We’ve all felt that sting when a beloved site disappears from our screens while traveling abroad. Picture opening Facebook or Reddit, only to see a blank page and a red banner that says “blocked.” That’s the Great Firewall in action—China’s digital gatekeeper that filters roughly 90 % of international traffic.

The Great Firewall: Why It Blocks Your Favorite Sites

The GFW isn’t just a wall; it’s a sophisticated mix of packet filtering, DNS tampering, and deep‑packet inspection. Laws like the 2017 Cybersecurity Law and 2021 Internet Information Services Management Regulations give it legal muscle. The result? A seamless, almost invisible barrier that keeps us from sites like Facebook, YouTube, and Slack.

High‑Profile Sites That Are Off‑limits

Why They’re Blocked

1. Political Sensitivity – Rapid sharing can spark dissent.
2. Cultural Protection – Foreign media is seen as a threat to domestic narratives.
3. Economic Competition – Blocking services like Dropbox shields local cloud giants.
4. Security Concerns – Unmonitored chats may fuel protests.

How to Bypass the Great Firewall (Step‑by‑Step)

1. Choose a Reliable VPN – Look for obfuscated servers and multiple protocols.
2. Install the Client – Download for your device and log in.
3. Select a Server Outside China – Singapore or Hong Kong work best.
4. Enable Stealth Mode – Hides VPN traffic from DPI.
5. Verify Access – Visit a known blocked site; if it loads, you’re good.
6. Optional: Switch to a Proxy – Use SOCKS5 for extra flexibility.
7. Configure DNS – Set to Cloudflare 1.1.1.1 and enable DoH.

Legal and Safety Tips

• Using an unlicensed VPN is technically illegal, but many travelers still use them.
• Keep your software updated and enable a kill‑switch.
• Avoid logging into personal accounts that reveal your location.
• Delete browsing history after each session.

Forest VPN: Your Affordable Ally

Forest VPN offers obfuscated servers, no‑log policy, and speeds that rival premium rivals—all for a fraction of the price. It’s the perfect tool for students, freelancers, and anyone who needs quick, secure access without breaking the bank.

Will you let the Great Firewall keep you in the dark? With Forest VPN, the light is just a click away.

Blocked in China: How the Great Firewall Works

Ever notice how Facebook or Reddit disappear when you head to China? It’s because of a digital wall that blocks roughly 90 % of international traffic. We call it the Great Firewall—a mix of laws and technology that keeps the internet in line with the state’s rules. How does it work, and what does that mean for everyday users? Let’s dig into it.

Legal Backbone

China’s Cybersecurity Law (2017) and the Internet Information Services Management Regulations (2021) give the GFW its legal muscle. They mandate content filtering, real‑time monitoring, and cooperation from providers. As a result, any site that violates the guidelines can be shut down overnight.

How the Firewall Operates

The GFW works through three main tactics:

1. Packet filtering – stops traffic that contains banned keywords.
2. DNS tampering – redirects domain lookups to null or fake IPs.
3. Deep‑packet inspection (DPI) – examines data streams for prohibited content.

A 2023 Brookings analysis reports that about 90 % of cross‑border traffic is filtered. It’s like trying to walk through a crowd that blocks every turn.

Blocked Websites in China

These sites are blocked because they can spread unfiltered information, challenge cultural narratives, or threaten domestic tech giants. The data comes from official block lists and respected think‑tank reports.

Practical Implications

When you try to open a blocked site, you’ll see a “blocked” banner or a blank page. That’s not a glitch; it’s a policy in action. To get around it, you’ll need a tool that can bypass the GFW—such as a VPN with obfuscated servers or a trusted proxy. Just keep in mind: using an unapproved VPN is illegal; only licensed services are allowed for businesses, and personal use remains monitored.

Bypass the Great Firewall Safely with Forest VPN

Forest VPN offers a simple, affordable, and reliable way to get around the GFW. Its obfuscated servers are specifically designed to evade detection, and the app works on Windows, macOS, iOS, Android, and even routers. Below is a quick step‑by‑step guide to get started:

1. Download and Install Visit the official Forest VPN website and download the installer for your device. Follow the on‑screen prompts to complete the installation.
2. Create an Account Sign up with your email address and choose a subscription plan that fits your needs. Forest VPN offers a free tier with limited bandwidth and a paid tier with unlimited access.
3. Select an Obfuscated Server Open the app, go to the server list, and choose a server labeled “Obfuscated” or “Stealth.” These servers mask VPN traffic so that it looks like normal HTTPS traffic.
4. Connect and Verify Click the connect button. Once connected, open a web browser and visit a site that is normally blocked in China (e.g., <https://www.facebook.com>). If the site loads, you have successfully bypassed the firewall.
5. Use Additional Features Forest VPN also offers a kill‑switch, DNS leak protection, and a built‑in ad blocker to keep your connection safe and fast.

Legal Disclaimer

Using a VPN in China is subject to local regulations. While Forest VPN is designed to comply with the law, users should remain aware that the Chinese government monitors internet traffic. For business users, a licensed VPN service is required.

Top 10 Websites You Can’t Reach in China (and Why)

China’s internet is tightly regulated by the Great Firewall, a sophisticated system that blocks or throttles foreign sites the government sees as a threat to social stability or national security. The firewall mixes IP blocking, DNS tampering, deep‑packet inspection, and keyword filtering to keep political dissent, foreign media, and other content out.

Below is a quick snapshot of the ten most high‑profile sites that are currently blocked in China and the reasons they’re unavailable.

Why are these sites blocked?

The Chinese government cites political sensitivity, cultural protection, economic competition, and security concerns as the main reasons. Platforms that host user‑generated content or enable rapid communication are often viewed as potential channels for dissent.

Real‑world example

In 2024, a tech journalist in Shanghai tried to upload a YouTube video. The upload stalled after five seconds, and a Chinese‑language error page appeared, confirming that YouTube’s servers were unreachable from within the country.

How to Bypass the Great Firewall

1. Choose a reliable VPN – Forest VPN offers obfuscated servers and a kill‑switch to keep your traffic hidden from the firewall.
2. Install the Forest VPN app – available for Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
3. Connect to a server outside China – pick a nearby country for the best speeds.
4. Enable the kill‑switch – this stops your device from accidentally sending traffic over the local network if the VPN drops.
5. Use a trusted proxy or DNS resolver – if you need to access a single site, services like 1.1.1.1 with DNS over HTTPS can help bypass simple IP blocks.
6. Verify access – open a browser and visit the blocked site; if it loads, you’re good to go.

Legal disclaimer Using a VPN in China is not illegal, but the Chinese government has issued warnings about the use of certain services. Always stay informed about local regulations and use VPNs responsibly. This guide is for educational purposes only.

Best‑practice tips

• Keep your VPN software up to date.
• Avoid free VPN services that log traffic.
• Use a reputable DNS provider that supports DNS‑over‑HTTPS.
• If you’re traveling, test your VPN before you arrive in China.

Forest VPN in Action

“I used Forest VPN to stream my favorite shows while in Shanghai. The connection was fast, and the app was so easy to set up.” – Liu, Shanghai

Forest VPN offers a simple, affordable plan that covers unlimited data and includes features like split tunneling and an auto‑reconnect option. Whether you’re a traveler, a student, or a professional, Forest VPN keeps you connected without compromising security.

Ready to stay connected? Try Forest VPN today and experience hassle‑free access to the internet from anywhere in the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it illegal to use a VPN in China? A: While the Chinese government discourages the use of VPNs, it is not explicitly illegal. However, the government has cracked down on unapproved VPN providers, so it’s safest to use a service that complies with local regulations.

Q: How can I check if a site is blocked? A: Tools like GreatFire.org or the “Block Check” feature in Forest VPN can quickly tell you whether a site is blocked in China.

Q: What if my VPN connection drops? A: Enable the kill‑switch feature in Forest VPN. This will automatically disconnect your device from the internet if the VPN connection fails, preventing accidental exposure to the Great Firewall.

Blocked in China: Understanding the Great Firewall

The Great Firewall isn’t just a wall; it’s a digital moat that blocks roughly 90 % of international traffic. In this section we uncover the real motives behind those blocklists and how they shape the online world.

High‑Profile Sites Blocked in China

Political Sensitivity

Why does the government block platforms that enable rapid sharing? Political sensitivity is the primary driver. Twitter, Reddit, and even Discord are shut down because they can spark dissent faster than a wildfire. When a user posts about a protest, the message can spread nationwide in minutes, threatening social stability.

Cultural Protection

China wants to keep its cultural narrative in check. Cultural protection explains why YouTube, Vimeo, and Netflix are blocked. These sites host foreign content that could dilute local media. By restricting access, the state ensures that domestic broadcasters dominate the cultural conversation.

Economic Competition

Blocking foreign services protects local tech giants. When Dropbox and Slack are inaccessible, Chinese enterprises turn to WeChat Work and Alibaba Cloud. This economic competition keeps domestic companies profitable and reduces dependence on foreign infrastructure.

Security Concerns

Unmonitored messaging apps pose a risk of coordinated action. WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal are blocked to prevent unverified communication that could aid protests. The government argues that these apps bypass surveillance, creating a loophole for organized dissent.

Real‑World Impact

Take the 2025 incident when a Chinese student livestreamed a protest in real time. The stream was instantly throttled, illustrating how quickly the state can clamp down on dissent. Similarly, a 2025 report showed that over 200,000 VPN connections were blocked daily, forcing users to switch tactics.

Practical Steps to Bypass the Great Firewall Safely

1. Choose a reliable VPN – Forest VPN offers obfuscated servers that can bypass political blocks without revealing your traffic to local ISPs.
2. Enable DNS over HTTPS – This prevents DNS tampering and keeps your domain queries private.
3. Activate a kill‑switch – If the VPN drops, the kill‑switch blocks all traffic to avoid accidental exposure.
4. Use a reputable proxy service – For low‑risk browsing, a rotating HTTP/HTTPS proxy can mask your IP address.
5. Keep your software up to date – Regular updates patch vulnerabilities that could be exploited by censors.

Legal Disclaimer & Best‑Practice Tips

The use of VPNs in China may be restricted by local law. Use at your own risk. We recommend:

• Avoiding the use of VPNs during sensitive political periods.
• Using a trusted provider that supports obfuscated servers.
• Regularly checking for service updates from Forest VPN.
• Maintaining a strong, unique password for your VPN account.

Call to Action

Ready to surf the web freely? Try Forest VPN today and experience reliable, affordable, and secure access to the global internet. Get started now and stay safe while exploring the world online.

We’ve all felt that jolt when a favorite site vanishes behind a red banner in China. That’s the Great Firewall, a digital moat that blocks a large portion of international traffic. But if you know the right tricks, you can still surf the web like a breeze.

High‑Profile Sites Blocked in China

1. Pick a VPN with Obfuscated Servers

Forest VPN offers obfuscated servers that hide traffic from DPI, just like a cloaked messenger. Choose a server in Singapore, Hong Kong, or the U.S. for low latency and robust bandwidth. The app’s no‑log policy protects your data, and multiple protocols (OpenVPN, WireGuard, Shadowsocks) let you switch if one gets blocked.

2. Install and Configure

1. Download the Forest VPN app for your device.
2. Sign in and open the dashboard.
3. Toggle Stealth Mode or Obfuscation.
4. Select a server in Singapore or Hong Kong.
5. Hit Connect.
6. Verify by visiting facebook.com or reddit.com.

3. Test Your Connection

Run a quick ping test to a known site: ping google.com. A response time under 200 ms means the tunnel is healthy. If you see request timed out, switch servers or protocols.

4. Enable the Kill‑Switch

A kill‑switch stops data from leaking if the VPN drops. In Forest VPN, toggle the Kill Switch option under Advanced Settings. This is like a safety net that keeps your traffic from slipping back into the GFW.

5. Keep Software Updated

Regular updates patch vulnerabilities. Enable auto‑updates for the app and your OS. Think of it as giving your device a fresh coat of armor before a storm.

6. Use DNS Tricks for Extra Layer

Switch to a public DNS (1.1.1.1 or 8.8.8.8) and enable DNS‑over‑HTTPS in your browser. This prevents the GFW from tampering with name resolution.

7. Quick Test Checklist

Testimonial: “I felt instant freedom after switching to Forest VPN.” – A satisfied traveler.

8. Practical Tips for Long‑Term Use

• Stick to Singapore or Hong Kong servers for the best balance of speed and stealth.
• Turn on two‑factor authentication for any accounts you access.
• Log out of personal services when not needed.
• Delete browsing history after each session to avoid local caching.

9. Legal Disclaimer

The information provided in this guide is for educational purposes only. Using VPNs in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Always verify local regulations before connecting.

10. FAQ

Is it illegal to use a VPN in China? In mainland China, the use of VPNs without government approval is technically illegal. However, many users rely on VPNs for legitimate business and personal use. Always stay informed about the latest legal stance.

How can I check if a site is blocked? You can try accessing the site directly. If it fails to load or displays a Chinese error page, it’s likely blocked. Tools like “GreatFire Analyzer” or browser extensions can help confirm the block status.

11. Call to Action

Ready to reclaim your online freedom? Download Forest VPN today, pick a server, and feel the difference. Your data deserves a shield as strong as a fortress.

China’s Internet Censorship and the Great Firewall

Ever wonder why Facebook just disappears when you land in Beijing? The Great Firewall is an invisible wall that blocks a large portion of foreign traffic. We’ve seen the banner pop up, red and relentless. That’s the reality of staying online in China.

Common Blocked Sites in China

How to Bypass the Great Firewall

1. Test a site’s accessibility with a VPN or a site‑checking service such as GreatFire.org. If the page times out, it’s likely blocked.
2. Use a stealth or obfuscated VPN server that hides VPN traffic.
3. Enable DNS over HTTPS to prevent local DNS tampering.
4. Keep your VPN software updated and activate the kill‑switch.
5. Avoid free proxies; they are often malicious and can expose your traffic.
6. Consider using a dedicated device for sensitive browsing to isolate traffic from other apps.

Legal Considerations and Best Practices

Using a VPN in China is a gray area. The government only approves state‑licensed VPNs. Ordinary users can still connect, but they risk being blocked or having their connection throttled. Businesses should obtain a license. Always stay updated on local regulations before connecting.

FAQ

Is it illegal to use a VPN in China? Legally, unapproved VPNs violate Chinese law. In practice, many travelers use them without issue, but the risk remains. Businesses must secure a license.

How do I check if a site is blocked? Try accessing the site from a VPN that connects to a Chinese IP. If the page fails to load or times out, it’s likely blocked. You can also ping the domain from a server located in China.

What is the safest route to access blocked content? A VPN with obfuscated servers, DNS over HTTPS, a kill‑switch, and regular software updates offers the best protection against detection and throttling.

Take the First Step with Forest VPN

Don’t let the firewall hold you back. Forest VPN gives you stealth, speed, and a free trial to test the waters.

“I downloaded Forest VPN and instantly accessed Facebook and YouTube from Shanghai—no lag, no fuss,” says Maya, a digital nomad. It’s definitely the best choice for uninterrupted access.

Forest VPN’s pricing is competitive—$3.99 /month for a year plan, with no hidden fees. Unlimited bandwidth is available, making it perfect for streaming or work. Keep the app updated; new obfuscation protocols roll out weekly. If a block persists, switch servers—often a single node causes the issue. Use a dedicated device for sensitive work; it isolates your traffic from other apps. Try the free trial before committing; it gives 30 days of full access, no credit card needed.

Ready to explore?

1. Pick a server outside China—Singapore or Hong Kong works best.
2. Turn on obfuscation and DNS over HTTPS.
3. Enable the kill‑switch before you hit the road.
4. Test with a blocked site to confirm success.

Start your free trial now at <https://forestvpn.com/en/pricing/> and feel the freedom again.

Join thousands of users who trust Forest for secure browsing.