In this Article
Heading to China for a business trip or living there as a local? Surfing the internet can be tricky due to the country’s strict online censorship. With many well-known websites and services blocked, accessing unrestricted information and connecting with the outside world can be tough. To facilitate smooth browsing, gain access to your favorite sites, and protect your privacy online, try using tools such as VPNs and proxies.
This guide will examine how to circumvent China’s internet restrictions using proxies and VPN services. As a result, you’ll stay connected and secure.
How the Great Firewall of China works
The Great Firewall of China (GFW), also known as the Golden Shield Project, is a complex system created to control and censor online content within China. It uses both technology and human monitoring to block websites, filter keywords, and enforce strict content rules on local companies.
The government uses methods like IP blocking and URL filtering to prevent access to undesirable information. Around 30,000 “internet police” actively monitor and regulate online activity in real time to block specific pages or search results instantly.
Why does the Great Firewall of China exist? After incorporating a socialist market economy in the 1980s China faced a dilemma: while it recognized the internet’s potential for economic development, it also viewed the exposure to foreign ideas as a threat to its social and political stability.
Beyond censorship, the Great Firewall serves another purpose – developing a controlled internet environment with around 700 million users, nearly a quarter of the world’s online population. As a consequence, local platforms have taken over, filling the gap left by global services. Ultimately, China has created a controlled digital environment that mirrors the broader internet but strictly adheres to state-approved guidelines.
As a result of these restrictions, Chinese internet users rely on local platforms like WeChat and Weibo, which serve as alternatives to banned international services. Interestingly, Hong Kong and Macau experience comparatively lighter censorship than mainland China.
Overcoming the Catch-22: Break Online Barriers
China blocks thousands of websites. Some of them are Twitter, Instagram, Google services and apps, YouTube, LinkedIn and many others. It may seem impossible to escape from such strict online rules but users try different methods to access the global data they need.
Balancing government rules with access to uncensored information is difficult. The Great Firewall blocks many global resources, but tools like proxies and VPNs help users bypass these restrictions. These tools mask IP addresses and encrypt traffic. They provide access to the open internet with guaranteed security and privacy.
VPNs are commonly used for secure communication and business operations, but their unlicensed use is often targeted by crackdowns. The Chinese government recognizes VPNs’ importance for businesses, especially foreign ones, and will likely keep allowing their use. Many state-owned companies use blocked platforms like Facebook and Twitter to connect with global customers and partners. VPNs are also used to securely share sensitive information, not just to bypass the Great Firewall.
Here are some of the main benefits of using VPNs and proxies for the Chinese market:
- Unblock censored content – Access global data, and news from popular platforms like Google, Facebook, Twitter;
- Level up privacy and data protection – Encrypt your data to maintain anonymity and prevent surveillance from third parties;
- Protect sensitive data in business and E-commerce – Securely exchange confidential information and connect with international partners while shopping or conducting business online;
- Prevent slower connections – Avoid internet slowdowns caused by your ISP.
People can take proactive steps to protect their digital privacy by using Virtual Private Network (VPN) services. These apps encrypt internet data and direct it through external servers, which makes it challenging for third parties to spy on or track online activities. With the help of VPNs, individuals can protect their browsing habits, hide their IP addresses, and lower the chances of being monitored by governments.
Another tool found to be effective is Shadowsocks. Developed by a Chinese programmer to bypass censorship, it creates SOCKS5 proxy connections to a server that users rent. This setup makes it less likely that the server’s IP address is blacklisted by Chinese authorities.
Connecting to a Proxy: Step-by-step Guide
- Download the VPN software of your choice. In this guide, we will choose ZoogVPN.
What is ZoogVPN?
Protect sensitive data in business and E-commerce – Securely exchange confidential information and connect with international partners while shopping or conducting business online;Prevent slower connections – Avoid internet slowdowns caused by your ISP.
ZoogVPN is a service that helps protect your privacy online. It creates a secure, encrypted connection to the internet, keeping your data safe from hackers and spying. Their mission is “Breaking down Internet barriers and censorship for complete Internet freedom and privacy from anywhere”.
Visit the official website, download the app for your OS, and once it’s done, complete registration. You’ll need to verify your account via email.
2. Choose a VPN region and establish a connection. The selected VPN location should be identical to your proxy’s location.
* Our recommended locations for the best speed are: HK > JP > TW > SG
Are there location restrictions?
Some proxies might work only in specific countries or cities. To avoid issues with speed or connection, use a VPN and proxy from the same region. If your proxy offers different locations, see if Singapore or nearby regions are available for better performance.
3. After correctly installing ZoogVPN, amend these settings before arriving China to avoid service interruption:
Go to “Settings” > Change “Protocol” to “Shadow” > Scroll down to “Preferences” > Change “Region” to “China”
or if you use Windows: Click “Preferences” on the login screen > Change “Region” to “China”> After logging in, go to “Settings” > Change “VPN protocol” to “Shadow
4. Link to the proxy using DataImpulse. If you’re new to DataImpulse, register and try our user-friendly dashboard. To get started with us, just read this comprehensive guide.
Let’s try it for Google Chrome:
- Open Settings in Chrome.
- Under the System section, click Open your computer’s proxy settings.
Set up Proxy in the System Settings:
- For Windows: Open the Settings app. > Go to Network & Internet > Proxy. > Under Manual proxy setup, toggle the switch to On. > Enter the proxy IP address and port number from your DataImpulse account. > Click Save.
- For macOS: Open System Preferences > Network. > Select the network you are connected to (Wi-Fi or Ethernet). > Click Advanced, then go to the Proxies tab. > Check the box for Web Proxy (HTTP) and Secure Web Proxy (HTTPS). > Enter the proxy server address and port from your DataImpulse account. > Click OK and then Apply.
Chrome relies on your computer’s proxy settings. Once you configure the proxy in the system settings, Chrome will automatically apply it. Open Chrome and visit any website to confirm that your IP address matches the one provided by DataImpulse.
And that’s it. You can also try testing the proxy. Visit a website like WhatIsMyIP.com to verify that your IP address matches the DataImpulse proxy’s IP and not your original IP.
Any issues?
If the proxy is not working, double-check the IP, port, and credentials. Make sure the ZoogVPN connection is active before testing the proxy settings.
Always choose reliable VPN services and high-quality proxies that offer servers in nearby regions like Singapore or Hong Kong for better speed and lower latency. Regularly update VPN software and rotate proxy IPs to avoid detection – pair VPNs with proxies from the same region.
Save 25% on a VPN service. Take advantage of our limited-time offer and enjoy 25% off on our reliable VPN service for secure browsing and online privacy. Digital freedom is waiting for you!
Top Proxy Use Cases in China
It’s not a big secret that China has become one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. As China’s influence grows worldwide, businesses are using proxies more to bypass the country’s strict online restrictions.
- E-commerce and dropshipping are among the leading reasons businesses use proxies in China. Platforms like AliExpress, Taobao, and other online marketplaces are crucial for businesses to manage inventory, monitor competitors, and fulfill customer orders. AliExpress, for example, has 150 million active buyers, while Taobao has 930 million monthly active users. Thanks to proxies, companies access these platforms, have smooth transactions, and stay competitive in e-commerce.
- Another popular use case is managing social media accounts. Even though platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter are blocked within China, they are important for engaging with international audiences. Proxies help bypass the Great Firewall, so users have all the freedom to manage multiple social media accounts, connect with customers, and monitor market trends worldwide.
- One more use case is related to web scraping and market research. Users who choose DataImpulse proxies can collect valuable data from Chinese websites, track market trends, and monitor competitors without getting blocked. This is especially important for businesses looking to gain insights from local sources and understand consumer behavior.
FAQ
Q: Can I use free proxies?
A: We do not generally recommend using free proxies due to their low reliability, slow speeds, and potential security risks. You can read this article for more info.
Q: Will a proxy slow down my internet?
A: There might be a small drop in speed, but opting for premium proxies and reliable VPN servers can help keep it to a minimum.
Q: How can I get started with DataImpulse proxies?
A: Follow the instructions from our comprehensive guide.
Q: Can I purchase additional proxies if I need more?
A: Yes, you can easily purchase additional proxies at any time. Simply visit your dashboard, select a proxy plan, and add more as required.
Q: What are sticky and rotating proxies, and how do they differ?
A: Sticky proxies keep the same IP address for a set period. Rotating proxies change the IP address with each request or after a specific time.
