When in China, be prepared for an error page when you try to sign on to the social media platform Twitter. China’s communist party enforces heavy online censorship, which includes blocking Twitter.
If you just can’t stay away during your travels, don’t worry! I’ve got an easy way to use Twitter in China with a simple tool called a virtual private network (VPN) . Anywhere you find Twitter blocked, VPN services can connect to a server in a country where the social media platform is permitted, like the USA so you can use Twitter freely.
Keep reading to learn about my favorite VPN services for active users of social media websites anywhere in the world, and you’ll never have your Twitter blocked again!
Follow these steps to use a virtual private network (VPN) to unblock Twitter in China, North Korea, and other restrictive countries where you will get blocked.
Subscribe to a secure and dependable VPN service. I recommend ExpressVPN .
Install the VPN app on your device.
Open the app and connect to a server in a country where you won’t find Twitter blocked.
Sign in to your Twitter account and enjoy.
No. Twitter is blocked in China, as the government doesn’t like sites where it can’t control the content produced.
If you are an avid Twitter user like me who wants to stay connected while traveling in China, you can. All you need is a VPN with a proven ability to get past The Great Firewall of China. I strongly suggest you stick with services that offer the best security and privacy features available so your online activities can’t be detected by the Chinese authorities.
The Chinese government enforces internet censorship anywhere it can’t control the content produced, including blocking Twitter, Facebook, and more.
The Twitter ban was started in 2009 after rioting in the country that reportedly relied on platforms like Twitter and Facebook for communication. After that, the Chinese government clamped down on social networking platforms to protect the interests of the ruling communist party.
Active users of social networking services who want to abide by local laws can turn to approved networking content produced in China that complies with strict government regulation and control such as Weibo and WeChat .
Only a few VPN services will give you secure and unhindered access to blocked sites like Twitter in China, North Korea, and any other restrictive country. Here’s how to choose the best one
Bypasses China’s firewall. Look for VPN services with obfuscated servers and a proven ability to get past China’s Great Firewall.
Security and privacy. Make sure the Chinese authorities can’t see what you are doing online by sticking with VPN services with military-grade encryption, an automatic kill switch, leak protection, and an independently audited no-logs policy .
Server network. VPN services witha large server network will protect you from slow-downs during peak use hours and give you access to streaming, gaming, banking, and social media services worldwide.
Speed. Fast VPN services support smooth and uninterrupted service for all online activities, including browsing, gaming, streaming, and more.
Customer service. I recommend sticking with VPN services that include 24/7 live chat support , especially for users new to VPNs.
Money-back guarantee. Stick with VPN services that stand by their product with at least a 30-day money-back guarantee .
Unblock Twitter from anywhere in the world by following the steps below:
Subscribe to a secure VPN service. I prefer ExpressVPN .
Install the VPN app on your device.
Open the app and connect to a country where Twitter use is unrestricted.
Sign in to your Twitter account and connect with your friends and family around the world.
Here’s all you need to know about my three favorite VPN services for accessing Twitter or any other site blocked in China while keeping your data secure.
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!
My go-to service service for accessing blocked content worldwide is ExpressVPN . It’s a premium service that combines speed, security, and reliability to bypass China’s internet censorship.
Features : ExpressVPN offers split tunneling, obfuscated servers (essential for bypassing China’s firewall), ad blocking, and a password manager . It has a network of over 3,200 servers in 105 countries worldwide.
Speed : When speed testing on servers in the Far East, I retained 87% of my baseline download internet speed, ensuring a smooth browsing experience.
Privacy & Security : ExpressVPN uses AES 256-bit military-grade encryption, an automatic Kill Switch, DNS leak protection, and a strict no-logs policy , keeping your data secure while you access restricted services like Twitter.
Performance : ExpressVPN works seamlessly for browsing, social networking, streaming, and even gaming in China’s heavily censored internet landscape.
Compatibility : The intuitive apps support macOS, Windows, iOS, Android, and Linux . You can connect up to 8 devices simultaneously.
Pricing : The best price is $6.67/month and includes 3 months free , plus a 30-day money-back guarantee .
Pros
Excellent speed Obfuscated servers Access to content blocked in China Easy-to-use apps 24/7 live chat 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!
NordVPN is another premium option for accessing content blocked in China, offering great speed, security, and an extensive server network.
Features : With over 6,400 servers in 111 countries , NordVPN features include DoubleVPN, obfuscated servers, ad and tracker blocking, and malware protection .
Speed : NordVPN maintained an impressive 91% of its download speed when connected to a Hong Kong server as compared to the baseline.
Privacy & Security : Your data is protected while tweeting by military-grade encryption, a Kill Switch, leak protection, and a strict no-logs policy .
Performance : NordVPN delivers stable, fast connections for social networking, streaming, gaming, and general browsing worldwide.
Compatibility : The user-friendly apps are compatible with macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, and Linux . Subscribers are allowed 10 simultaneous connections .
Pricing : NordVPN starts at $3.39/month with 4 months free , and a 30-day trial.
Pros
Fast internet speeds Obfuscated servers Access to content blocked in China 10 simultaneous connections 24/7 live chat support 30-day money-back guarantee Cons
Occasional connectivity issues 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 service to access blocked content in China, Surfshark is the VPN for you.
Features : Surfshark comes with advanced features like obfuscation, a data breach monitor, split tunneling, and an ad-blocker . With 3,200 servers in 100 countries, it’s great for accessing Twitter and any other site blocked in China.
Speed : Surfshark retained 71% of the baseline download speed on Hong Kong servers, which is slower than the others but still fast enough for most activities.
Privacy & Security : Surfshark offers military-level encryption, a zero-logs policy, a Kill Switch, and leak protection to ensure your data is secure.
Performance : Surfshark performs well for Twitter, browsing, streaming, and other online activities, though speeds may dip during peak hours.
Compatibility : The intuitive apps work with macOS, Windows, Android, iOS, and Linux , and users are allowed unlimited simultaneous connections .
Pricing : Surfshark pricing begins at $2.19/month with 4 extra months free , and comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee .
Pros
Budget-friendly Unlimited device connections Obfuscated servers Bypasses China’s firewall 24/7 live chat support 30-day money-back guarantee Chinese government internet censorship isn’t limited to social media websites. In addition to blocking Twitter, you’ll find limits on services like video sharing, streaming, apps, work tools, and search engines.
The Chinese authorities block to access these streaming and video services.
Apps The following apps are blocked in China.
The following work tools and services are blocked in China.
Search engines These search engines are blocked in China
Duck Duck Go
Google
Yahoo
Social In addition to Twitter, the following sites are blocked in China.
Websites I wouldn’t recommend using a free VPN to access Twitter or any other site blocked in China. Most free VPNs simply don’t have the advanced technology to bypass China’s Great Firewall. On top of that, free VPNs usually lack the security and privacy features you need in China’s heavily censored online environment. If you’re one of the active users of VPN services for accessing content blocked in China, using a free VPN isn’t worth the risk.data to third parties for profit, which is risky when using a VPN in a country like China.
FAQ No. If you try to log on to the social media platform Twitter from China, you will find it blocked, and an error page will show up. If you want to enjoy social media websites like Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram from China, you can with the help of one of the premium VPN services I recommended in this article.
No. Using VPNs for unblocking Twitter in China is not permitted. In addition, China’s communist party only allows using certain VPNs, so users should proceed with caution to avoid getting into trouble. If you decide to use a VPN for unblocking Twitter, I strongly encourage using a premium option like ExpressVPN. It provides top-notch security and privacy features that keep your online activities safely hidden.
Conclusion If you are traveling to China, North Korea, or other region where government censorship is the norm and Twitter, Facebook, and other social media services are blocked, don’t worry. You can avoid the dreaded error page you see when you’re blocked by using a high-quality virtual private network (VPN). VPNs allow you to connect to a server in another country where you won’t find Twitter blocked so that you can share your photos of The Great Wall of China with your friends and family with ease. I recommend ExpressVPN as the best VPN for accessing social media services that are blocked in China.