How to Watch YouTube in China — Full 2024 Guide

Penka Hristovska
Updated on: July 23, 2024 Senior Editor

The easiest way to watch YouTube in China is with a VPN. This is because the Great Firewall blocks access to the site and app in mainland China.

VPNs can access YouTube from anywhere because they have servers around the world. When you connect to a server, it gives you an IP address that matches the location you’re connected to.

But a lot of VPNs don’t work well in China because they don’t have an obfuscation tool, which is crucial to have in China, as it hides VPN traffic to prevent China’s restrictive firewall from detecting and blocking VPN connections.

Unfortunately, even VPNs that have obfuscation still don’t consistently work in China because the government regularly detects and blocks their server IP addresses.

I tested the top VPNs and found 3 that consistently work in China. My favorite is ExpressVPN because it consistently works in China, accesses YouTube 100% of the time, offers buffer-free speeds, and has top-notch security and privacy features. Editors' Note: ExpressVPN and this site are in the same ownership group.

Try ExpressVPN

How to Watch YouTube in China

1. Download and Install a VPN

You should do this before you leave for China. Just sign up for a provider that works in China and download and install its app on your device.

But there are also ways to download a VPN in China:

• Ask your VPN provider for a mirrored link. Mirrored links are copies of a VPN provider’s website, but they use different web addresses so that the government can’t easily detect and block them. I can’t give you any mirror links because they change often, but email your VPN provider and ask for the mirrored links they use.
• Try a free proxy. You might be able to find a free web proxy or proxy app that’s not blocked in China and use it to visit the VPN provider’s site to download and install its app on your device.
• Try hotel Wi-Fi networks. Certain hotels might provide somewhat unrestricted access to the web on their networks. You likely won’t be able to watch YouTube, but you might be able to visit your VPN provider’s site.
• Use the SIM card from your home country. If you have access to a SIM card from your country with an international data plan, you may be able to download a VPN without jumping through too many hoops. All you need to do is turn on your roaming and get the VPN app from the app store.
• Download the VPN .apk file. You can ask your VPN provider to send you the .apk app by email. I recommend staying away from third-party sites that offer .apk files, as you might accidentally download malware.
• Ask a friend for help. If you have friends abroad, you can try asking them to download the VPN’s app and send it to you through a file-sharing platform.
• Take a day trip to Hong Kong or Macau. These regions have fewer internet restrictions, so you might be able to download a VPN there.

2. Turn on the Obfuscation Tool

Every VPN uses different obfuscation tools. For example, ExpressVPN supports obfuscation on all servers and protocols. That said, it recommends switching to the Automatic protocol setting to get the best results.

3. Connect to a Server Location

Choose a server location that’s closest to your physical location to minimize slowdowns. Some VPNs, like ExpressVPN, keep a list of server locations that work best in China, so make sure you ask your provider about it. That’s it! You can now freely browse YouTube.

Tips for Using YouTube in China

You’re likely to face less than optimal speeds when using YouTube in China, whether you’re simply watching videos or uploading clips to your YouTube channel. This is because the obfuscation tool you need to access the site and app in China will slow down your speeds. Plus, YouTube requires a lot more bandwidth than social media or messaging apps as it streams video content, which uses more data.

Here are some tips to make the best of what you’ve got:

• Pick a nearby server. Connect to servers located in regions geographically close to China, such as Japan, South Korea, or Singapore, where YouTube isn’t banned. The closer the server is, the less your data has to travel, which means faster speeds and more reliable connections.
• Choose an optimal server. Sometimes, VPN providers have servers that are optimized to have a better chance of working in China. Make sure to ask your provider about these and test each to see which is the fastest for watching YouTube videos in HD, or uploading content on the platform
• Switch servers. If you experience slow speeds or interruptions, try switching to a different server. I’d make sure to first test servers that are close to your location, so you don’t have to deal with endless buffering in your YouTube videos.
• Close other apps & tabs. It may not make that much of a difference on your super-fast network at home, but closing other browser tabs which might be silently using up your internet bandwidth in the background will help, even if just a little.
• Adjust video quality. If you’re dealing with endless buffering, it’s a good idea to lower the video quality to 480p or 720p, especially if your internet speed isn’t very high.
• Download for offline viewing. If you have a YouTube Premium subscription, use the offline viewing feature to download videos and watch them without needing a continuous internet connection.
  Keep your apps updated. Make sure that your browser where you use YouTube and your operating system are as up-to-date as they can be. Each new update not only includes security patches, but it’s also usually faster — unless the device you’re using is pretty old

Why Is YouTube Banned in China?

China has permanently banned YouTube (as well as many Western companies like Meta and Snapchat), and this stems from a combination of political, social, and regulatory factors.

Controlling the narrative is crucial for the Chinese government. YouTube provides a platform for voices that might contradict the official state narrative and China has often cited this as a good national security reason — foreign influence and espionage.

By banning it, the government ensures the primary sources of information for its citizens are state-controlled or heavily regulated platforms that align with government policies and messaging.

This also means there’s restricted access to information that could incite dissent or encourage protests as, obviously, no information that’s approved by the government would shed a negative light on it.

Plus, YouTube’s ban plays in favor of several homegrown video-sharing platforms, such as Tencent Video and iQiyi, which operate under strict government regulations. This allows the Chinese government to support domestic companies and more easily monitor and control what’s being shown to its people.

Finally, even if none of the above applied, China generally makes it very difficult for foreign internet companies like YouTube to operate within its borders. This is due to China’s legal framework, specifically its 2017 Cybersecurity Law, that requires companies to store data in China, give the government access to this data, and allow the government to implement tools and measures that allow for government monitoring and surveillance of internet activity.

Note that YouTube is accessible in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau, where internet access is unrestricted and open.

Is It Legal to Watch YouTube in China?

Technically it’s illegal to access YouTube in China, and since it’s banned the tools you need to watch YouTube there are also probably illegal to use.

YouTube’s ban means that you have to use a VPN with good obfuscation to get around China’s “Great Firewall” and access the site or the app. However, it’s against the law to use a VPN that hasn’t been approved by the Chinese government in the country. The problem with government-sanctioned VPNs, however, is that they share data with the government and enforce the same restrictions that you’d face if you didn’t use a VPN at all.

The good news is that I’ve repeatedly researched this issue and haven’t found a single report that a tourist or anyone in China has been arrested for watching YouTube or using a VPN to access the site and the app. The Chinese government typically just penalizes citizens who sell unauthorized VPN services.

That said, it’s important to keep in mind that accessing YouTube or any other site that the government blocks is illegal and you may face fines or other legal consequences for it in China.

Best VPNs for watching YouTube in China in 2024

Editors' Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company

🥇1. ExpressVPN — Best Overall VPN for Watching YouTube in China

ExpressVPN is the best VPN for watching YouTube in China in 2024 and is also the best VPN for circumventing government censorship. It has obfuscation on all of its servers and protocols, which allows you to hide your VPN traffic and watch YouTube without any issues. ExpressVPN’s support reps recommend using the Automatic protocol option for the best results. To connect to a server, simply use the quick-connect tool on the connection screen or click the Current Location field to manually pick the server you want to use.

ExpressVPN has servers it specifically recommends for users in China in 4+ locations. They’re optimized to navigate China’s Great Firewall and deliver the best possible speeds on obfuscated connections. However, it also has lots of servers near to China such as in Hong Kong, Japan, and Singapore, so you can get the best speeds possible.

ExpressVPN is the fastest VPN on the market, which is important since obfuscation usually slows down your VPN speeds. In my speed tests, HD and 4K videos on YouTube loaded instantly and played without any buffering.

Plus, ExpressVPN is a very secure option as it comes with advanced security features, like:

• Audited no-logs policy. ExpressVPN’s no-logs policy has undergone multiple independent audits, which confirmed that the VPN does not log any user data, so it won’t have any to share with the Chinese government even if requested.
• RAM-only servers. Data is only saved to the RAM, which means every server reset wipes everything, and there’s nothing to share with the Chinese government or any court that asks for it.
• Full leak protection. Protects you against DNS, IPv6, and WebRTC leaks, meaning there won’t be any discrepancies in your connection to signal to your Chinese ISP that you’re using a VPN. I ran tests on servers in 10+ countries and never experienced any leaks.

ExpressVPN offers plans starting at $6.67 / month, which is pricier than other VPNs, but it provides the best value. On top of that, ExpressVPN’s plans come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read the full ExpressVPN review

🥈2. Private Internet Access — Very Safe VPN With Fast Speeds

Private Internet Access (PIA) lets you watch YouTube in China via Shadowsocks, which is an encrypted proxy that makes your VPN traffic look like regular traffic. Using the provider’s obfuscation is pretty straightforward — just select the OpenVPN protocol, head to the Multi-Hop tab, enable the obfuscation feature, and choose which Shadowsocks server you want to use.

What’s more, PIA’s speeds over Shadowsocks are pretty good — most websites I accessed loaded in 2 seconds, whereas HD videos took only 3 seconds to fully load. Without Shadowsocks enabled, both sites and HD videos loaded instantly, so the slowdown caused by the added obfuscation isn’t as bad. Though, I should still mention that ExpressVPN’s obfuscated speeds are better.

And PIA’s apps are highly customizable and user-friendly, so it’s great for advanced users and beginners. There are plenty of options to customize your connections — like choosing between 128-bit AES encryption for faster speeds over the more secure 256-bit AES encryption. I also like how you can route your traffic through TCP port 443 with the OpenVPN protocol, which Chinese authorities are unlikely to block (it’s crucial for secure HTTPS traffic).

Private Internet Access (PIA) has plans starting at $2.19 / month, and all purchases come with a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Read the full Private Internet Access review

Editors' Note: Private Internet Access and this site are in the same ownership group.

🥉3. PrivateVPN — Great for People New to VPNs

PrivateVPN is great for beginners who want to watch YouTube in China. The VPN uses its Stealth VPN feature to disguise your VPN traffic as regular traffic, making it difficult for China’s firewall to detect and block your connection. Turning on the feature is pretty easy — just click the Stealth VPN tab and enable the feature.

PrivateVPN is very user-friendly — finding and turning on its Stealth VPN feature took me a couple of seconds. Plus, I like that you can choose between a Simple View mode, which is great if you only want to connect to a server and let the VPN work in the background, and an Advanced View mode, which lets you customize your connections.

PrivateVPN has a small network of servers, with just over 200+ servers across 63 countries. But I was happy that it has servers in countries that are near China like Hong Kong, Japan, South Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan, so there are plenty of options to choose from for optimal speeds.

PrivateVPN’s plans start as low as $2.00 / month, and it offers a 30-day money-back guarantee on all purchases.

Read the full PrivateVPN review

Quick Comparison Table

Editors' Note: Intego, Private Internet Access, CyberGhost and ExpressVPN are owned by Kape Technologies, our parent company

Testing Methodology: Comparison & Ranking Criteria

I followed our proven testing methodology to identify the best VPNs for watching YouTube in China. By simulating real-world conditions, I evaluated each VPN on important factors like accessibility and speed. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of how I chose and ranked every VPN on this list:

• I made sure the VPN works in China. All recommended VPNs have an obfuscation tool that allows the VPN to get around China’s “Great Firewall” and access the YouTube site and app.
• I tested for high speeds. Speed is crucial for streaming on YouTube without buffering. I measured the connection speeds of each VPN under obfuscated conditions. ExpressVPN provided the fastest speeds in my tests for smooth YouTube streaming, with minor or no buffering.
• I checked for servers in nearby locations. The proximity of the server you’re connected to when watching YouTube affects connection speed. I confirmed that all recommended VPNs have servers in nearby locations like Hong Kong, Japan, and South Korea, enhancing speed and performance.
• I looked for strong security features. The Chinese government is notorious for monitoring traffic, so it’s important to choose a secure VPN. Every VPN on this list includes industry-standard VPN security features, like 256-bit AES encryption, a kill switch (disconnects you from the internet when the VPN connection drops), a strict no-logs policy that stops the VPN from logging your traffic, and protection against DNS, IPv6, or WebRTC leaks.
• I picked VPNs that provide good value. All the VPNs I recommend allow at least 8 connections, have affordable plans, and come with a generous money-back guarantee.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why do you need to use a VPN to watch YouTube in China?

A VPN lets you connect to a server outside of China and browse an open and free internet. China blocks access to YouTube to prevent internet users in China from accessing certain information. The best way to watch YouTube in China is to follow these 4 simple steps.

Is it safe to watch YouTube in China with a VPN?

It depends. Officially, the Chinese government only allows using a government-approved VPN — and the government only approves VPNs that give backdoor access to the data they collect, so they’re not exactly privacy-friendly.

However, you’re not likely to face legal issues for using a VPN. I haven’t been able to find any reports where the Chinese government took legal action against individuals solely for using a VPN. I have only found a couple of cases where the government has fined Chinese citizens for setting up and selling VPNs illegally. Still, I strongly advise familiarizing yourself with local laws to make sure that you’re not risking hefty fines for using a VPN.

What is the best VPN server location to use when watching YouTube in China?

The best server location is a nearby country that doesn’t block YouTube, such as Hong Kong, Japan, Singapore, and Taiwan. This makes sure you get the fastest speeds possible.

All VPNs that I recommend have servers in locations that are near China. It’s best to try out different server locations to determine which one works best for you.

Can I watch YouTube in China using a free VPN?

Maybe, but it’s highly unlikely. China bans most VPNs (including some top paid VPNs) so the chances of a good free VPN working in China are very low.

Plus, it’s best to avoid free VPNs because they come with limitations, such as slow speeds, bandwidth caps, and limited server locations. Some even lack important privacy and security features and may share your data with third parties.

I always prefer using a premium VPN like ExpressVPN, because it consistently works in China, provides obfuscation on all of its servers and protocols, gives access to high-end security and privacy features, and has the fastest speeds on the market.

Can I Use a VPN to visit other websites censored in China?

Yes, a VPN lets you access other sites that are blocked by the government in China, including social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter and search engines like Google.

All of the VPNs I recommend work with sites that China’s Great Firewall blocks. My favorite is ExpressVPN because it’s super fast and it uses obfuscation on all of its servers and protocols.

Can I use a smart DNS to stream YouTube in China?

No, a smart DNS tool can’t get around China’s firewall because it doesn’t obfuscate your traffic. Instead, you should use a VPN that works in China, such as ExpressVPN, which comes with strong security features, blazing-fast speeds, and very intuitive apps.

What should I do If my VPN is blocked in China?

Check if you have enabled obfuscation — this hides your VPN traffic and allows you to get around China’s firewall. If you have that covered, you can try connecting to a different server or using another protocol. If it still doesn’t work, you should reach out to your VPN provider and ask for recommendations. Alternatively, you might want to consider switching to a provider that works in China. All the VPNs on my list work in China.

Will using a VPN to watch YouTube in China affect my internet speeds?

Yes, as all VPNs slow down your speeds due to the encryption process. And since you need to use obfuscation in China, that will slow down your speeds even more.

However, all VPNs on my list offer excellent speeds with obfuscation, so you won’t notice any significant latency. I recommend ExpressVPN because it’s the fastest VPN on the market.

Best VPNs for Watching YouTube in China in 2024 — Final Score: