China Guide to Latest Blocked Websites

As is well known, China is a country that receives a massive influx of tourists. However, the number of blocked websites in China is also increasing. This means tourists, students, or anyone traveling to China must prepare their internet access well before their trip. Having VPN that work in china installed on your device is an absolute necessity to ensure uninterrupted communication.

Before looking for solutions, let's first understand the main reasons why the internet in China has so many restrictions.

Why can't you access certain websites in China?

Many people might wonder why, when in China, they cannot access popular websites like Google, Gmail, Wikipedia, Netflix, or even global news sites like the BBC and The New York Times at all.

The main reason is that the Chinese government strictly controls domestic internet usage through a system known as the Great Firewall. Its purpose is to filter and restrict access to websites with content that contradicts state policies or contains information deemed inappropriate from the Chinese government's perspective.

As a result, many internet users in China cannot directly access major global websites that we use regularly in our daily lives, such as Google's search engine, streaming on Netflix, or even looking up information on Wikipedia.

🐮 For anyone planning to travel to China or live there, preparing for these restrictions is crucial. Let's check out which websites are blocked in China.

What websites are blocked in China?

Big Bull has compiled a list of websites and applications that are inaccessible in China for you to check out below:

News Media Blocked in China

• The New York Times: A world-renowned newspaper based in the United States.
• BBC: A world-famous broadcasting corporation from the United Kingdom.
• Financial Times: An internationally recognized economic and financial newspaper.
• Wall Street Journal: A world-renowned economic and financial newspaper.
• Reuters: A global news organization and agency.
• CNN: A world-famous television news channel.
• TIME: A world-renowned magazine covering important events in society, culture, and the economy.
• WION: An Indian-based multinational television news channel covering stories across Asia.
• Quora: A Q&A and knowledge-sharing platform with users from all over the world.

Search Engines and Discovery Tools Blocked in China

• Google: A world-renowned website offering a search engine, email, maps, and other services.
• Amazon (Alexa): A voice-controlled smart system developed by Amazon.
• Yahoo: A website offering a search engine, news, and other services.
• DuckDuckGo: A search engine that emphasizes privacy and does not track user data.
• Bing: A search engine developed by Microsoft.
• Pinterest: A website and app for discovering and sharing ideas and photos online.

Messaging Apps Blocked in China

• WhatsApp: A globally popular internet-based messaging and calling app.
• Facebook Messenger: A communication app by Facebook that allows users to send messages, make voice and video calls, and engage in group chats.
• Telegram: A highly secure communication app with special features for sending messages, videos, photos, and files online.
• LINE: A communication app featuring chat, voice and video calls, and other services, highly popular in Thailand and Southeast Asia.
• Signal: A highly trusted communication app known for its privacy and data security for messages sent between users.
• KakaoTalk: A communication app featuring chat, voice and video calls, and other services, highly popular in South Korea and Southeast Asia.
• Gmail: A free email service provided by Google.
• Dropbox: A cloud storage service that allows users to upload, share, and access their files from anywhere via the internet.

Blogging and Article Platforms Blocked in China

• Medium: A platform for publishing articles and content focused on writing and reading, with users from all over the world.
• Blogspot: A popular free platform for creating blogs or weblogs for those who want to write articles and share content online.
• WordPress.com: A platform providing website hosting and creation using WordPress software, which is a user-friendly and flexible tool for building websites and various blogs.
• Pantip: An online community website that allows members to exchange opinions and post content on a wide variety of interesting topics.
• Tumblr: A microblogging platform focused on posting various content such as photos, text, videos, and more, which can be shared and followed by other users.

Voice and Video Calling Apps Blocked in China

• Skype: - A communication platform providing voice calling and messaging via the internet.
• Google Hangouts: A communication platform linked to Google accounts that provides voice and video calls, text chat, and file sharing via the internet.
• Viber: A communication app providing voice calls, video calls, and text chat via the internet.

Other Websites Banned in China

• Porn websites: Adult 18+ and pornographic websites.
• VPN websites: Websites providing VPN services.
• Politically sensitive sites: Websites related to political matters.

Media Websites Blocked in China

• YouTube: An online video platform that allows users to watch, upload, and share videos for free.
• Twitch: A highly populated online platform for streaming games and video content.
• NaverTV: An online video platform providing streaming videos and entertainment content from Naver in South Korea.
• Viu: An online video streaming service offering series, movies, and various entertainment content across multiple Southeast Asian countries.

Social Media Platforms Banned in China

• Facebook: An online social networking website and platform that allows users to create posts, share content, and connect with other users.
• X: A social media platform that allows users to post text and media with a 280-character limit per post.
• Instagram: A social media platform focused on sharing photos and short videos, where users can post, share, and connect with others.
• TikTok: A social media platform centered around creating and sharing short, entertaining videos.
• Twitch: A platform that allows users to stream games and live online content over the internet.

AI Platforms Blocked in China

• ChatGPT: An AI chatbot platform utilizing an advanced language model, blocked due to concerns over content and data that is not regulated by the government.
• Google Gemini: An artificial intelligence platform developed by Google capable of processing multimodal data such as text, images, and videos. However, this service is unavailable in China due to the Chinese government's internet control policies and restrictions.
• Copilot: Even though Microsoft operates in China, access to AI tools like GitHub Copilot or Microsoft Copilot is restricted.
• Claude: An advanced AI language model by Anthropic, blocked from being accessed via Chinese networks.
• Perplexity AI: An AI platform that uses real-time search to answer questions using up-to-date online sources, restricted from access in China.

What is a VPN and how does it help you surf the internet in China?

Many people might wonder what is a VPN. To explain it simply, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) is a simulated network that creates a private data transmission channel over the internet. By encrypting your data and masking your identity, it prevents China's internet monitoring system from knowing which websites you are accessing.

When you use VPNs that work in china, your data is securely routed through a tunnel to servers abroad. This allows you to bypass geographical restrictions and access blocked websites just as if you were surfing the internet from home.

How to access blocked websites in China with BullVPN

If you are in China and want to access restricted websites, Big Bull recommends that choosing the appropriate server will help make your connection smoother. Here are some basic steps you can follow:

1. Download and install the BullVPN application on your mobile phone or computer before your trip.

• Download BullVPN:https://www.bullvpn.com/setup

1. Choose a server that matches your usage purpose:

• Thai VPN Server: If you want to use Thai apps, such as Thai banking apps, or watch Thai dramas and series on streaming platforms while in China, connecting to VPN Server Thailand will make the system identify your location as Thailand, allowing normal usage.
• Server VPN for China: For those who prioritize stability in bypassing China's defense system specifically, choosing a Server VPN for China makes connecting easier. This is because the routing is optimized to evade detection much better than regular servers.

1. Click Connect: Once the app shows the "Connect" status, you can immediately surf the internet freely.

With BullVPN's system, which is continuously updated and developed to be VPNs that work in china, it serves as a vital tool to make working or traveling much more convenient. It helps secure your internet connection and maintains your online privacy better than ever.

FAQ

1. Traveling to China: should I buy a SIM card or use a VPN? 

Big Bull recommends doing both. Buying a roaming SIM might allow some web access, but speeds can be limited for certain apps. Using VPNs that work in china along with local internet, such as hotel Wi-Fi, will help save costs and allow free access to all websites.

2. What is a VPN, and is it illegal in China? 

Many people worry about what a VPN is and whether they'll get arrested for using one. In reality, it is a data security tool. For foreign tourists, using it to access personal social media is generally not an issue, but you should avoid using it to criticize sensitive topics.

3. Why does the VPN sometimes fail to connect in China? 

The Great Firewall system is constantly updated to block loopholes. If you cannot connect, try changing the protocol in the app or contact the BullVPN team for advice on the best-performing Server VPN for China at that moment.

4. Can I watch YouTube while using a VPN? 

Absolutely. When connecting to a Thai VPN server or a server in a country that supports YouTube, the system will perceive that you are using the internet from Thailand, allowing you to access YouTube, Facebook, Google, and other websites normally.

5. When should I install a VPN? 

It is highly recommended to download the app, install it, and register your account while you are still in Thailand. Once you fly into China, most VPN providers' websites are blocked, making it very difficult to download the application.