China Firewall Test
Check any website to see in real time if it is blocked in China
Quick Link to Test Popular Sites
How Does the Great Firewall of China Test Work?
The Great Firewall test checks to see if your favorite websites are blocked in China. To use it, all you have to do is copy the URL of the page you want to test and paste it into the text box above. Once you do this, the URL is sent to servers in different locations across China. This is where the server app tries to open your URL and reports back the results in real-time.
FAQs on The Great Firewall Test
? Is it illegal to use a VPN in China?
While using non-government-approved VPNs isn’t officially allowed in China, there haven’t been any public reports of tourists facing penalties for using them. However, it’s important to remember that VPNs don’t grant immunity to local laws. Accessing blocked websites or engaging in illegal activities remains prohibited, regardless of using a VPN. We strongly advise against using a VPN for any purpose that violates local regulations.
? What websites are blocked in China?
Some of the most popular websites that are blocked in China are Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, YouTube, Twitch, Wikipedia, Gmail, Google, Reddit, Whatsapp, Spotify, foreign news sites, and more. You can check out the full list of websites blocked in China here.
? How can I get around the Great Firewall of China?
VPNs are an easy way to change your virtual location, essentially allowing you to access the internet as if you were somewhere else. For example, if you’re in China and use a VPN to connect to a server in the US, it will seem like you’re browsing from the US and you’ll be able to access your favorite websites.
However, not all VPNs work in China. So, we perform daily tests to check which VPNs can bypass the Great Firewall. The VPNs on our list can access Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, and more.
It’s also worth noting that China imposes strict regulations on VPN usage, with only government-endorsed VPN services being legally allowed. However, these services cannot be trusted as they enforce the same blocks the government does and likely shares your data with them too.
Notably, there have been no publicly-reported cases of tourists facing penalties for using non-approved VPNs in the country. That being said, be sure to check China’s latest laws and stance on VPNs before using one.
Insider Tip: If you’re traveling to China, make sure that you download a VPN in advance. Most VPN websites will be blocked once you enter the country so you won’t be able to get them.
? Why is China blocking so many websites?
The Chinese government censors online content for political reasons. As part of The Golden Shield Project, many sites and services are blocked so local companies won’t have to worry about competition from overseas.
The government works together with local internet service providers to block online content using advanced technologies such as URL filtering, DNS poisoning, IP blocking, and deep packet inspection. This intricate censorship system is known as The Great Firewall of China.
This means that while you’re in China, you won’t be able to access major websites and applications such as Facebook, Google, Twitter, YouTube, WhatsApp, and many more. However, there are VPNs that can give you access to the content you need while there — you can keep up with international news, and your social media accounts, and use messaging apps like WhatsApp. You’ll be able to access any site that failed our Great Firewall Test with the right VPN.