Is Twitch banned in China?
I was disappointed, but not surprised to find out that it is. The Chinese government heavily censors Internet use and Twitch didn’t meet their standards. To make matters worse it uses the infamous Great Firewall of China to keep people off the site.
If you don’t want Chinese censorship to keep you from enjoying Twitch’s games and videos, a virtual private network (VPN) is all you need to unblock Twitch in China .
I use ExpressVPN whenever I’m visiting China since I know I can count on it to keep my data private while I enjoy the games, videos, and other content I love.
In a hurry? Here’s how to use Twitch in China
You can access Twitch from anywhere by following the steps below. It’s important to sign up for your VPN before you get there since many VPN websites are blocked in China.
Subscribe to a high-quality VPN service. I like using ExpressVPN anytime I’m on the Internet in China.
Install the VPN app on your device.
Open the VPN app and connect to a server outside of China .
Sign in to Twitch and search for your favorite online gaming, live-streamed Asian games, world news, videos, and more!
Key takeaways
Twitch is banned in China.
The Chinese government blocks the Twitch site with a firewall.
A quality VPN can bypass the firewall and access Twitch.
Only some VPNs can get around China’s blocks.
VPNs with strong security features protect you from surveillance.
Is Twitch allowed in China? Twitch, along with Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and thousands of other sites in China aren’t available due to censorship by the Chinese government.
Even though the authorities have removed the site from the Chinese version of the app store, a quality VPN allows Chinese viewers to enjoy the games and videos on Twitch’s site.
Why is Twitch not available in China? Like many sites blocked in China, Twitch is subject to Chinese censorship that steers Chinese viewers away from Western influences. When the website gained popularity in China, it was blacklisted by the government.
Here’s why. The huge popularity of Twitch’s videos and games among Chinese users made it threatening to the government of China. In addition, China doesn’t like competition with Western sites, so I expect a government-approved Chinese version of the site will be released.
What makes a good VPN for Twitch When accessing Twitch in China, here are the key features to search for in a VPN:
Unblocking capability. You’ll need a VPN that’s proven its ability to get past The Great Firewall of China.
Security. Stay safe from government surveillance by choosing a VPN with advanced security and privacy features.
Server network. Opt for a VPN service that can connect to a range of servers in countries outside of China that support internet freedom.
Speed. Search for a fast VPN that gives users a smooth viewing, gaming, and browsing experience.
Customer support. Choose a VPN service with 24/7 live chat support and a money-back guarantee.
How to unblock Twitch in China with a VPN
Here’s how to watch all you want without getting Twitch blocked in China. Many VPN websites are subject to censorship by the authorities in China, so be sure you subscribe to the VPN service before you get there.
Sign up for a premium VPN that works in China, I recommend ExpressVPN .
Install the VPN app on your device.
Use the VPN app to connect to a server in a country that doesn’t have Twitch blocked.
Log in to the website and search for esports matches, Asian games, streamer Tyler, online gaming, and more!
3 best VPNs to unblock Twitch Here’s everything you need to know about my top three choices for safely accessing Twitch and other sites in China.
Servers/countries: 3,000+ servers in 105 countries
Money-back guarantee: 30 days
Compatible with: Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS
Simultaneous devices: Up to 8
Works with: Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more
Get ExpressVPN with 49% OFF
+ 3 months FREE!
ExpressVPN is my preferred VPN for unblocking restricted content in China. It’s secure, private, fast, and can navigate strict internet censorship.
Features : ExpressVPN offers high-end features like split tunneling, ad-blocking, tracker blocking, a password manager, and more . With over 3,200 servers in 105 countries , including the obfuscated servers you’ll need for China, you can count on a fast and secure connection.
Speed : During speed testing on servers close to China, ExpressVPN retained close to 90% of the original download speed, ensuring users uninterrupted access to any site in China.
Privacy & Security : ExpressVPN uses the gold standard in security and privacy features including AES 256-bit encryption, a Kill Switch, DNS leak protection, and a verified no-logs policy .
Performance : The VPN performed flawlessly for streaming, browsing, and gaming, even on long-distance connections.
Streaming. You can enjoy content from around the world on sites blocked in China including Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and more .
Compatibility : ExpressVPN has an intuitive interface for macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, and Linux .
Pricing : ExpressVPN’s 12-month plan costs $6.67/month , which includes 8 simultaneous devices, 3 months free, and a 30-day money-back guarantee .
Pros
Fast speeds Obfuscated servers for bypassing China blocks User-friendly 24/7 customer support 30-day money-back guarantee Servers/countries: 6,400+ servers in 111 countries
Money-back guarantee: 30 days
Compatible with: Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS
Simultaneous devices: 10
Works with: Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more
Get NordVPN with 72% OFF
+ 4 months FREE!
The popularity of NordVPN is no surpise, the VPN provides fast speeds, strong security, reliable unblocking capability, and extensive server options for less than ExpressVPN.
Features : The VPN offers over 6,400 servers in 111 countries including obfuscated servers , along with features like ad-blocking, tracker blocking, malware protection, split tunneling, and more .
Speed : When connected to long-distance servers, NordVPN retained 91% of its original download speed.
Privacy & Security : NordVPN includes military-grade encryption, a kill switch, and a no-logs policy so you can connect to any country safely from China.
Performance : NordVPN delivers stable, fast connections for game playing, video watching, and browsing without any noticeable buffering or lag.
Streaming: You’ll be able to watch content from around the world on Netflix, Hulu, and more from China.
Compatibility : The VPN has an intuitive interface for all major platforms, including macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, and Linux.
Pricing : Plans start at $3.39/month and come with 10 simultaneous connections, 4 months free, and a 30-day trial .
Pros
Fast, stable connections Obfuscated servers for China’s firewall Up to 10 simultaneous connections 24/7 live chat support 30-day money-back guarantee Cons
Occasional connectivity delays Servers/countries: 3,200+ servers in 100 countries
Money-back guarantee: 30 days
Compatible with: Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, and iOS
Simultaneous devices: Unlimited
Works with: Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, BBC iPlayer, (HBO) Max, Hulu, Vudu, and more
Get Surfshark with 83% OFF
+ 4 months FREE!
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly VPN, Surfshark will not only bypass a China block, but it is also safe, private, and comes with unlimited simultaneous connections .
Features : Surfshark features include split tunneling, ad-blocking, a data breach monitor, and more . With 3,200 servers in 100 countries , including obfuscated servers , it’s a solid option for accessing platforms blocked in China.
Speed : While Surfshark’s connection is slower than the premium VPNs, I still retained 70% of my original download speed on long-distance servers, which is sufficient for most online activities.
Privacy & Security : Surfshark doesn’t skimp when it comes to your online safety offering military-grade encryption, a verified zero-logs policy, a Kill Switch, and leak protection .
Performance : Surfshark performs well for video watching, game playing, and general web browsing, though you may get a bit of lag during peak use times.
Streaming: Users can enjoy content from around the world on Netflix, Disney+, BBC iPlayer, and more without any China web blocks getting in the way.
Compatibility : Surfshark has a well-designed app interface for macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, and Linux .
Pricing : Surfshark is priced affordably at $2.19/month for a 2-year plan, and includes unlimited simultaneous connections, 4 months free, and a 30-day money-back guarantee .
Pros
Low cost Unlimited device connections Obfuscated servers 24/7 live chat support 30-day money-back guarantee Cons
Slower speeds compared to competitors Websites, and services that are blocked in China Be prepared! China blocks a long list of free apps for streaming, games, news, and more. Gamers and streamers need to connect to a VPN in another region to enjoy any site blocked in China.
The following video-sharing platforms are all inaccessible in China:
Apps You won’t be able to access the following free apps in China:
These common office communication tools are also restricted:
Search engines Popular search engines aren’t available, including:
Duck Duck Go
Google
Yahoo
Social The government censors the following social media platforms:
Countries where Twitch is banned You’ll find Twitch blocked in China and Slovakia. Users who want to access Twitch from either of these countries will need a good VPN.
Can I use a free VPN for Twitch? I wouldn’t recommend using a free VPN in China, and here’s why.
First, most free VPNs lack the obfuscation or geo-spoofing technology needed to bypass China’s strict censorship.
Additionally, free VPNs typically don’t provide the advanced security and privacy features you get with reputable subscription VPNs. Some free VPNs may even sell your data to third parties for profit, which is risky when using a VPN in a country like China.
FAQ Can you use Twitch while in China? The Chinese government blocks Twitch to both Chinese users and visitors to the country alike. You can bypass the site restrictions with a little help from a premium VPN, such as ExpressVPN, NordVPN, or Surfshark.
When did China ban Twitch? The site was first blocked in China in 2018 right after it ganied popularity as a way for Chinese users to watch eSports matches at the Asian Games. This popularity of a platform with lots of Western content got Twitch blocked in China, and the site app was removed from the Chinese app store.
Conclusion You may be disappointed to find Twitch blocked in China, but don’t worry! Gamers, sports fans, and movie lovers alike can still watch, and here’s how. Use a high-quality virtual private network (VPN) to connect to a server in a different region. It’s that simple.
I recommend using ExpressVPN . Its past performance for accessing sites blocked in China can’t be beaten, and its privacy and security protection in first-rate.