The Chinese government uses sophisticated censorship and surveillance systems to monitor and filter internet traffic entering and leaving China. This is popularly known as The Great Firewall. As a result, accessing the open internet, including social media, news, and even platforms like Google and YouTube, is a real challenge for locals and visitors. This means that while the rest of the world enjoys unrestricted access to the internet, users within China must contend with a heavily regulated online environment. But this doesn’t have to be the case.
With a reliable VPN, like LetsVPN, you can reclaim your internet freedom and enjoy the whole world web uninterrupted. A VPN encrypts your internet traffic and masks your IP address, making it appear as if you're browsing from another location outside of China.
This tricks the Firewall into allowing your traffic through its filters, effectively bypassing censorship restrictions. This way, you can freely access blocked websites and enjoy content that would otherwise be unavailable to you.
Before You Connect
China is extremely sophisticated when it comes to detecting and blocking VPNs. To penetrate The Great Firewall successfully, ensure your VPN has features and protocols that bypass strict censorship technology.
LetsVPN uses SSL protocol, which includes a feature called obfuscation. Obfuscation makes the VPN traffic look like regular internet traffic. This is important in China because it helps hide the fact you're using a VPN to access blocked sites and content.
The Chinese government uses a method called Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) to find and block VPN traffic. LetsVPN disguises your VPN traffic to help you avoid these blocks and keep your internet access open and free.
To bypass the firewall, you will need to connect to a server outside China. Opt for servers in countries close to China but outside its jurisdiction. Locations like Japan, Singapore, and Hong Kong typically offer a good balance of speed and accessibility for users in China.
A screenshot of LetsVPN’s Windows app showing the Japan server
Also, before you connect, always ensure that you have the latest version of the app to ensure an uninterrupted service.
Accessing Blocked Websites and Apps
The government uses the Great Firewall to restrict access to many international websites, including search engines like Google, social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and video-sharing sites like YouTube. In their place, China promotes its versions of these services, like Baidu for search, Weibo and WeChat for social media, and Bilibili for video sharing.
LetsVPN is designed to circumvent the blocks and give you access to all international websites and apps so you can better connect with people from anywhere in the world.
Quick Guide: Accessing Blocked Websites and Apps
Using LetsVPN to access blocked sites like Facebook, Google, YouTube, WhatsApp, and Instagram is straightforward. Here’s a simplified step-by-step guide:
- Download and Install LetsVPN. First, download the LetsVPN app from the official website and install the LetsVPN on your device.
- Select a Server Location. Open the LetsVPN app and choose a server location outside of China. Countries close to China, such as Japan, South Korea, or Singapore, often offer faster connection speeds due to their proximity.
A screenshot of LetsVPN’s Windows app showing some of the Asian servers
- Connect to LetsVPN. Once you've selected a server, click the “Lets Go” button and wait until it reads “Lets Stop.” This process encrypts your internet traffic and routes it through the chosen server.
A snapshot of LetsVPN’s Windows app showing how to connect to a server
- Access Your Favorite Sites. With LetsVPN connected, you can now open your browser or app and access websites and apps like Facebook, Google, YouTube, WhatsApp, and Instagram without restrictions.
Note: While LetsVPN is a powerful tool for circumventing internet censorship, remember it’s not bulletproof. Some sites may occasionally be inaccessible, even with a VPN. This could be due to various reasons, including VPN blocking technology some websites use to block access or temporary disruptions in the VPN service. To mitigate this,
LetsVPN often updates its server locations and encryption methods to stay ahead of censorship efforts.
Optimizing LetsVPN for China
To maintain access to global internet content and secure your online activities, follow these essential steps to optimize LetsVPN for use in China.
First, check that the LetsVPN's server you’re using is obfuscated. These servers are specifically designed to camouflage your VPN traffic as regular internet traffic, making it much harder for the Great Firewall to detect and block your VPN connection.
Connectivity issues can arise due to the distance between China and the VPN server or the government's constant efforts to block VPN services. To mitigate this, select a server that offers stable connectivity.
Typically, servers located in nearby countries or regions known for having more lenient internet policies, such as Hong Kong, Japan, or Singapore, tend to provide a more reliable connection for users in China.
If you experience frequent disconnections or slow speeds, experiment with different servers to find the one that offers the best performance. Remember, the fastest server may not always be the closest one geographically, so it pays to test several options.
To ensure your online activities are always secure and to bypass censorship without constant manual intervention, set LetsVPN to automatically connect whenever you access the internet from a Chinese network.
Snapshot of LetsVPN’s Windows app showing how to turn on AutoConnect
Enabling auto-connect will ensure that your device automatically uses a VPN connection every time it connects to the internet — this provides continuous protection and access to unrestricted internet.
Using Public Wi-Fi Securely
When you're using public Wi-Fi in China, the security of your online activities becomes crucially important. Public networks are often open and unsecured and typically playgrounds for all kinds of cyber threats — including man-in-the-middle (MITM) attacks.
In an MITM attack, a cybercriminal positions themselves between you and your online destination, which could be a website or an app. This position gives them the power to intercept and potentially alter the information exchanged between you and the website or app you're using. It could also include access to sensitive data like passwords, credit card numbers, or personal messages.
This isn’t surprising, though, since public networks are inherently less secure than your private home or office networks.
Before connecting to any public Wi-Fi network, make sure LetsVPN is active on your device. LetsVPN encrypts your internet traffic, making it unreadable to anyone who might try to intercept it. This encryption ensures your online activities remain private and secure.
Try LetsVPN for Public WiFi >>
What To Do If LetsVPN Won’t Connect
When using LetsVPN in China, you might encounter some hurdles due to the country's strict internet censorship policies. Here are some effective troubleshooting tips to help you maintain a stable and secure connection.
1. Switch Servers
If you're having trouble connecting to LetsVPN, the first step is to try switching servers. Sometimes, certain servers might be overloaded or temporarily blocked. LetsVPN typically offers a range of servers across different countries, so opting for another server can often resolve connectivity issues.
A screenshot of LetsVPN’s Windows app showing a list of servers
2. Contact LetsVPN Support for China-Specific Connectivity Issues
If changing servers doesn’t solve the problem, contacting LetsVPN's support team is the next best step. Their support team is experienced with the unique challenges faced by users in China and can offer specific advice or solutions to overcome these barriers. They may have insights into the latest restrictions and the most effective ways to bypass them.
A screenshot of a chat support message
3. Keep a Backup VPN
Despite best efforts, sometimes widespread VPN blocks can affect LetsVPN’s service. In such scenarios, having a backup VPN can be a lifesaver.
Choose a backup VPN that is known for its reliability in China and has a track record of navigating around blocks and restrictions effectively, like ExpressVPN. This ensures that you remain connected and secure, even when one service faces difficulties.
Conclusion
Using LetsVPN in China in 2024 requires careful planning and awareness. If you’re traveling in China, I recommend downloading and installing LetsVPN before arriving in China, as access to VPN websites might be restricted. Also, always keep the VPN updated to the latest version for improved security and functionality.
While LetsVPN can be a valuable tool for bypassing internet restrictions, it's crucial to use it responsibly. Avoid engaging in illegal activities and be mindful of the surveillance risks. Stay informed about the local laws and regulations regarding VPN usage to navigate the digital space safely in China.
FAQs
Yes, LetsVPN can work reliably for China. However, The Great Firewall is known to be tough to circumvent, and even the best VPNs sometimes struggle to get through. But that doesn’t mean LetsVPN won’t work.
The Chinese government bans all non-government-approved VPNs and has many laws in place to restrict internet access. However, there haven’t been any publicly reported cases of users being punished for using a VPN within the country.
Yes, foreigners can use LetsVPN in China. However, it's important to download and set up the VPN before entering the country, as access to VPN services can be restricted within China. Also, be mindful of local laws and use the VPN responsibly.
The Great Firewall of China exists to control and regulate the internet within the country. It allows the government to block access to foreign websites and content that they consider harmful or contrary to the country's values and laws. This system helps maintain governmental control over information by ensuring that only content aligned with state policies and cultural norms is accessible to its citizens.