How to Watch Netflix in China in 2026 (Safe & Easy)

Netflix is one of the world’s most popular streaming platforms. However, if you’re traveling in China on a trip or living there, you’ll find that Netflix isn’t available. This is because Netflix isn’t accessible in China, and the country has strict online censorship, heavily monitoring and restricting which sites people access. This includes most streaming and social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Instagram.

So, while you may not be able to access Netflix China directly, there is another solution to watch Netflix content and other blocked sites: using a VPN.

A VPN can help you bypass China’s hard restrictions while also keeping your online privacy secure from prying eyes. However, it’s essential to note that not every VPN is compatible with China’s online restrictions. For example, I suggest avoiding free VPNs, as they are often not worth the trouble for a number of reasons. I’ve tested a number of VPNs to determine which ones work in China, and these are my top recommendations for you, including which options are worth paying for in the end. The rest is up to you!

Key takeaways

1. Netflix currently doesn’t have a library available in China.
2. Other Netflix libraries from other countries are blocked in China due to strict internet restrictions.
3. In order to bypass the Great Firewall of China and access streaming and social media sites, you need a VPN.
4. Not every VPN is capable of bypassing the Great Firewall; therefore, it’s essential to select one that has proven to work effectively in China.

Is Netflix available in China?

If you thought of downloading Netflix in China, it’s not available at this time.

Netflix is only licensed to stream in certain countries. If you’re not in one of these countries, you’ll likely receive a message stating that the platform is not available in your region. This is due to copyright laws and license agreements, which means you’ll have lots of challenges in China.

While state-sponsored VPNs are permitted, due to heavy internet suppression, they will not enable you to bypass geographical restrictions or circumvent the Great Firewall. To access Netflix in China, you will need to use a premium VPN service that has proven effective in China.

3 best VPNs to access Netflix in China

Even if you have a VPN, you may still be unsure about how to watch Netflix in China. Not every VPN can get you over the Great Firewall of China, but there are a few that can. Here are our top three picks:

1. ExpressVPN

ExpressVPN is known for its strong privacy practices and being user-friendly with high performance. It has over 3,000 servers located in 105 countries, and has successfully worked in China using US servers, among others, without waiting. It also has servers in nearby countries, including Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore.

Features: ExpressVPN offers its users unlimited bandwidth and supports up to 14 device connections. It includes a split tunnelling feature, a built-in password manager, a MediaStreamer feature, its version of Smart DNS, and the Network Lock feature, for secure P2P file sharing.

Speed: This VPN offers incredibly fast speeds, which are generally consistent in China. I recommend using the Lightway protocol for the best connections in China.

Security: ExpressVPN has all of the best security features, including AES-256 encryption, a kill switch, an ad-blocker, RAM-only servers, DNS leak protection, and a strict no-logs policy. It also features obfuscation technology, which is essential for bypassing government firewall systems, and will make your VPN traffic appear as regular internet traffic.

Streaming: This VPN excels at bypassing geographical restrictions for both streaming and social media platforms. This includes Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, Prime Video, Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Compatibility: ExpressVPN offers apps compatible with most devices, allowing you to use it on your phone or desktop. This includes Mac, Windows, Android, iOS, Linux, gaming consoles, and routers.

Pricing: Prices for ExpressVPN start at $3.49 per month for the 2-year basic plan, and include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

2. NordVPN

NordVPN is a great choice for China, with nearby servers, and I’ve had luck successfully connecting with the UK server. It has a huge network of over 8,000 servers in 165 countries.

Features: NordVPN offers up to 10 device connections and unlimited bandwidth. It also comes with split tunneling, specialty servers, a SmartPlay feature, and NordLocker, a helpful file encryption tool that provides an extra layer of security.

Speed: NordVPN has super-fast speeds utilizing the NordLynx protocol.

Security: This VPN offers a range of top-tier security features, including AES-256 encryption, a Dark Web monitor, DNS leak protection, malware protection, obfuscation, a kill switch, and a strict no-logs policy.

Streaming: NordVPN is excellent for unblocking streaming and social media sites, including Netflix, Prime Video, Hulu, YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter.

Compatibility: This VPN offers apps for desktop operating systems, including Windows and Mac, as well as phone devices for Android and iOS. Plus Linux, gaming consoles, and routers.

Pricing: Prices for NordVPN start at $3.09 per month, and include a 30-day money-back guarantee.

3. Surfshark

This is the best VPN if you’re interested in premium features but are on a tight budget and don’t want to spend a lot of money. It comes with 3,200 servers in 100 countries, including countries close to China. I was able to successfully connect to sites using a UK server.

Features: In addition to unlimited bandwidth, Surfshark stands out by offering unlimited simultaneous connections. It also offers split tunneling, double VPN, and P2P-optimized servers. Surfshark also features NoBorders Mode, specifically designed for users in heavily restrictive countries.

Speed: Although not as fast as Express or Nord, Surfshark still offers decently fast speeds using the WireGuard protocol.

Security: Surfshark has excellent security features, including AES-256 encryption, an ad-blocker, a cookie pop-up blocker, obfuscated servers, a kill switch, and a strict zero-logs policy.

Streaming: Surfshark can help you access popular streaming and social media sites, including Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, YouTube, Facebook, and Twitter.

Compatibility: This VPN is compatible with Windows, Mac, Android, iOS, Linux, and routers.

Pricing: Surfshark prices start at $1.99 per month for the 2-year plan and come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Can’t access Netflix in China: Troubleshooting

If your VPN is giving you trouble, there are several reasons and options to figure out your problems, and easy fixes:

• Make sure you’re connected to a server where the streaming service is available. If your server isn’t working, try connecting to servers in different countries until you find one that works.
• Ensure you’re using a VPN that can bypass restrictions in China before continuing.
• Make sure your VPN is up to date with its software and not long out of date.
• Try clearing your browser’s cookie cache.
• When in doubt, search your VPN service’s customer support for resources, articles, or technical assistance. Most won’t make you wait long hours for a response to figure out the issue.

Other websites and services you can unblock with a VPN in China

Besides using a VPN in China to watch Netflix, you can use it as a resource for:

• Discord
• Tinder
• Amazon
• Line
• Twitter
• Twitch
• Vimeo

FAQ

Can I use my Netflix in China?

The service is not available in China due to licensing issues for movies and shows, plus the given problem of China’s strict online censorship.

If you want to watch Netflix in China, you will need to use a VPN as a resource, which you can then use to connect to a server in other countries where Netflix may be available, offering hundreds of movies licensed for viewing in places like the US or Canada.

Is it legal to use a VPN in China?

Technically, using a VPN in China is perfectly legal, but only if approved by China’s government. If you’re planning to use a VPN that doesn’t conform to government standards, it’s best to be fully informed about the risks and legal consequences, which depend on several factors. These include your legal status in China (tourist, resident, or citizen), the reason you were using a VPN, and more.

Depending on these factors, the consequences range from paying a fine to going to jail. That said, it’s important to do your research ahead of time and be aware of the risks.

What VPN should I use in China?

You want a VPN that is safe and also powerful enough to bust China’s tough internet blocks. Our top three recommendations are ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark.

Is it legal to watch Netflix in China with a VPN?

The Chinese government does not permit the use of VPNs, except for those provided by the state. However, those will be heavily monitored by authorities and will not allow you to access content outside of China. This can pose significant challenges if you want to watch Netflix movies or are interested in other content from different countries.

These are the reasons I recommend using a premium VPN as a resource for China. However, be aware that using one that hasn’t been approved by the Chinese government may raise legal issues, so consider whether this is worth the risk for you.

Conclusion

If you’re traveling on a trip to China or call it home and want to watch Netflix movies, VPNs are a great resource. It gives you plenty of options for hours of content from around the world, including Canada, the US, and Japan, allowing you to enjoy and explore different movies and shows available.

I recommend sticking to VPNs that you know work in China and will be worth spending your money on. Even for sites that are blocked, a VPN allows you to bypass the block without any problems and continue watching your movies and shows, whether traveling or at home, anywhere in the world. In the end, it’s essential to find a VPN with the means to keep up with your travels, interests, content, and all the rest.