Does Surfshark Work in China in 2025? 

With so many websites and apps blocked by the Great Firewall, and government surveillance the norm, getting a solid virtual private network (VPN) for China is a must. So, I went on a hunt for A VPN that is secure, easy to use, affordable, and most importantly, something that actually works in China.

Surfshark met all my criteria and more! It gave me full access to the internet, kept my connection private, and didn’t slow me down. Plus, it comes with tons of great features.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through how to use Surfshark in China, why it’s such a strong choice in 2025, and what to do if you run into any issues.

Key takeaways

1. Surfshark works in China reliably: Despite China’s strict internet censorship, Surfshark consistently bypasses the Great Firewall, making it one of the few VPNs that still work effectively in China in 2025.
2. Top-tier privacy and security features: With military-grade encryption, a kill switch, DNS/IP leak protection, and a strict no-logs policy, Surfshark protects users from government surveillance and ensures secure browsing.
3. Broad access to global content: Surfshark’s network of 3,200+ servers in 100 countries allows users in China to access global content seamlessly.
4. Affordable and easy to use: Surfshark is budget-friendly with plans as low as $1.99/month and supports unlimited devices.

Is Surfshark VPN working in China? 

Only a few VPNs work in China, and Surfshark is one of the best. Most importantly, it reliably gets past China’s Great Firewall for unrestricted access to the Internet, despite China’s heavy censorship.

It also offers top security and privacy features like military grade encryption, a zero-logs policy, and strong leak protection to protect you from government surveillance, hackers, and snoops.

Not only does Surfshark work in China, it’s also fast, easy to use, rich in features, and has a wide network of servers, making it a versatile, quality provider for beginners and experienced users alike.

Why use Surfshark in China?

Not only does Surfshark work in China, but it also provides you with fast, private, secure, and unrestricted access to the Internet.

When you connect to the Internet via Surfshark, it gives you a new IP address and sends all of your data through an encrypted tunnel, keeping your identity and online activities private. Plus, when you connect to an IP address in a different country, you can access all of the websites, streaming content, and online gaming exclusive to the country you chose.

Here are some of the features that make Surfshark a great China VPN.

• Bypasses the Great Firewall. The Internet is heavily censored in China, meaning many popular websites are blocked by what is commonly referred to as the Great Firewall of China. Some of the blocked websites include news outlets, Facebook, Gmail, Google, Instagram, Skype, TikTok, and VOIP services like WhatsApp. Surshark has a proven ability to access blocked websites in China by giving you a new IP address in a different country.
• Privacy and security. Government surveillance is common in China. All online activities, from your private messages to your voice or video calls, may be monitored. Surfshark has strong security features, including military-grade encryption, a kill switch, DNS/IP leak protection, and an independently verified no-logs policy to ensure your online privacy.
• Speed. Surfshark offers excellent speed, which means you can count on a smooth performance for browsing, streaming, gaming, VoIP calls, and more! No need to worry about buffering, lag, or dropped connections.
• Streaming. Streaming sites like Netflix have different content libraries in different countries. If you’re travelling in China, you can enjoy all of your favorite shows from back home simply by connecting to a Surfshark server in your home country before you sign in to the streaming platform.
• Server network. Surfshark has a network of over 3,200 servers in 100 countries, which gives you broad access to geo-restricted content worldwide, without having to leave China!
• Compatibility. The Surfshark apps are easy to install and use. You get unlimited simultaneous devices, and it’s compatible with desktops, laptops, mobile devices, smart TVs, and more!
• Pricing. Not only is Surfshark a highly reliable VPN provider with lots of great features, but it’s also a great value. You can get 2 years of service for just $1.99/month plus 3 months free. Plus, the 30-day money-back guarantee lets you try it out risk-free.

How to use Surfshark in China 

If you’re planning a trip to China, it’s important to subscribe and download the Surfshark VPN app before you get to China, as most VPN sites, including Surfshark, are blocked once you get there. If you’re already in China, I’ve got some tips on how to get around the block later in this article.

Follow these steps to use Surfshark VPN in China.

1. Purchase a Subscription.

The first step is to subscribe to Surfshark. Just go to the Surfshark website, select the plan you want, and follow the prompts to complete your subscription. You’ll need an email address and a payment method to sign up.

Surfshark is one of the more affordable VPN options, and it comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee so that you can try it out risk-free.

2. Download and install the Surfshark app

Once you’ve completed the sign-up process, you’ll need to download and install the Surfshark app onto your devices. There’s no need to be selective on which devices you want to install your VPN on, since Surfshark allows for unlimited simultaneous connections on each account.

Plus, Surfshark’s apps are super easy to use and install on all kinds of devices and operating systems, including laptops, smartphones, iPads, tablets, and more.

You can download the Surfshark app from the Surfshark website, the Google Play Store, or the App Store.

3. Activate NoBorders Mode

Now you’ll want to start customizing your VPN for use in China by activating the NoBorders mode. Without this feature, you won’t have reliable Internet access in China.

This feature sends all of your VPN traffic through obfuscated servers, which are specialized servers designed to hide the fact that you are using a VPN connection. It’s what allows you to get past China’s Great Firewall.

4. Enable the kill switch

The kill switch is important for China, where privacy is of the essence. This feature cuts your internet connection if your VPN drops unexpectedly, ensuring there are no IP leaks that the Chinese government could use to track you down.

To enable the kill switch, click “Kill Switch” under the settings. Once it’s activated, it will turn green.

5. Connect to a VPN server

Now that you’re all set up, using a VPN in China is simple. Just return to the home screen, go to the list of locations, and click on the country of your choice.

In a couple of seconds, the connected button will change from grey to blue, and you’ll get a notification that your connection is established.

You can now access websites in the country you selected securely and privately.

How to subscribe to Surfshark in China 

Unfortunately, there’s no guaranteed way to successfully subscribe to Surfshark while you are in China. You could try signing up from a tourist hotel where internet censorship is more lax and there’s a good chance you’ll be able to access Surfshark’s website.

If that doesn’t work for you and you don’t mind traveling a bit, head over to Hong Kong and subscribe from there.

How much does Surfshark cost? 

The pricing on Surfshark depends on the plan you select and the length of your subscription. Here’s a breakdown of your options.

• Surfshark Starter. Sign up for 24 months and pay $1.99/month, 12 months for $3.19/month, or one month for $15.45 per month. This plan includes everything you need for a secure VPN connection in China.
• Surfshark One. Get 24 months of service for $2.49/month, 12 months for $3.39/month, or one month for $17.95. The plan includes extras like Antivirus and Alerts.
• Surfshark One+. Subscribe to the 24-month plan for $3.99/month, 12 months for $6.09/month, and one month for $20.65. Bonus features include data removal by Incogni.

Surfshark not working in China: Try this

If you’re having trouble using Surfshark VPN in China, here are some quick tricks that can get your VPN up and running.

• Change servers. The server you are on may have been flagged as a VPN and blocked. Switching to a different server is the perfect solution.
• Update your apps. Surfshark is constantly updating its software to get rid of any bugs or connection issues that could interfere with performance. Getting your VPN working may be as simple as installing the latest update.
• Change protocols. Surfshark offers several VPN protocols, and some may be more effective in China than others. Try out different options to see which one works best, or choose automatic, and Surfshark will select the best one for you.
• Ask for help. Reach out to the 24/7 live chat support for assistance.

Great Surfshark alternatives for China

Only a few VPNs have what it takes to get past the Great Firewall of China. In addition to Surfshark, ExpressVPN is one of my all-around favorites thanks to its user-friendly apps and excellent speed. I also recommend NordVPN as a reliable VPN service with tons of great features and top speeds.

FAQ

Can I use Surfshark in China?

Yes, you can use Surfshark in China, just be sure to sign up before you get there. Accessing VPN sites is challenging from inside China.

Is it legal to use Surfshark in China?

I’m not a lawyer, so I recommend doing your own research, but as far as I can tell, it’s not illegal to use Surfshark in China. While Surfshark is blocked in China, its use is not specifically prohibited.

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 work in China? 

Yes. Surfshark not only works in China, but it’s a user-friendly, affordable, and high-performing VPN in China and around the world.

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

If you want a VPN for reliable, secure access to the internet in China, Surfshark is a great option. It’s fast, affordable, and packed with features that help it fly under the radar of China’s internet restrictions. Whether you’re streaming Netflix, checking your email, making WhatsApp calls, or just trying to use Google, Surfshark will keep you connected and protected the whole time.