After testing multiple VPNs on the market, I found the top 5 VPNs for accessing Chinese content, so you can use your banking sites, streaming platforms, and more worldwide. ExpressVPN is the best VPN for getting a Chinese IP address, as it consistently unblocked content with blazing-fast speeds. Plus, you can test ExpressVPN for yourself risk-free since it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee that you can use to get a refund if you’re not satisfied with it. Get a China IP address with ExpressVPN
Quick Guide: 3 Easy Steps to Get an IP Address in China
Get a China IP address with ExpressVPN
The Best VPNs to Get a China IP Address (Tested in January 2023)
1. ExpressVPN — #1 VPN for Getting a China IP Address With Top-Notch Speeds and Security Features
Key Features: ExpressVPN is the best VPN for China because it gives you quick and secure access to your favorite Chinese streaming sites. Throughout testing, ExpressVPN consistently offered blazing fast speeds and was able to stream shows without any buffering. Plus, it also offers some of the most advanced security features on the market to keep you safe. With a 5 simultaneous device connections limit, you can secure many devices at the same time. The reason for ExpressVPN’s fast speeds is its proprietary Lightway protocol. Lightway is developed by ExpressVPN for only one purpose – fast and secure connections. I tested this claim myself, and found my speeds dropped by barely 8% when connected to Hong Kong. Plus, Lightway’s security has been audited and approved by third-parties, and its open-source codebase is fully transparent to the public. As a bonus, ExpressVPN accessed multiple Chinese platforms, including TenCent, MangoTV, iQiyi, Youku, Open163, and QQ Music. Since it barely impacts connection speeds, it’s able to stream the shows and movies in 4K or HD with no buffering time at all. You can count on ExpressVPN to keep you safe with lots of top-tier security features. Other than military-grade 256-bit encryption and a kill switch, ExpressVPN has its own private DNS server to prevent your DNS requests from leaking. When there’s a DNS leak, hackers can steal your data from the cache of the DNS. I ran a DNS test on ExpressVPN, and sure enough, it found no leaks. One downside to ExpressVPN is that its servers aren’t really in China, they are in Hong Kong instead. However, you don’t have to worry because Hong Kong has access to most Chinese sites. As an upside, ExpressVPN’s Hong Kong servers are physically there, but most servers owned by other VPNs in China are virtual. This way, ExpressVPN’s Hong Kong servers are actually closer to China than the VPNs that have virtual servers in China. Even with that small disadvantage, ExpressVPN is the #1 VPN for getting a China IP address. If you want to get access to your favorite Chinese shows, subscribe to its 1-year + 3 months plan. This is ExpressVPN’s best plan and it comes at only $6.67 per month. If you’re not satisfied with its services after using it, you can request a refund via ExpressVPN’s 24/7 live chat or email within 30 days. My request was approved in less than a minute, and I got my money back just a week later. Get a China IP address with ExpressVPN
2. CyberGhost — Most Servers in China for a Smooth Streaming Experience
Key Features: CyberGhost has the most servers in China out of all VPNs on this list. Lots of servers means many IP addresses, which means you won’t experience slow speeds caused by overcrowded servers. It also means that CyberGhost is more consistent at accessing streaming services. If one IP address goes down, there are plenty of backups to use instead. My test showed that CyberGhost didn’t reduce my internet speed much, so you can access sites without buffering. It took just seconds to connect to a server in China, and my speed dropped only 27% after connecting to CyberGhost. Even while connected, it was fast enough to load all the websites I needed quickly. If you’re worried about security when browsing the Chinese web, CyberGhost offers several protocols for you to choose from according to your needs, such as OpenVPN, IKEv2, and WireGuard. What really impressed me is the NoSpy Servers that are owned by CyberGhost. The servers are located in its private data center in Romania. This gives your data extra protection as only CyberGhost has access to your data (which they won’t access because they have a strict no-logs policy). Romania is also outside of the 5/9/14 Eyes Alliance, so your data won’t be shared with anyone. CyberGhost was able to access and stream Open163, Youku, iQiyi, Mango, and QQ Music. It couldn’t load Tencent even after several tries though. However, CyberGhost streamed shows on iQiyi in HD without any buffering. Unfortunately, its monthly plan is one of the pricier options on the market, and it only comes with a 14-day money-back guarantee. However, CyberGhost costs only $2.19 per month if you subscribe to its 2-year + 2 months plan. With its long-term plan, you also get a 45-day money-back guarantee (the longest on this list) so you get lots of time to try CyberGhost out for free. If you’re not satisfied with it, you can contact its customer service to request a refund. I asked for a refund on CyberGhost’s live chat feature, and the agent immediately approved my request without asking me any questions. A week later, my money was back in my account. Get a China IP address with CyberGhost
3. Private Internet Access — Connect to a Chinese Server on Multiple Devices Quickly & Safely
Key Features: PIA is one of the best VPNs for getting a China IP address on multiple devices. During testing, I found that even on the maximum of 10 devices, my speeds never dropped. This meant I was able to access Chinese content on my laptop, phone, and tablet, without ever experiencing long loading times. PIA has multiple features to ensure you have fast speed at all times. Its Next Generation Network features 10GB network cards (instead of the previous 1GB) to make sure your speed is blazing fast. PIA also features a “use small packet” feature that can give your speed a boost when you’re using both WireGuard and OpenVPN security protocols. I ran a speed test and found that PIA only dropped my speed by about 22%. Blazing fast speed is not all PIA has to offer. PIA also protects your data with a strict no-logs policy and a customizable kill switch that’ll cut off your internet connection when you disconnect from the VPN, so your data won’t be exposed. PIA even has a built-in ad blocker and tracker blocker that’ll keep your personal data safe from hackers and malware. With 35000+ servers in 84 countries, PIA also has the biggest server network on this list. More servers mean there are more IP addresses for everyone, so you’ll less likely to encounter an overcrowded server. Sure enough, when testing PIA, it unblocked most Chinese sites and platforms right away, and there was next to no buffering when streaming shows in HD. However, PIA is based in the US, which is in the heart of the 5-eyes, 9-eyes, and 14-eyes alliance. These intelligence sharing alliances monitor and share the activity of internet users when necessary to protect national security. Needless to say, this doesn’t look good for a VPN that aims to keep you untraceable at all times. Luckily, PIA doesn’t store logs, so there’s nothing to share if the US government requests something. All things considered, PIA is one of the top VPNs for getting a Chinese IP address. If you subscribe to its 2-year + 2 months plan, you get the best price at only $2.19 per month. With a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can try PIA yourself risk-free. If you decide it’s not for you after trying, you can get a refund within 30 days. The customer support agent approved my refund request on live chat immediately, and my money was back in my account 4 days later. Get a China IP address with Private Internet Access
4. PrivateVPN — Access to Chinese Content Easily With a Beginner-Friendly VPN
Key Features: You can quickly and easily access Chinese content with PrivateVPN, no matter if you’re a complete beginner or an experienced VPN user. PrivateVPN is a very beginner-friendly VPN, and it offers lots of support for its users, whether for installing or using it. On top of that, its speed, security, and ability to unblock content are all of top-notch quality. PrivateVPN’s “Simple” mode makes it super easy for beginners to select a location and connect, without confusing you with too many details. If you need help with installing the app, PrivateVPN has extensive help guides and even offers a remote setup service to help get you started with streaming. For users with more experience, PrivateVPN has a large selection of protocols for you to choose from, including OpenVPN, L2TP, IPsec, PPTP, and IKEv2. This way, you can customize your VPN experience according to your needs. Plus, PrivateVPN offers 10 simultaneous device connections, so you can secure many devices with just one account. With 2 servers in Hong Kong, there are lots of IP addresses to connect to, so server overcrowding is less likely to happen. PrivateVPN also unblocks Mango TV, QQMusic, Open163, and Youku. Sadly, PrivateVPN wasn’t able to access Tencent even after several tries. However, it accessed other platforms quickly. Even though speeds slowed down by almost 50%, it was still fast enough to stream shows in HD without much buffering. PrivateVPN has the most affordable plan on this list. Its best plan is its 3-year option, which works out at only $2.00 per month. However, if you only need it for a short time, its monthly plan is quite expensive. Don’t worry though, if you’re not satisfied with its service, you can get a refund before 30 days are up. Even though it’s affordable, PrivateVPN’s network is quite small compared to other top VPNs on this list. If you subscribe to PrivateVPN, you might not have that many options for unblocking content from other countries. However, all the servers work and can bypass most geoblocks, including the ones in China. All in all, PrivateVPN is a great VPN for getting a Chinese IP address because of its affordable price, easy-to-use features, and the additional perk that keeps you extra safe. With a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can get a refund by contacting customer support via its ticket system, and you’ll get your money back in no time. Get a China IP address with PrivateVPN
5. Proton VPN — Get a China IP Address Safely With Premium Security Features
Key Features: Proton VPN’s strong security features make it a great choice for getting a China IP address. Proton VPN is equipped with a no-logs policy, kill switch, and military-grade encryption. On top of these standard security features, Proton VPN also safeguards your online safety with an adblocker, DNS leak protection, and more to ensure your privacy is secured. NetShield is Proton VPN’s proprietary adblocker, which safeguards your data from malware, ads, and trackers. Plus, Proton VPN gives your data an extra layer of protection with its exclusive Secure Core feature. It keeps your data safe by rerouting it through multiple servers, so even advanced hackers won’t be able to find out your real IP address. With 10 simultaneous device connections and compatibility with Windows, Android, Mac, iOS, Linux, and more, you can secure all your devices with just one account. Besides security features, Proton VPN can bypass most Chinese geoblocks, so you can stream your favorite Chinese shows whenever you want. Proton VPN accessed Tencent, iQiyi, Mango TV, and Open163. Simply connect to its servers in Hong Kong, and Proton VPN will be able to access most Chinese sites. However, the pages of QQMusic and Youku wouldn’t load even after several tries. In terms of speed, Proton VPN slowed me down by only 23%, so it’s fast enough to stream shows in HD without interruptions. The reason for its fast speed is Proton VPN’s VPN accelerator. This uses updated VPN protocols and advanced networking techniques to reduce inefficiencies, so you get uninterrupted streaming every time. Even though it’s very secure and quite fast, Proton VPN has a disappointing refund policy. Unlike most other VPNs, Proton VPN only reimburses you on the days you still have on your subscription. This means that if you ask for a refund on the 25th day, you’ll only get the money for the last 5 remaining days back. You won’t be able to get a full refund unless you cancel right after you subscribe. Even with this drawback, Proton VPN still works well in accessing Chinese content, making it a good VPN for getting a Chinese IP address. And don’t worry about the long-term commitment. Proton VPN’s 2-year plan costs only $4.99 per month and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can test Proton VPN out yourself without risks. Even though it doesn’t offer full refunds, you can still get some money back by asking for a refund. Get a China IP address with Proton VPN
How Does a VPN Get a China IP Address?
A VPN gives you an IP address and masks your original one with its own. VPNs have physical or virtual servers in different locations worldwide, and each server has many IP addresses. When you pick a location, like China, and hit connect, the VPN reroutes your connection to the server there. This way, when you try to access local sites, those sites will think your traffic is coming from China, and they’ll grant you access to the content. This works the same in every country. For example, if you want to access your account on Netflix US, then you have to connect to a US server. Get a China IP address with ExpressVPN
Research Methodology: How I Tested the Best VPNs for a China IP Address
I tested the top VPNs on the market to find the best providers for getting a China IP address. These are the criteria I applied during my search: Get a China IP address with ExpressVPN
Are VPNs legal in China?
No, but getting a China IP address from abroad is completely legal, as long as the country you’re in does not ban VPNs. It’s completely fine if you’re trying to access Chinese content from abroad. It is not banned to obtain a China IP address from abroad as long as you’re in a country where VPNs are legal. Many VPNs that can access Chinese content offer premium security and reliable connections, and most of them are VPNs with excellent monthly plans that cost only a couple of dollars per month. However, it’s illegal to use VPNs in China to access blocked content from other countries. Be sure to check your local laws to be sure you’re not using a VPN service where it is not allowed.
Can I use a proxy to get a China IP address instead of a VPN?
Yes, but proxies won’t help you get a Chinese IP address safely. Proxies don’t come with strong encryption to protect your data, so your data would be exposed to hackers who are looking to steal your sensitive information. Using a VPN is still the best way to access geoblocked content, and premium VPNs like ExpressVPN can help you get a Chinese IP address easily.
How do I check if my IP address has changed?
If you can access the content that’s previously blocked, then your IP address has changed. You can also use this free IP checker tool. It’ll tell you where your current IP location is, your ISP, and your protection status. If it shows that you’re connected to a VPN server, but you still can’t access geoblocked content, then you can try clearing your cache and cookies to remove all trackers, and it should work properly afterwards. If not, you might want to contact your VPN’s customer support to troubleshoot this issue.
What else can a VPN do?
VPNs can also keep you safe online. With their strong encryption, VPNs protect you against identity thefts and hackers trying to get your data online with strong encryption that’s almost impossible to breach. You can also prevent malicious attacks from public wifis with a premium VPN. Many hackers use public wifis to distribute viruses, malware, or spyware to compromise your devices, and VPNs can protect you from that because they mask your IP address with their own.
Can I use a free VPN to get a China IP address?
Probably not. Only a handful of VPNs can help you get a Chinese IP address on the market, and most of them are not free. In any case, free VPNs often don’t have the best reputation or quality. Even the best free VPNs on the market come with data restrictions and are unable to access Chinese content. The worst free VPNs don’t have strong security features, and some of them even sell their users’ data to make up a profit. The best and safest way to get a Chinese IP address is to use a high-quality VPN like ExpressVPN. Premium VPNs have strong security features, fast servers, and they even come with money-back guarantees, so you can try them out without risks. For example, ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you’re not satisfied after trying, you can contact its customer service within 30 days, and they will approve your refund request in minutes.
Get a China IP address with ExpressVPN
Access Chinese Content With a VPN Now
If you need to regain access to Chinese sites from abroad, just connect to a premium VPN to get a Chinese IP address, and you’re all set. After testing lots of VPNs, I found that the best VPN for getting a Chinese IP address is ExpressVPN because of its blazing fast connections, robust security features, and its ability to unblock many Chinese sites and streaming platforms. With a 30-day money-back guarantee, you can test ExpressVPN out yourself. If it doesn’t meet your expectations, then simply request a refund within 30 days, and you’ll get your money back very soon.
