One of the most common questions I receive about VPNs (or "Virtual Private Network") is this: Is it legal to use a VPN in China in 2026? Since China censors the internet using the "Great Firewall of China" to keep people inside the country from accessing different websites like Facebook, Twitter, Google, Gmail, etc., it's no wonder the popularity has surged for the best VPN for … [Read more...] about Is it Legal to Use a VPN in China in 2026? (surprising answer)
censorship
What Apps Are Banned in China? A List for March 2026
What websites are blocked in China in 2026 (March Update) This is a question that gets asked a lot, particularly among people who are planning to travel or move to China. It helps knowing what to expect, which is why I’d like to give you a comprehensive (and constantly updated) list of blocked websites in China. Starting in the late 1990s, Chinese authorities began monitoring and … [Read more...] about What Apps Are Banned in China? A List for March 2026
How to Use WhatsApp in China in 2026 (even though it’s blocked)
Unfortunately, WhatsApp has been blocked in China since June of 2017. However, I still use WhatsApp in China and I can tell you from experience that it's still easy to use...as long as you're prepared. Here's a quick explanation of what you need to know and how to make sure you can access WhatsApp in China. When it comes to being censored within China, WhatsApp wasn't the first and it … [Read more...] about How to Use WhatsApp in China in 2026 (even though it’s blocked)
How to Access Facebook in China (updated for new 2026 changes)
Is it possible to access Facebook in China in 2026? Most people are aware that China censors the internet and blocks a number of different websites including Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Gmail and more. There are ways to access Facebook in China, though, and it's likely a lot easier than you first thought. While some of us may be able to live without using Google, or any Google-related … [Read more...] about How to Access Facebook in China (updated for new 2026 changes)
Does Gmail Work in China? How to Access it in 2026 (it’s blocked)
Yes, it is still possible to access Gmail in China even though Gmail has been blocked since the middle of 2014. This includes pretty much any Google service you can think of. Google Docs, like Gmail, is also blocked in China. You can’t access YouTube in China, Google search, Google Maps, Google Translate and yes…you can't even access Gmail in China. Here's a quick explanation of what you need to … [Read more...] about Does Gmail Work in China? How to Access it in 2026 (it’s blocked)
How to Access Instagram in China in 2026 (it works!)
Is it possible to access Instagram in China in 2026? Even though Instagram is blocked in China and has been since the middle of 2016, it is still possible to use Instagram using a VPN...as long as you're prepared. Here's a quick explanation of what you need to know if you want to post photos to Instagram in China. When it comes to being censored within China, Instagram is in good … [Read more...] about How to Access Instagram in China in 2026 (it works!)