Need reliable China proxies with advanced privacy? Learn how Multilogin can help.
China has one of the most restrictive internet censorship systems in the world, often referred to as the Great Firewall of China (GFW). Many popular websites and services—including Google, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and even some news outlets—are blocked in China, making it difficult for residents and travelers to access global content.
To bypass these restrictions, many users turn to web proxies, VPNs, and alternative DNS services. But do proxies actually work in China? Are they legal? And which options provide the best and most reliable access?
This guide explores how proxies and VPNs function in China, the legal implications of using them, and the best solutions for accessing the open internet while staying secure.
How the Great Firewall of China Blocks Websites
The Great Firewall of China is a combination of laws, regulations, and technological systems designed to control internet access within the country. It blocks foreign websites using several methods:
- IP Blocking – The firewall maintains a blacklist of IP addresses associated with banned websites and services.
- DNS Filtering – Websites are blocked by manipulating DNS queries, making it impossible for users to access them through normal means.
- Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) – The firewall analyzes internet traffic to identify and block proxy and VPN traffic.
- Keyword Censorship – Messages containing sensitive political or controversial keywords are filtered and blocked.
Because of this multi-layered censorship system, regular web proxies and many VPNs struggle to work in China.
Does a Proxy Work in China?
Web Proxies in China: Do They Work?
Web proxies—such as public proxy servers, browser-based proxies, and free proxy extensions—are commonly used to bypass geo-restrictions in other countries. However, in China, most web proxies do not work effectively.
Why Do Proxies Fail in China?
- Blocked Proxy IPs – The Great Firewall actively blocks known proxy server IP addresses, making it difficult to find a working proxy.
- Detection via Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) – Proxies that do not encrypt traffic can be easily detected and blocked.
- Slow and Unstable Connections – Many free proxies have poor performance, making them unreliable for streaming or extended use.
- No Encryption – Proxies do not encrypt traffic, meaning your internet activity can still be monitored by ISPs or government authorities.
Are There Any Working Proxies in China?
Some premium, private proxies work in China by using advanced encryption and obfuscation techniques. However, they are not as effective as stealth VPNs, which are specifically designed to bypass the Great Firewall undetected.
Are Web Proxies Illegal in China?
Is It Illegal to Use a Proxy in China?
While web proxies themselves are not illegal, using them to bypass government censorship is considered a violation of Chinese internet regulations.
What Does the Law Say?
- Unregistered proxy services are prohibited – Only government-approved VPNs and proxy services are allowed.
- Circumventing the Great Firewall is a punishable offense – While individual users are rarely prosecuted, businesses and organizations can face fines or be shut down for providing unauthorized access.
- Foreign proxy and VPN services are regularly blocked – Even if a proxy works today, it may be banned tomorrow due to frequent government updates.
Can You Get in Trouble for Using a Proxy?
For personal use, most individuals who use proxies or VPNs quietly are not actively targeted. However, businesses or individuals who distribute proxy services or promote censorship circumvention may face legal consequences.
Can I Use VPN Super Unlimited Proxy in China?
VPN Super Unlimited Proxy is a popular free VPN service available for iOS and Android, but it is unlikely to work in China.
Why Won’t VPN Super Unlimited Proxy Work?
- Free VPNs are Easily Blocked – The Great Firewall quickly detects and bans free VPN servers.
- No Stealth Features – Unlike premium VPNs, it does not use obfuscation technology to disguise VPN traffic.
- Limited Server Options – Without dedicated Chinese servers, connection speeds are poor, and service is unreliable.
Alternative VPNs That Work in China
For a reliable and stable VPN connection in China, consider using:
- ExpressVPN – One of the most consistent VPNs for bypassing the Great Firewall.
- NordVPN – Uses obfuscated servers to hide VPN traffic.
- Surfshark – Works in China and allows unlimited device connections.
- Astrill VPN – Specifically designed for users in China.
Can Private Internet Access (PIA) Be Used in China?
Private Internet Access (PIA) is a well-known VPN service, but its effectiveness in China is inconsistent.
Does PIA Work in China?
- Sometimes works, depending on the server and protocol.
- Lacks strong obfuscation technology, making it easier to detect.
- Not designed specifically for China, unlike ExpressVPN or Astrill.
Best VPN Features for China
- Stealth Mode – Hides VPN traffic to avoid detection.
- Server Obfuscation – Makes VPN traffic look like normal web browsing.
- Frequent IP Updates – Rotates IP addresses to bypass blocking.
PIA may work sporadically, but China-focused VPNs offer better reliability.
Can China Detect VPN Usage?
Yes, China can detect and block VPN usage using multiple techniques:
- IP Blacklisting – Known VPN IP addresses are regularly blocked.
- Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) – Identifies and filters VPN traffic based on data patterns.
- Connection Disruptions – If a VPN is detected, China can slow down, block, or disconnect your internet access.
How to Avoid VPN Detection in China
- Use obfuscated VPN servers that make VPN traffic look like normal HTTPS traffic.
- Choose VPNs with stealth technology (ExpressVPN, NordVPN).
- Switch VPN protocols to Shadowsocks or WireGuard for less detection.
Best Proxy Servers That Work in China
China’s Great Firewall is constantly evolving, making it difficult for most standard proxies to function. However, some premium proxy services offer advanced encryption, high-speed servers, and stealth capabilities, allowing users to bypass restrictions and access the internet freely.
For users who require stable and anonymous access to restricted content in China—whether for business, research, or personal browsing—the right proxy provider is essential. Below is a list of the most effective proxies that work in China.
Top Proxy Providers for China
1. Bright Data – High-Performance Proxies for Businesses
Bright Data is a leading proxy provider known for its residential, datacenter, and mobile proxies. Businesses rely on it for web scraping, ad verification, and data collection without detection.
Why Bright Data Works in China:
- Rotating Residential Proxies – Ensures anonymity and bypasses IP bans.
- Fast Speeds & Large IP Pool – Ideal for large-scale operations.
- Stealth Features – Reduces detection by the Great Firewall.
Bright Data is one of the best options for enterprises that need consistent, high-quality proxy solutions for accessing blocked websites in China.
2. Oxylabs – Enterprise-Grade Proxy Solution
Oxylabs is a top choice for corporations needing secure access to restricted sites. With its global IP coverage and high-speed performance, it is widely used by businesses that conduct market research or competitive intelligence in China.
Key Features:
- Over 100M Residential IPs – Large-scale global network.
- Rotating and Static IPs – Options for both long-term access and anonymous browsing.
- AI-Based Detection Avoidance – Ensures smooth, uninterrupted access.
Oxylabs is best suited for businesses that require large-scale data extraction and enterprise-level security.
3. Smartproxy – Rotating Residential Proxies for Undetected Browsing
Smartproxy is a budget-friendly alternative to Bright Data and Oxylabs, offering rotating residential proxies that are effective at staying under the radar in China.
Why It Works in China:
- IP Rotation Every Request – Prevents tracking and IP bans.
- Affordable Pricing – Great for small businesses and individuals.
- Good Speed and Reliability – Can handle multiple tasks without slowdowns.
Smartproxy is ideal for users who need frequent IP changes to avoid detection but still want fast and stable connections.
4. SOAX – Secure and Affordable Proxy Solutions
SOAX offers flexible and affordable proxy services with a high success rate in bypassing censorship. It provides residential, mobile, and datacenter proxies that help users access restricted content in China.
Key Features:
- Unlimited Session Time – Ensures stable and continuous access.
- Global Residential Network – Large IP pool across multiple regions.
- Affordable Pricing Tiers – Accessible for businesses and individuals alike.
SOAX is a great option for users looking for secure, high-quality proxies at reasonable prices.
5. 911 S5 – The Best SOCKS5 Proxy for China
911 S5 is one of the few SOCKS5 proxy providers that still works in China. SOCKS5 proxies offer superior security and faster connections than traditional HTTP/HTTPS proxies, making them more difficult for the Great Firewall to detect.
Why 911 S5 Stands Out:
- SOCKS5 Protocol – Encrypts data and provides high anonymity.
- Works Well for Gaming & Streaming – Lower latency compared to standard proxies.
- More Secure Than HTTP Proxies – Reduces the risk of data leaks.
If you need extra security and speed, SOCKS5 proxies like 911 S5 are a strong choice for bypassing the Great Firewall.
Why Use a Proxy Instead of a VPN?
While VPNs are often the go-to solution for bypassing censorship in China, there are cases where a proxy is the better option.
1. VPN Detection and Blocking
Many platforms—especially in China—actively detect and block VPN traffic. Some websites and services have implemented strict anti-VPN measures, making it difficult for users to maintain a stable connection.
Proxies, on the other hand, are often less noticeable to detection systems, especially when using residential or rotating IPs.
2. Managing Multiple Accounts and Browser Fingerprinting
For businesses that manage multiple online accounts, using proxies instead of VPNs can be a more effective solution. VPNs assign the same IP address across all browser sessions, which can lead to account bans.
By integrating proxies with tools like Multilogin, businesses can:
- Create unique browser profiles with different IP addresses.
- Avoid detection while managing multiple social media or e-commerce accounts.
- Reduce the risk of bans or security flags from websites detecting duplicate logins.
Multilogin helps users bypass browser fingerprinting by simulating multiple independent browsing environments. When paired with high-quality proxies, it provides a secure, undetectable browsing experience.
3. Faster Speeds for Streaming and Gaming
VPNs encrypt all internet traffic, which adds latency and slows down connection speeds. Proxies, however, do not require full encryption, making them faster for streaming, gaming, and general browsing.
If your goal is speed over security, using a high-performance proxy is the better choice.
Is Google DNS Blocked in China?
Yes, Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) is completely blocked in China. This means you cannot rely on Google’s public DNS servers for bypassing restrictions.
Alternative DNS Services That May Work
- Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1) – Works in some cases but is not always reliable.
- OpenDNS – Occasionally accessible, but not guaranteed.
- Local DNS Services – Some DNS providers offer solutions that work within China’s regulations.
Best Solution: Use a VPN with Private DNS
- VPNs with built-in DNS leak protection prevent censorship detection.
- Self-hosted private DNS servers provide more control over website access.
Looking for secure access with a China-based IP? See how Multilogin makes it possible.
Frequently Asked Questions About Web Proxy In China
Can China Detect Proxies and VPNs?
Yes. The Great Firewall uses Deep Packet Inspection (DPI) and IP filtering to detect and block proxy and VPN traffic.
Is Google DNS Blocked in China?
Yes. Google DNS (8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4) is completely blocked in China, making it impossible to access censored sites using Google’s public DNS.
What Are the Best Alternatives to Google DNS in China?
- Cloudflare DNS (1.1.1.1) – Works occasionally but can be unreliable.
- OpenDNS – Sometimes accessible.
- Private DNS Resolvers – The best way to bypass DNS blocking is by using a private DNS service through a VPN.
Which Is Better for China: a Proxy or a VPN?
- Use a proxy if you need multiple IPs and manage multiple accounts (e.g., using Multilogin for business).
Use a VPN if you want full encryption, security, and unrestricted browsing.
The Best Way to Stay Connected in China
Bypassing China’s internet restrictions isn’t as simple as using a free proxy. Most public proxies get blocked fast, and even some VPNs struggle to stay ahead of the Great Firewall. If you need fast, secure, and reliable access, a premium proxy service is your best bet.
For seamless browsing, market research, or managing multiple accounts, providers like Bright Data, Oxylabs, and 911 S5 offer encrypted, high-performance proxies that work. Pairing these with Multilogin gives businesses an edge by keeping accounts undetectable and compliant with platform rules.
If you want consistent access to restricted content without frustration, invest in the right tools. Choose a premium proxy, set up Multilogin, and stay connected—without limits.
