN with strict no-logs policies can route your traffic through a secure connection, keeping prying eyes at bay.

Short on time? Scroll down for a quick guide to the best VPNs for a Chinese IP address.

1. Hotspot Shield: Our #1 choice to get a Chinese IP address. Fast enough for flawless streaming with user-friendly apps that make it easy to get a Chinese IP address abroad.
2. ZenMate: Secure, easy to use, and able to access most major streaming platforms. Has a dozen servers in China and over 4,000 worldwide.
3. HideMyAss: A popular service with strong encryption, decent streaming potential, and the ability to get you an IP address from China wherever you are.

How to get a Chinese IP address using a VPN

With the right VPN, getting a Chinese IP address only takes a few seconds.

Here’s how to get a China IP address in 5 steps:

1. First of all, sign up for one of the VPNs below (we particularly recommend Hotspot Shield).
2. Next, download and install the VPN app. There’ll be several different versions, so be sure to get the appropriate one for your device or operating system.
3. Connect to any of your VPN’s China servers.
4. Visit a region-locked Chinese site. It should now be accessible, as though you were actually in China.
5. If this doesn’t work, you can fix most issues by clearing your browser’s cookies and cache, then reloading the page.

The best VPNs for a Chinese IP address: at a glance

We’ve compared the most important features of the top VPNs here. Prefer to read the in-depth reviews? Start with Hotspot Shield – our #1 choice for Chinese IP.

Best VPNs for getting an IP address from China

Given China’s stringent data retention laws and government oversight, many top-tier VPNs have pulled their Chinese servers. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. We recommend only premium VPNs that meet the following criteria:

• At least one server in China, but the more, the better.
• Unbreakable encryption and additional security features.
• Consistent high speeds for a seamless experience.
• Strict no-logs policies to protect your identity.
• Apps for all major operating systems.

We’ll delve into our testing methodology later, but for now, let’s focus on the VPNs that make the grade.

Here’s our list of VPNs that can help you gain a Chinese IP address:

1. Hotspot Shield

Apr 2024

Hotspot Shield is our top choice for getting a Chinese IP address. It has roughly 1,800 servers in 80+ locations, including China, which means it’s great for securely accessing streaming services from all around the world. Further, with consistently high speeds (over 60 Mbps in our latest tests), there’s no need to worry about excessive lag or buffering. This VPN allows you to connect up to five devices simultaneously.

This service uses 256-bit encryption and DNS leak protection to keep your traffic secure at all times. There’s also a kill switch in the Windows and Android apps, which stops all data transferal whenever you lose connection suddenly. Hotspot Shield doesn’t log any personally identifiable information. This VPN even has its own custom protocol named Hydra that can help you browse safely while in China. Customer support is available 24/7 via email or live chat.

Hotspot Shield apps are available for Windows, Linux, MacOS, iOS, and Android.

BEST VPN FOR A CHINESE IP ADDRESS:Hotspot Shield is our top pick as it allows you to quickly and reliably access sites like Youku outside of China. This VPN is fast, secure, and, best of all, it comes with a risk-free 45-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full Hotspot Shield review.

2. ZenMate

ZenMate has a dozen servers in China and more than 4,000 others in a further 80 countries. It’s able to securely access most of the streaming platforms we’ve tested it with, including more stubborn services like Netflix. While its speeds aren’t the fastest we’ve seen, they’re steady enough for most tasks. Better still, this is one of the few VPNs on the market that lets you connect all of your devices at once.

This service keeps your activities hidden with 256-bit encryption, DNS leak protection, and a kill switch. What’s more, it follows a true no-logs policy, meaning it can’t reveal what you do online, even in the face of legal pressure. If you run into any issues, you can submit a ticket or get help over live chat (though this service does seem to go offline periodically).

ZenMate has its own iOS, Android, MacOS, and Windows apps.

NO DEVICE LIMIT:ZenMate can secure every device you own simultaneously. Not only that, but it’s a strong choice for streaming and keeps no logs whatsoever. Still unsure? No problem: this VPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our full review of ZenMate.

3. HideMyAss

HideMyAss might not have the largest network (around 1,100 servers) but it covers more than 200 locations, including China. This VPN unblocks Chinese TV Channels and streaming services like Youku with ease and is fast enough to stream live HD video with no noticeable lag or buffering. With up to five simultaneous connections permitted, HideMyAss is great for anyone looking to protect all of their most commonly-used devices at once.

This service has numerous security features, including 256-bit encryption, a kill switch (desktop only), IP address shuffler, and protection against IPv6 and DNS leaks. It has recently revamped its privacy policy and no longer logs any personally identifiable information. You can reach support over live chat, 24/7.

This VPN has apps for Windows, MacOS, Android, and iOS devices. It also works with Linux systems and some internet routers, but must be installed manually.

LIGHTNING FAST BROWSING:HideMyAss offers the ability to watch Chinese TV live, from anywhere, in the highest possible quality. It also includes powerful security options and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read our comprehensive HideMyAss review.

Internet restrictions in China

The Chinese government restricts access to a huge range of content. Although most VPNs will still allow you to access blocked websites while connected to a Chinese server, some might not. For this reason, we’ve created a short list of the kinds of sites and services that are blocked in China:

• Social media services (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram)
• Search engines (Google, DuckDuckGo, Bing)
• Messaging services (Signal, WhatsApp, Telegram)
• Most streaming services (Netflix, YouTube, BBC iPlayer)
• Information hubs (Wikipedia, Quora)
• Cloud-storage platforms (Google Drive, Dropbox, OneDrive)
• Non-Chinese news (The Guardian, NY Times, CNN)
• Privacy or VPN-related sites (OpenVPN, Comparitech, Torproject)

The full list is changing all teh time, so this is by no means an exhaustive account. So use this tool to check if a specific site is blocked in China.

The scoop on China’s Great Firewall

The Great Firewall of China (GFW) is a term used to describe China’s sophisticated and comprehensive internet censorship system. It’s part of the country’s “Golden Shield Project,” a security measure initiated by the Chinese government to control and regulate the Internet within China.

The Great Firewall is designed to block or limit access to specific foreign websites, platforms, and services that the Chinese government deems inappropriate or harmful to its cultural and political stability. This includes popular social platforms like Facebook, Linkedin, and Instagram, news outlets like The New York Times and BBC, and other foreign websites. The Great Firewall also restricts access to several VPN providers, making it challenging for users in China to bypass these restrictions and access the global internet.

Furthermore, the GFW employs various advanced technologies to control the country’s internet. These technologies include IP blocking, DNS tampering, URL filtering, and deep packet inspection (DPI), which allows the GFW to analyze internet traffic, filter content, and block certain information from being transmitted.

While a few select VPNs work in China to bypass the restrictions imposed by the Great Firewall, the practice occupies a legal grey area within China. Any attempt to access blocked content using a VPN in the country could lead to penalties.

Using a VPN to get a Chinese IP address can allow you to access local Chinese content and services from outside the country. First, however, it’s crucial to choose a VPN provider that has proven effective at navigating the complexities of the Great Firewall and has a track record of maintaining user privacy and security, such as those few listed above.

Methodology: Choosing the best VPNs for a Chinese IP address

The Chinese government has been cracking down on VPNs for several years, which is why it’s so hard to find a provider with servers in the country. Still, there are still a few suitable VPNs. To make sure we only recommend the very best services, we created a strict list of requirements:

• Suitable servers: First, we need servers that can get you a Chinese IP address. These might be physically located in China but will more likely be hosted elsewhere to avoid interference from the government.
• Excellent performance: We thoroughly speed-test every service to ensure that they’re fast enough for streaming, torrenting, and general browsing. Their speeds have to be pretty consistent, too, otherwise, you’ll run into problems like lag or random connection drops.
• Powerful security tools: Our top VPNs have to offer a strong set of security and privacy features, including powerful encryption, leak protection, and a no-logs policy.
• High level of versatility: Ideally, services will offer specially-optimized servers for different tasks. Additionally, we’d rather they work with a wide range of Chinese streaming services, including iQiYi, Youku, and Tencent Video.

Read our detailed explainer post to find out more about how we test VPNs at Comparitech.

Getting a Chinese IP address: FAQs