Does Surfshark Work in China in 2026? 

Whether you’re in China as a tourist or live there, one of the things you’re likely to notice is that many of the websites and apps you might be used to using are unavailable there. This is due to China’s strict online censorship, which includes many international news sites, streaming platforms, and social media platforms such as Netflix, Disney+, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter.

The secret to bypassing the Chinese government’s strict censorship is to use a virtual private network (VPN). A VPN can help you spoof your virtual location and make it appear as if you’re located in a country where the sites you want to access are available.

Beyond bypassing restricted websites, a VPN will also help protect your online privacy and keep your activities hidden from prying eyes. This is especially important in China, where there is government surveillance online to worry about.

However, not all VPNs are capable of working in China and are able to bypass the restrictions and provide adequate protection. Even some premium VPNs are unable to get past the Great Firewall of China, as Chinese authorities constantly work to block VPNs that aren’t approved by the government.

Surfshark has long been considered a solid VPN for China and a great way to help access blocked websites. However, it’s important to regularly recheck which VPN providers can bypass VPN blocking in China and work the way you need them to, since the situation in China is constantly changing.

So, the question is, does Sufshark work in China now? I’ve tested Surfshark as a China VPN to see if it still works there, so let’s break down how it stacks up now.

Key takeaways

1. China has strict internet censorship, which blocks many international websites and apps.
2. Not all VPNs work in China due to the Great Firewall, including many premium VPNs.
3. China is constantly trying to block unauthorized VPN usage, so what worked in the past might not still be a reliable VPN for China anymore.
4. Surfshark has a strong history of bypassing China’s restrictions.

Does Surfshark work in China?

I’ve conducted many tests and found that Surfshark does still work in China, and is one of the best for reliable access to content. It’s important to be aware that there are three main internet server providers in China, and which one you use could impact the effectiveness of your VPN. Since the server data is different on the ISPs, some may block VPNs, while others can be successful.

From my tests, I was able to successfully connect with Surfshark using China Telecom and China Mobile. And I had success in smoothly connecting to servers in the US, which were fast, generally reliable, and stable.

However, I do recommend downloading the VPN app before you arrive in China, as it can be challenging to access the VPN websites once you’re there. If you forget to set it up ahead of time, don’t worry, there are some solutions. If you’re able to, you can try traveling to Hong Kong, where internet restrictions are less strict, or another nearby region. Alternatively, try emailing the Surfshark customer support team and asking them to send you a manual setup file.

Why even use Surfshark in China?

There are several reasons why you may want to use a reliable VPN service like Surfshark in China.

To begin with, China is known for strict censorship. Chinese authorities monitor online activities and block many popular international websites that are not approved by the government, including social media sites, news platforms, and streaming services. The Great Firewall blocks sites such as Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, BBC iPlayer, Twitter, WhatsApp, Gmail, and Wikipedia.

So, besides being unable to utilize your social media or access content, you will also have a major lack of privacy with your online activity, and never know if you’re being monitored or recorded by authorities.

A VPN like Surfshark is the ideal tool for getting around these problems. With Surfshark, you’ll get strong encryption for a secure Internet connection, a way to bypass the restrictions from the Great Firewall, and your VPN traffic will stay hidden from prying eyes.

Surfshark comes with advanced security features like NoBorders mode that are specifically designed to work in restrictive regions like China, plus a kill switch and a strict no-logs policy, so none of your activity will be logged or tracked. It also has the benefit of unlimited simultaneous connections, so you can use the VPN on as many devices as you want. Its Camouflage mode uses obfuscation server technology to help disguise VPN traffic to make it look like regular internet traffic, which will help bypass detection and circumvent censorship.

How to subscribe to Surfshark in China

As I previously said, I really recommend making sure you have a subscription to Surfshark before you arrive in China. This is because once you’re there, you’ll find that most VPN sites are blocked. And subscribing to and downloading the VPN to your device is a bit difficult to do if you can’t access VPN sites.

If you forget to subscribe before your trip, or you’re in China long-term and are in a place where you can’t get to the VPN website, there are some possible solutions.

One option is to take a brief side trip to Hong Kong, if you’re able. Hong Kong is a special administrative region in China, with its own legal framework and a fair bit of autonomy. Which means it’s not subjected to the Great Firewall, and you can access most websites there, including the Surfshark website.

You could also look for some tourist hotels that aren’t censoring the Internet so strongly, and see if it’s enough for you to get on the Surfshark website.

If those options aren’t feasible for you, reach out to Surfshark’s customer support via email, and they may be able to send you a file for manual setup. However, remember that China’s Great Firewall blocks Gmail, among other email platforms, so this may prove to be tricky unless you have an email that can work in China.

How much does Surfshark cost in China?

Surfshark offers multiple subscription options, with three tiers to choose from. There are one-month plans, 1-year plans, and 2-year plans. If you’re looking to get the most value from your VPN service, I recommend going with a 2-year plan, as the longer plans generally cost less than the monthly plan over time. It also includes 3 extra months free, so if you think you’ll use it for more than one month, it’s definitely worth the cost.

Also, keep in mind that all of the plans include a 30-day money-back guarantee. So, you can always try it out risk-free, and if for any reason you’re unsatisfied, contact the customer support team for a refund.

Surfshark offers three tiers you can choose from for your subscription, which are called Surfshark Starter, Surfshark One, and Surfshark One+. All plans include a kill switch, no-logs policy, obfuscated servers, and unlimited simultaneous connections.

Each plan breaks down as follows:

• Surfshark Starter: This is their basic plan that includes all the main core VPN features. Prices are $1.99/month for a 24-month plan, $3.19/month for a 12-month plan, or $15.45/month for the monthly plan.
• Surfshark One: In addition to the core VPN features, this plan also includes Antivirus, Alert (for data leaks), and Safe Search (for secure web searching without data tracing). Prices are $2.49/month for the 24-month plan, $3.39/month for the 12-month plan, or $17.95/month for the monthly plan.
• Surfshark One+: In addition to everything included in the One plan, One+ includes a personal data removal service called Incogni (available for US, UK, EU, Swiss, and Canadian residents only). Prices are $3.99/month for the 24-month plan, $6.09/month for the 12-month plan, or $20.65/month for the monthly plan.

There are also additional add-ons you can choose for your Surfshark account, such as a Dedicated IP and an Alternative Number.

Surfshark not working in China: Troubleshooting 

When asking yourself, “Does Surfshark work in China?” it’s important to remember that even the best VPN software can sometimes struggle against the Great Firewall. So if you’re having trouble getting Surfshark to work in China, there are a few possible reasons and fixes you can try.

• Switching servers. It could be that the VPN server you are using has been blocked, so try switching servers to see if that solves the problem.
• Enable NoBorders mode and kill switch. Make sure you’ve gone into the settings and that NoBorders Mode and your kill switch are turned on, to help you bypass restrictions.
• VPN software is up to date. Make sure your VPN software is fully updated and not restricting access.
• Clear cookies and browser cache. Your cookies may contain tracers that reveal your real location, so clearing your cache and trying again may help you have better success.
• Change protocols. Generally, I recommend using the WireGuard protocol, but if you’re having trouble, you could try changing to another, such as the OpenVPN protocol.
• Contact customer support. When in doubt, try reaching out to Surfshark’s customer support, either via email or chat, and see if they can help Surfshark work in China for you.

Other great VPNs to use in China 

While Surfshark is an excellent choice for a VPN in China, there are other VPNs that can make a great China VPN, including:

• ExpressVPN
• NordVPN

While I understand that it might be tempting to try out free VPNs instead of having to pay for a subscription, this is not something I recommend. Free VPNs usually won’t work in China, and struggle with the VPN connection and bypassing the strict censorship. They also lack the security and privacy features you want for a VPN in China and often track your data, cause IP leaks, and generally leave you vulnerable, which is why I suggest staying away from free VPNs.

Most reliable VPNs like Surfshark, ExpressVPN, and NordVPN offer strong encryption, obfuscation technology, a kill switch, and no-logs policies, all with the goal to guarantee flawless access.

FAQ

Is it legal to use a VPN in China?

Technically, yes, VPNs are legal in China. However, this only applies to government-approved VPNs. Legal issues could arise if you use unauthorized VPNs, which are most VPN providers. So, be aware of the risks involved if you choose to use Surfshark VPN in China.

Is Surfshark or ExpressVPN better in China?

Both are great options for a VPN in China, but the answer to which is the best VPN for China can change frequently. Some of it may depend on which internet service provider you use and what crackdowns have been happening from the Chinese authorities.

Tests that I’ve run in 2025 show that Surfshark is currently inching ahead, by a small margin, in terms of the VPN connection being smooth, speeds, stability, and access to blocked content, largely thanks to its NoBorders mode. Surfshark also has the benefit of being more affordable and comes at a low cost for its 2-year plan.

That being said, ExpressVPN still offers solid performance, fast speeds, and is generally a strong VPN in China.

What is the best VPN for China? 

Only a few VPNs work in China, and my favorites are Surfshark, ExpressVPN, and NordVPN. They each come with different pricing and features, so you just need to pick the one that best meets your budget and needs.

Does Surfshark retain good speeds in China?

While some speed drop is inevitable with VPN use, Surfshark is usually able to maintain decent speeds with the VPN connection. This can also depend on which protocol you use, so feel free to experiment to find which one will be the best to work in China.

Is Sufshark a Chinese VPN? 

No. Surfshark is not a Chinese VPN service, but it does work in China. Since China bans VPNs like Surfshark, I recommend signing up and installing the app on your device before you get to China.

Conclusion

China is under intense online censorship from its government, which includes blocking many international sites and authorities monitoring your online activities. While in China, you’ll be unable to access sites and platforms like Facebook, Netflix, YouTube, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, Gmail, and WhatsApp.

The solution is to use a VPN in China, which will help you bypass restrictions, change your IP address by connecting to a VPN server, and provide you with added security to keep your online privacy safe and secure from those who may be monitoring activity or other cyber threats.

However, it’s important to remember that not every VPN will work in China. Even some of the industry’s top premium VPNs struggle to work in China and bypass China’s Great Firewall. So, if you’re wondering, does Surfshark work in China? The answer is yes.

Surfshark remains one of my go-to recommendations for a VPN in China. With its NoBorders mode helping to bypass restrictions and VPN blocking, affordable pricing, and consistently strong VPN connection, it’s still one of the best VPNs for China in 2025.

Of course, the situation in China is always changing, and sometimes things change rapidly. Different ISPs in China may be under different levels of scrutiny at any given time, and the Great Firewall is always trying to improve at blocking VPNs that are not approved by the government. So, it’s important to stay up to date with all the latest on the situation, and how Surfshark VPN in China is working on a regular basis.