How to Get a China IP Address with a VPN in (2023)

Want to get a Chinese IP address while abroad? If you want to watch Chinese streaming platforms or access region-locked Chinese websites, you’ll need a VPN.

If you are outside of China studying, traveling for work, or on vacation, you may have noticed that some Chinese services are unavailable. If you want to access WeChat, iQiyi, Youku, Taobao, Tencent Video, Bilibili, or QQ music, then you may find that you need a valid Chinese IP address. Fortunately, you can use a VPN to get an IP address in China from anywhere in the world.

However, sadly, there is a caveat. The Chinese government requires companies with servers in China to hand over data when requested. It also legally requires VPNs with a presence in China to “register” with the government. This has led to many VPNs pulling out of the country in order to keep their users safe.

We understand that this is frustrating because Chinese internet users living abroad want to access home services. A few leading VPNs can assign you a Chinese IP while also complying with a strict no-logging policy.

In this guide, we explain how to get a Chinese IP address from abroad. We will outline the advantages of using a VPN to gain online privacy, disclose how leading VPNs can provide a Chinese IP address without being troubled by Chinese authorities, and provide a quick list of the best VPNs with Chinese IP addresses.

How to get an IP address in China

As long as you choose a recommended VPN that securely provides an IP address in China, it is easy to access Chinese services from abroad. A VPN with a Chinese IP is also useful within China, to bypass restrictions placed on WiFi networks (such as at work where TV streams may be blocked). 

 Below, we explain how to get an IP address in China with a VPN:

1. Pick a VPN provider from this guide. We recommend CyberGhost because it provides super-fast connections to IP addresses in Shenzhen, China. It employs strong encryption, a watertight no-logging policy, and apps for all platforms. 
2. Use our link to subscribe to the VPN. Our link will get you the VPN at the best possible price thanks to our exclusive coupon codes. Remember that subscribing for longer will also significantly reduce the cost of your VPN.
3. Download the VPN software onto your device and install it. Our recommendations have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Firestick, and even Linux.
4. Launch the VPN app and log in using your credentials. 
5. Choose a VPN server in China from the list and click “connect.”

When the VPN connection changes to “connected” in the app, your real IP address is concealed and you have an IP address in China. As a result, you can use your VPN to access any region-locked websites and services in the country.

If you have trouble using a Chinese service while connected to your VPN, then we recommend clearing the cookies and cache in your browser. These trackers can potentially conflict with the VPN and may cause websites to serve you an error message. Once you have cleared these, the VPN should work without problems.

What are the best VPNs to get an IP address in China?

Very few VPNs still have an IP address in China, which means that you are limited to the VPNs recommended in this guide. 

You may be able to find other VPNs that have servers in China. However, they may have dangerous data policies or have registered with the Chinese government, which means that they cannot be trusted.

For this reason, we strongly recommend that you stick to recommended VPNs with a server in China only!

The best VPNs for China:

1. CyberGhost VPN: The best VPN with IP addresses in China. Fast servers, reliable apps, strong AES encryption, and a no logging policy. Based in Romania, which is great for privacy purposes. Works to access international services, including region-locked platforms in China. DNS leak protection and a watertight automatic kill switch. Works with Netflix. Allows torrenting. Generous risk-free 45-day money-back guarantee to test it yourself.
2. Hotspot Shield: A reliable US-based VPN that provides virtual IPs in China. Works to access popular services like WeChat, iQiyi, Sina Weibo, etc. Fast speeds using its proprietary Hydra protocol. Works with Netflix and other popular services. 30-day money-back guarantee.
3. PureVPN: A no-logs VPN that has impressive apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, and Android. Tons of useful features, including a kill switch, split tunneling, port forwarding, and hot-spotting. Dedicated IPs are available, stable connections. Works with many popular streaming services. 
4. Hide My Ass: Provides access to 12 IP addresses in Beijing. Has a strict no-logs policy and strong AES encryption. Massive server network extends to over 200 countries. Provides IPs in China using virtual server locations. Decent speeds for streaming and apps for all platforms. 

China IP VPN – testing methodology

Finding a reliable VPN with secure servers in China can be a headache. Only a handful of VPNs offer IPs in China, and finding a reliable VPN that is both effective and trustworthy can be both time-consuming and confusing.

Many VPNs use aggressive advertising methods to attract subscribers, often falsely claiming to be the fastest or most secure. It is also possible to run into VPN services that have servers in China but share user data with Chinese authorities. These VPNs pose significant risks and must be avoided.

In this guide, we used a strict VPN testing methodology to find trustworthy VPNs. Our experts use our review process to identify providers that deliver reliable features, robust apps, and secure connections to IP addresses in China. 

For added transparency, we have listed some of the criteria we used below:

• Reliable apps for all popular platforms
• Fast speeds for streaming
• Global server network, including IPs in China without having any physical VPN server locations in China for privacy and security reasons
• Allows P2P connections for torrenting
• No logging policy 
• Works with popular streaming platforms like Netflix US
• Strong encryption that protects you against tracking
• Security against hackers on public WiFi
• Reliable kill switch in case the VPN connection drops 
• Value for money and a decent choice of features
• Leak protection, additional advanced security features 
• A simple 30-day money-back guarantee to test it for yourself
• Access to Chinese websites

At Bleeping Computer, we always try to recommend VPNs that have completed a full third-party audit and that have diskless servers (in the top three positions of our lists). Unfortunately, we could not find any VPNs that fulfill these criteria that also provide IPs in China. For this reason, we had to break our own rules slightly.

The good news is that all the VPNs in this guide have decent apps that provide OpenVPN and WireGuard connections. These are robust VPN protocols that provide strong encryption, decent reliability, and fast speeds. They also have a no logs policy, and secure apps that are free of DNS leaks. 

How to get an IP Address in China – FAQs

Can I get an IP address in China using a free VPN?

No. We do not know of any secure free VPNs that have a free server in China.

It is possible that you could find a free VPN that has servers in China. However, these could be government-registered VPNs that are providing data to Chinese government authorities. This makes using those free VPNs a huge risk to your online privacy. 

Should you encounter a free VPN with servers in China, we urge you to remember that they are not recommended options and could potentially jeopardize the security of your data and devices. 

You might be able to get a Chinese IP address with a free VPN, but it's going to come at a cost in terms of online privacy. Free VPNs tend to suffer from slower download speeds, and you'll struggle to find a service offering a strict no-logs policy. A free Chinese IP address probably won't be able to access Chinese content from abroad, as the VPN servers are likely to have been blocked by Chinese streaming services. 

What Chinese services are region-locked?

When you travel outside of China, the websites you visit can detect a foreign IP address. Some Chinese services have strict policies that only allow people within China to access and use their platforms, or they serve a different website to foreign visitors. Chinese streaming platforms, for example, enforce region locks to comply with content licensing agreements.

If you are wondering which Chinese services are blocked outside of China, we have provided a useful list below. Please note that this list is not exhaustive and you may run into additional Chinese services that have been blocked overseas.

Here is a list of online services that are commonly region-locked to China and that people might be interested in accessing with a VPN:

• WeChat (Weixin): Chinese messaging and social media platform.
• QQ Music: Music streaming service with Chinese and international songs.
• iQiyi: Chinese movies, TV shows, and original content.
• Youku: Chinese video streaming platform.
• Tencent Video: Streaming service, Chinese content.
• Bilibili: User-generated content platform.
• Tudou: Video sharing site.
• Douyin (TikTok): The Chinese version of TikTok.
• NetEase Cloud Music: Music streaming service.
• Sina Weibo: Microblogging platform.
• Taobao: Shopping marketplace.

Can I use a Chinese IP address to bypass blocks at work in China?

Yes. If your workplace has imposed limitations on accessing Chinese TV streams, social media platforms, music streaming sites, or other services, a VPN can help you regain access.

When you connect to a secure VPN server, you appear to be outside of the local WiFi network. This lets you bypass blocks. A VPN also provides the additional protection of an encrypted connection. As a result, everything you do, while connected to the work’s network, will be private.

By connecting to a VPN server with a Chinese IP address (from within China), you can use the internet as if you were still at home. This gives you unrestricted to Chinese TV platforms, streaming services, or any other Chinese website that has been blocked at work, in school, or on public WiFi networks within China.

Can I watch Chinese TV abroad with a VPN?

Yes. When you connect to a VPN server in China, you get a valid IP address in China. This makes you appear to be a regular Chinese internet user, so you can log in and watch Chinese TV streams and streaming platforms.

In other words, you need a Chinese IP address to access Chinese content. 

Below, we have included a list of Chinese services that you can watch with a VPN:

• iQiyi
• Youku
• Tencent Video
• Bilibili
• Mango TV
• PPTV
• LeEco (formerly known as LeTV)
• Sohu TV
• Viki
• Migu Video
• China Central Television (CCTV)
• Hunan Television (Hunan TV)
• Zhejiang Television (Zhejiang TV)
• Jiangsu Television (Jiangsu TV)
• Beijing Television (BTV)
• Shanghai Media Group (SMG)
• Dragon Television (Dragon TV)
• Anhui Television (Anhui TV)
• Guangdong Radio and Television (GRT)
• Shenzhen Media Group (SZMG)

Is using a VPN legal in China?

The Chinese government has increased its efforts to control VPNs and their usage, but using a VPN is still technically legal in China. Many businesses employ VPNs to establish secure remote access to their corporate networks, which prevents an outright ban on VPNs.

However, it's important to be aware that VPN companies are required by the Chinese government to register and gain approval to offer services within China. These official licenses compel VPN providers to share data with the government, rendering them unsuitable for privacy purposes.

Although VPNs are legal, government authorities force ISPs to block most VPN services. In addition, ISPs use Deep Packet Inspection to identify VPN usage. Consequently, individuals suspected of leveraging VPNs to bypass restrictions – or to access or create content critical of the Chinese Communist Party, may face questioning, arrest, or worse.

This can make using a VPN extremely dangerous in China. The government often acts with impunity and individuals suspected of dissent could be prosecuted in secret courts, simply for using a VPN. Strict government restrictions on social media platforms, news sites, and other forms of online content are also prevelant in the region. 

We urge you to carefully consider why and how you intend to use a VPN in China. Having a VPN installed may not be criminal, but using a VPN to bypass blocks or access content that is considered unconstitutional could be dangerous. For this reason, it is vital that you do your own research before using a VPN.  

Nothing in this article constitutes legal advice, and you always use a VPN at your own risk.

Is it safe to connect to a VPN server in China?

The VPNs recommended in this guide are well aware of the risks associated with hosting servers within China. These servers could potentially be targeted by government authorities, endangering the security of their users.

Moreover, VPNs that operate physical servers within China or market themselves as suitable for users within the country must officially register with the government. This requirement has led to the majority of VPNs pulling their Chinese servers.

To address these concerns, some VPNs have devised smart DNS routing methods that offer IP addresses in China without hosting physical servers there. When you connect to the VPNs in this guide, you physically connect to a server located elsewhere in the world. This could be in Hong Kong, South Korea, or anywhere else nearby. 

The advantage of this approach is that you can acquire a Chinese IP address without worrying that Chinese authorities could raid the physical VPN server. You'll still be able to access Chinese content, no matter the physical source of your internet connection. 

It also allows VPNs to provide IPs in China without needing to register with the Chinese government or comply with Chinese legal requests to provide data. This allows those VPNs to comply with their no-logging policies.

Does a VPN cause slower connection speeds?

It depends. If the VPN server is located nearby, download speeds are likely to be stable while connected to the VPN. Ideally, the user will be able to access Chinese streaming services and additional geo-blocked content without the prospect of lag or buffering. Some VPNs are slower than others in terms of download speeds, but the majority of premium services should allow for lag-free browsing.