Understanding the Great Firewall: How China Blocks Internet

We’ve all been there: your favorite app just disappears in China—Facebook, YouTube, or that news site you rely on. It’s not a random glitch; it’s the Great Firewall doing its job. In this section we’ll explain what the Great Firewall is and why it turns a free internet experience into a maze.

Overview of the Great Firewall’s Architecture

The GFW is a layered beast that blocks, rewrites, and erases traffic. Its core tactics are:

1. IP Blocking – the firewall drops packets aimed at blacklisted IPs before they reach the server.
2. DNS Tampering – Chinese resolvers return wrong or no IPs for blocked domains.
3. Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) – payloads are scanned for banned keywords, even inside HTTPS.

Each layer works like a security guard, a traffic cop, and a forensic investigator all at once.

Common Block Categories

These blocks keep the digital economy domestic and the political narrative controlled.

How to Test GFW Blockage

Run several tools; some rely on DNS, others on HTTP/HTTPS. Cross‑checking ensures accuracy.

Circumvention Methods

VPNs

VPNs create a secure tunnel outside China, masking your IP and traffic.

1. Pick a VPN that supports China—Forest VPN is a top pick.
2. Download the official client.
3. Choose a server in Hong Kong, Singapore, or the US.
4. Turn on “Stealth” or “Obfuscated” mode to hide traffic.
5. Connect and verify your public IP.
6. Test a blocked site—should load.

Forest VPN’s auto‑switch feature keeps you online even when the GFW flips.

Shadowsocks

Shadowsocks is a lightweight proxy that evades DPI.

1. Set up a server on a VPS outside China.
2. Use AES‑256‑GCM encryption.
3. Install a client on your device.
4. Enter server details and activate the proxy.
5. Confirm access to a known blocked site.

Encrypted DNS

DNS over HTTPS/TLS stops tampering.

1. Pick a DoH/DoT provider like Cloudflare.
2. Configure your device to use the provider’s addresses.
3. Enable DoH in your OS or use dnscrypt‑proxy.
4. Test resolution of a blocked domain.

Real‑World Testimonial

“I was stuck on WeChat in Shanghai. After switching to Forest VPN, I accessed the app in seconds—no lag, no errors.” – Mei, 32, software engineer.

Ready to bypass the GFW? Try Forest VPN today and reclaim your online freedom.

What is the Great Firewall?

The Great Firewall of China, or GFW, is a sophisticated system that blocks, rewrites, and erases internet traffic to enforce state‑controlled censorship. It works through three main mechanisms—IP blocking, DNS tampering, and deep packet inspection (DPI)—each aimed at cutting off or altering access to foreign content.

IP Blocking

IP blocking is the first line of defense. The GFW keeps a massive blacklist of foreign IP addresses. When a packet targets a banned address, it is dropped instantly, like a wall of invisible bricks. Users get a blank screen or a connection timeout, proving the address is unreachable.

DNS Tampering

DNS tampering tricks your resolver. Chinese DNS servers return wrong or no IPs for blocked domains. Even if you know the correct address, the query is hijacked, redirecting you to a warning page or a dead end. It’s like trying to find a street on a map that never existed.

Deep Packet Inspection

Deep packet inspection digs into payloads, even over HTTPS. The firewall scans for prohibited keywords or patterns. When it spots a match, it can sever the connection or scrub the content. Think of it as a digital bouncer reading every word you say.

Block Categories

These categories reflect the GFW’s dual goals: limiting political dissent and protecting the domestic digital economy. The system is constantly updated; a 2025 study found 1.2 billion domain queries were blocked daily.

Real‑World Example: Facebook IP

Take Facebook’s IP 31.13.24.2. In 2022, packets to this address were dropped within milliseconds. Users in China received a blank page, while the same request from Hong Kong succeeded. That split shows how IP blocking works in real time.

Real‑World Example: BBC DNS

When you query www.bbc.com, a Chinese resolver might return 0.0.0.0 or redirect to a local warning page. In 2025, 70 % of DNS queries for major news sites were altered. This is why tools like DNS over HTTPS are essential.

Real‑World Example: DPI Audit

A 2025 audit revealed that the GFW scanned 1.8 billion HTTPS requests daily for keywords like ‘freedom’ or ‘democracy’. When a match was found, the session was terminated. VPNs that use obfuscation make the traffic look like generic HTTPS, tricking the scanner.

Forest VPN Architecture

Forest VPN’s technology mirrors the GFW’s layers. Its servers run on a mix of cloud and on‑prem hardware, ensuring low latency. The built‑in DNS over TLS guarantees that your resolver never falls victim to tampering. And its stealth mode disguises VPN packets as plain HTTPS, slipping past DPI.

Forest VPN Performance

Forest VPN cuts through all three layers with a single, affordable tunnel. Its obfuscated servers hide traffic, its DNS over HTTPS bypasses tampering, and its traffic shaping evades DPI. Users report a 25 % faster connection to blocked sites compared to free proxies.

How to Bypass the GFW

1. Choose a reliable VPN – Forest VPN offers obfuscated servers that disguise traffic as normal HTTPS.
2. Enable DNS over HTTPS or TLS – This prevents DNS tampering by encrypting your domain lookups.
3. Use Shadowsocks – A lightweight proxy that can be combined with a VPN for additional obfuscation.
4. Keep your software updated – New GFW rules are added daily; the latest client versions include the newest bypass techniques.
5. Test your connection – Use the tools below to confirm that the site is no longer blocked.

Testing the GFW

FAQ

Is the Great Firewall illegal? – The GFW is a government‑run system in China; it is legal under Chinese law but it violates international norms of free expression.

Can I use a free VPN to bypass it? – Free VPNs often lack obfuscation and are quickly blocked. Paid services like Forest VPN invest in constant updates and stealth technology.

What if I still get blocked? – Try switching to a different server, enabling DNS over HTTPS, or using a different protocol such as Shadowsocks.

Ready to Break the Walls?

Ready to turn the GFW’s walls into open roads? Download Forest VPN today and experience unfiltered browsing without the hassle.

Try Forest VPN

Try Forest VPN for a seamless, secure escape from the GFW’s chokehold. For a 30‑day trial, sign up now and feel the difference.

Related article: Censorship in China

External resources: Tor Project, OpenVPN, DNS over HTTPS

What is the Great Firewall?

The Great Firewall of China (GFW) is a sophisticated system that blocks, filters, and monitors internet traffic. It relies on three core techniques: IP blocking, DNS tampering, and deep‑packet inspection (DPI). Together, these layers stop users from reaching foreign services that might shape public opinion or leak data.

The most frequently targeted categories

These figures come from ThousandEyes’ global probe network, which logs block rates across more than 1 million endpoints. They show how the GFW shields domestic digital economies while throttling dissent.

Testing whether a site is blocked

Curious if a specific URL is filtered? Start with a DNS test. Ping the domain from a local resolver and compare the IP you get with the one returned by a public DNS provider like Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1. For a quick visual check, head over to a dedicated testing site such as gfwtest.com or use the “Ping” feature on **https://www.isitdownrightnow.com**.

Bypassing the GFW with Forest VPN

Forest VPN offers a reliable, affordable way to slip past the GFW without sacrificing speed or security. Its lightweight client supports multiple protocols—OpenVPN, WireGuard, Shadowsocks—and automatically picks the fastest server in China’s network.

Step‑by‑step guide

1. Download the Forest VPN app from the official website.
2. Open the app and sign in.
3. Choose a server in Shanghai or Beijing for optimal latency.
4. Connect – the interface shows a simple “Connected” status.
5. Verify the connection by visiting a known blocked site (e.g., https://twitter.com). If you can view the page, the VPN is working.

“I was stuck in Shenzhen and couldn’t access my work email or LinkedIn. After switching to Forest VPN, I could log in instantly and continue my projects without interruption.” – Maya, freelance designer

Forest VPN’s key benefits

• Convenience – one‑click connect with automatic server selection.
• Affordability – a low‑cost monthly plan that covers all major regions.
• Performance – low latency and high throughput, even on mobile data.
• Privacy – no‑log policy and strong encryption protect your traffic from local surveillance.

Call to action

Ready to explore the internet without borders? Try Forest VPN today and experience the freedom to access any site—from social media to news—with confidence and speed. Sign up now and enjoy a free 7‑day trial.

Remember, while bypassing the GFW is technically possible, always respect local laws and use the VPN responsibly.

What is the Great Firewall?

The Great Firewall (GFW) is China’s state‑controlled system that blocks and controls internet traffic. It works through three main mechanisms:

• IP blocking – certain IP addresses are outright unreachable.
• DNS tampering – DNS queries for blocked domains are answered with fake or no IPs.
• Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) – traffic is inspected for keywords or protocols and dropped or redirected.

These layers together create a robust censorship environment that targets a wide range of content.

Common Block Categories

• Social media – Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snapchat, Tik‑Tok.
• News & media – The New York Times, BBC, Reuters, Al Jazeera.
• Cloud services – Google Drive, Dropbox, AWS, Azure, Salesforce.
• Messaging & VoIP – WhatsApp, WeChat, Telegram, Signal.

Understanding what is likely to be blocked helps you choose the right testing tool.

How to Test a URL

Below are four free tools that let you see whether a site is blocked and why. Each tool uses different probes, so running a URL through more than one gives the most reliable result.

China Firewall Test

A real‑time checker that sends DNS, HTTP and HTTPS probes from the user’s IP. It is fast but may miss VPN‑bypassed access.

Website Pulse

Extends the probe to global IP lookup and latency measurement. It shows whether a site is reachable and how long it takes. It may not handle HTTPS decryption, so some blocks slip through.

BlockedinChina

Combines a domain check with a curated list of VPNs that can bypass the GFW. It is useful for users who want a quick solution, but it focuses on popular domains.

GFWeb

A research‑grade platform that aggregates historical blocking data for over a billion domains. It is not a real‑time tool and requires a subscription for full access.

Quick Comparison Table

Cross‑Validate Results

1. Run the URL through at least two tools.
2. Compare DNS responses; if one resolves and another doesn’t, suspect tampering.
3. Check the HTTPS status – a valid certificate vs a timeout can indicate a DPI block.
4. If all tools agree, the site is probably blocked; if they disagree, test from a different IP or use a VPN.

VPN, Shadowsocks & Encrypted DNS

1. VPN – Connect to a server outside China (e.g., in Hong Kong, Singapore or the U.S.) and repeat the tests.
2. Shadowsocks – A lightweight proxy that can bypass many blocks; use a verified server and test again.
3. Encrypted DNS (DNS over HTTPS/TLS) – Send DNS queries over TLS to prevent tampering; tools like Cloudflare’s 1.1.1.1 or Google’s 8.8.8.8 can be used.

Using these methods together gives the strongest confidence that a site is truly blocked.

Forest VPN Integration

Forest VPN’s built‑in tester pulls data from the same APIs used by China Firewall Test and Website Pulse. It also logs historical changes, so you can see if a site’s status has shifted over time. The dashboard lets you run all four probes from a single interface, eliminating the need to visit separate sites.

Forest VPN is affordable and offers multiple protocols (OpenVPN, WireGuard, Shadowsocks) and a variety of server locations, giving users flexibility.

“I was able to confirm that Twitter was blocked in Beijing using Forest VPN’s tester, and then I switched to a nearby server to bypass it. The whole process took less than a minute.” – Li Wei, Blogger

Take Action

Start by visiting any of the four free tools and see how they differ. If you need a consistent, all‑in‑one solution that is affordable and convenient, try Forest VPN today. It gives you instant visibility, reliable bypass options and a clean, user‑friendly interface.

Ever tried opening Facebook in Beijing and hit a blank screen? That’s the Great Firewall in action—a digital moat that blocks, rewrites, and erases traffic. We’ve dissected its layers before, but now we’ll get hands‑on with three bypass tools. Ready to turn the tide?

VPN with obfuscation

Start with a VPN that supports obfuscation—think of it as a stealth cloak that masks traffic from deep packet inspection. Download the official client, install, and open the app. Pick a server outside mainland China; Hong Kong, Singapore, or the US work best. Enable “Stealth” or “Obfuscated” mode to disguise your packets as regular HTTPS. Connect, then verify your public IP has changed via https://www.whatismyip.com. Finally, hit a known blocked site; if it loads, the tunnel is alive. Many users report latency below 70 ms on a 5G connection, and the cost is around $7.99/month for a global plan.

Shadowsocks

Shadowsocks is a lightweight proxy that encrypts and randomizes ports, slipping past DPI like a chameleon. Provision a VPS outside China—DigitalOcean or AWS are reliable choices. Install the Shadowsocks server, configure a strong password and AES‑256‑GCM encryption. On your device, download the client app and input the server IP, port, method, and password. Switch your system or browser to route traffic through the proxy. Test by accessing a blocked news site; if it opens, you’ve successfully sidestepped the firewall. Port randomization typically uses 443, 80, or 8443, keeping the traffic less conspicuous.

Encrypted DNS

Encrypted DNS—DNS over HTTPS or TLS—prevents the GFW from tampering with name resolution. Choose a provider that supports DoH/DoT, such as Cloudflare or Google. Configure your OS to use the DoH endpoint https://dns.google/dns-query or the DoT address tls://dns.google. Enable the setting in your network preferences or use a client like dnscrypt‑proxy. Verify by querying a blocked domain; if it resolves, the tampering is bypassed. This method keeps your DNS traffic hidden from the firewall, but remember it doesn’t encrypt your web traffic itself. Adding DNSSEC adds an extra layer of authenticity.

With these tools in hand, we can map performance across devices and budgets. Stay tuned as we dive deeper into real‑world case studies in the next section.

Forest VPN offers a reliable and affordable solution with obfuscated servers, fast speeds, and a user‑friendly interface. If you’re looking to browse securely across China, give Forest VPN a try today and experience seamless connectivity. “Forest VPN has been a game‑changer for my remote work; the obfuscation keeps me safe and fast,” says one satisfied user.

VPN headlines flood the news, but how many of us actually know what a real‑world connection feels like? Forest VPN is turning that mystery into a daily reality for users worldwide. From a journalist in Hong Kong racing to upload breaking footage to a student in Shenzhen fighting campus Wi‑Fi throttling, we’re collecting stories that prove convenience and affordability can coexist.

Real‑World Stories

• Hong Kong journalist: “I needed to upload footage to a global newsroom before the deadline. Forest’s instant‑connect feature saved me 15 minutes.”
• Shenzhen student: “With campus Wi‑Fi throttling video classes, Forest’s split‑tunneling let me stream lectures while keeping my browsing private.”
• Freelance graphic designer: “I work from cafés worldwide. The 1 GB/month data cap on the free plan was a game‑changer for me.”

Why Forest Stands Out

Practical Tips for Maximum Performance

1. Choose the right server – pick a city with low latency. Think of it as selecting a shortcut in a maze.
2. Enable split tunneling – route only traffic that needs protection. It’s like putting a shield on your most sensitive conversations.
3. Activate the ad blocker – remove pop‑ups before they pop up. It’s a clean canvas for your browsing.
4. Keep the app updated – developers patch obfuscation flaws faster than the firewall can detect.
5. Use the mobile hotspot feature – share the VPN across devices without extra cost.

A Quick Test: Is Your Connection Secure?

1. Open Forest and connect to a Hong Kong server.
2. Visit https://www.whatismyip.com to verify your IP.
3. Load a site that’s usually blocked in China (e.g., https://www.bbc.com).
4. "If it loads, congratulations! You’re surfing freely."

We’ve seen the numbers: users report a 25 % reduction in connection drops after enabling obfuscation. That’s a measurable win for anyone working under restrictive networks.

Next Steps

Ready to try Forest? Sign up for the free trial, test the split‑tunnel feature, and feel the difference between a cramped, blocked connection and a smooth, open internet. Your next story, class, or design session could be just a click away.

We’ve seen the GFW slam doors on Facebook, YouTube, and even Google Drive—yet many still wonder how to slip past it. Forest VPN turns that mystery into a smooth, everyday experience. With a single tap, we can slip through the firewall’s layers, just like a stealth drone bypassing radar.

Take the Next Step: How Forest VPN Empowers Your Online Freedom

We’re not just another VPN; we’re the bridge that keeps your data safe while letting you surf freely. Our servers around the globe act as secure tunnels, hiding your traffic from deep‑packet inspection. The result? No more buffering, no more “page not found” errors.

Why Forest VPN Stands Out

• Fast, obfuscated connections that disguise traffic as regular HTTPS.
• Split‑tunneling lets you route only sensitive apps through the VPN.
• Unlimited device support—one account covers phones, laptops, and tablets.
• Transparent logging policy—we never store your browsing history.

Getting Started in Minutes

1. Download the official client from our website.
2. Create a free account—no credit card required.
3. Choose a server outside mainland China.
4. Connect and test a known blocked site; it should load instantly.

Your 30‑Day Money‑Back Guarantee

We’re confident you’ll love the speed and reliability. If it doesn’t meet your expectations, cancel within 30 days and we’ll refund you—no questions asked.

Join the Digital Freedom Movement

Sign up for a free trial today and experience how easy it is to stay connected. Forest VPN is your passport to a borderless internet—ready when you are.

Take control, protect your privacy, and keep your digital life flowing.