Accessing the internet freely while in China can be challenging due to the country’s extensive and sophisticated censorship infrastructure known as the Great Firewall. For many travelers, expats, and even local professionals, using a trusted Virtual Private Network (VPN) is essential for bypassing these restrictions and accessing content such as Google, YouTube, WhatsApp, and global news sites. Among the top-rated VPNs worldwide, NordVPN claims to offer robust functionality even under strict surveillance and censorship regimes — but does NordVPN actually work in China in 2024?
TLDR – Does NordVPN Work in China?
Yes, NordVPN still works in China as of 2024, although not without limitations. You must manually configure the app using special obfuscated servers to bypass China’s Great Firewall. While connection reliability can fluctuate depending on China’s censorship updates, NordVPN remains one of the few VPNs actively maintaining support inside the country. However, using a VPN in China can sometimes require advanced setup and ongoing troubleshooting.
Why China Blocks VPNs
China’s government imposes internet restrictions primarily to control the flow of information and regulate content that it deems politically or culturally sensitive. This is done using the so-called Great Firewall, which blocks access to thousands of foreign websites and apps — including popular services like:
- Google (Search, Gmail, Maps, etc.)
- Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter
- YouTube and other video platforms
- Western news organizations like BBC and The New York Times
- Messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Telegram
Because VPNs allow users to tunnel through these restrictions and appear to be in a different country, China has become increasingly aggressive in detecting and blocking VPNs. Over the years, many providers stopped working entirely. Only a few like NordVPN have continued to invest in technologies to stay ahead of detection tools used by the Chinese government.
How NordVPN Works in China
Unlike regular VPN connections which can be easily detected and blocked, NordVPN offers obfuscated servers. These are specialized servers that hide the fact that you’re using a VPN at all. Obfuscation works by masking the encryption protocols so your internet activity appears more like normal web traffic, evading the detection systems deployed by Chinese ISPs and government entities.
To use NordVPN effectively inside China, you will usually need to:
- Download and install NordVPN before arriving in China.
- Enable obfuscated servers via the app settings.
- Connect to specific servers that are known to work — such as those in Japan, the US West Coast, or Singapore.
NordVPN’s support team constantly monitors server accessibility and can guide users towards those that are currently functional. They also provide manual configuration files for OpenVPN or IKEv2, which are recommended for more stable experiences in highly restricted environments like China.
Important: You Must Prepare Before Entering China
A common mistake travelers make is waiting until after they’ve entered China to set up a VPN. Once inside the Great Firewall, VPN provider websites are themselves blocked. This means:
- You cannot download the NordVPN app from the official site.
- Google Play and Apple App Store might restrict downloads or updates of VPN apps.
- Manual configuration files and guides on NordVPN’s website will be inaccessible unless you already have a VPN set up.
Best practice: Sign up for and fully configure NordVPN on all devices before arriving in China.
Which Devices Work Best?
NordVPN generally works well on:
- Windows laptops and desktops – most reliable with OpenVPN manual config
- Android smartphones (when set up prior to arrival)
- macOS (with obfuscated server support via the OpenVPN client)
Note: iOS users may have a harder time because Apple works closely with Chinese authorities to comply with local regulations. Some VPN apps may not be available in the Chinese App Store.
Performance and Reliability Inside China
NordVPN’s performance in China can vary day-to-day. Factors impacting performance include:
- Changes to China’s deep packet inspection technologies
- The specific region you’re in — access is more restricted in rural areas
- The protocol and server you’re using
Users inside major cities like Beijing or Shanghai often report better success rates compared to those in more remote areas. Obfuscated servers tend to provide slower connection speeds due to the additional encryption overhead, but they help maintain access.
Tip: Use NordVPN’s support chat to ask for the latest working servers in China — they can provide up-to-date information that’s not publicly listed due to security reasons.
Are VPNs Legal in China?
This is an important but often misunderstood issue. In China:
- Using unauthorized VPNs is tightly regulated.
- Chinese citizens could face legal consequences for VPN usage without a license.
- Foreign tourists and expats using VPNs for personal use have not typically been prosecuted — their usage is often tolerated.
That said, China periodically cracks down on VPN use. Hence, exercise caution and avoid drawing attention while using a VPN. Never use it for activities that are politically sensitive or critical of local authorities.
Customer Support and Help While in China
One of NordVPN’s standout features is its 24/7 customer support via live chat and email. While accessing this support site inside China can be tricky, NordVPN also suggests:
- Saving helpful links, support documents, and configuration guides offline before your trip.
- Contacting support by email if live chat isn’t functioning.
The company frequently updates its clients’ configurations to counter government blacklist tactics, making their continued operation within China an ongoing, active effort.
Pros and Cons of NordVPN in China
Pros:
- Works with obfuscated servers in restrictive environments
- Strong encryption and privacy protection
- 24/7 support team knowledgeable about China’s internet laws
Cons:
- Requires manual configuration and technical knowledge
- Slower speeds on obfuscated servers
- Needs to be set up before arriving in China
Recommended NordVPN Settings for China
Here are some expert recommendations for configuring NordVPN inside China:
- Protocol: Use OpenVPN (TCP) if available
- Enable: “Obfuscated Servers” in Advanced settings
- Connect to: Servers in Japan, Singapore, or the US West Coast
- Kill Switch: Turn on to avoid information leaks if connection drops
These settings provide the best balance of speed, stealth, and uptime when trying to reach restricted content while in China.
Conclusion: Is NordVPN Worth It for China?
Yes — if you’re prepared and understand how to use it properly. NordVPN remains one of the few reliable VPNs that survive China’s aggressive attempts at censorship. Still, it’s not plug-and-play. To achieve success, users must manage configurations manually, activate obfuscation, and install the app before arrival.
If you’re looking for dependable internet access while living in or traveling across China, NordVPN can be a powerful tool — but only when used correctly and responsibly.