You can access Facebook in China by using a VPN, an IP Proxy, or the Tor browser.
The reason is simple.
The Chinese government is heavy on surveillance, especially when it comes to foreign platforms like Facebook.
We’ll show you how to beat these Facebook restrictions in this blog post.
So stick with me to the end to know the tricks and tips of using Facebook and other social media sites while visiting China.
Why Is Facebook Banned in China?
Facebook is currently blocked in China, and here are some reasons why:
- Facebook might be used to organize protests. In China, the government closely monitors social media for any signs of unrest.
- The Chinese government is worried about the privacy implications of Facebook. All of your personal data (including your phone number and email address) is accessible to everyone on Facebook, depending on your privacy settings.
- Facebook is a foreign company, and the Chinese government may be concerned about its influence on Chinese citizens. Being an American company makes it worse.
How to Unblock Facebook in China?
Despite the ban in China, there are ways you can still use Facebook.
If you happen to be in China and need to access the social media platform, here’s how to unblock it.
Use a Reliable VPN
A VPN is the best way to unblock Facebook in China.
It creates a secure connection between your device and the internet, hiding your IP and bypassing the censored internet in China.
This encrypted tunnel lets you connect to Facebook and any other blocked website or service from a remote server.
To use a VPN, follow the steps below:
- Choose a VPN service. There are many VPN services available, so make sure to choose one that’s reliable and has strong encryption. We recommend ExpressVPN, as it’s one of the fastest and most reliable VPNs in the market.
- Download and install the VPN software on your computer or mobile device.
- Connect to a VPN server in a region where Facebook is not blocked – for example, Hong Kong or Macau.
- Open Facebook and enjoy unrestricted access to all of its features.
5 Important Criteria When Choosing a VPN for Unblocking Facebook in China
- Speed – You want a VPN that’s both fast and reliable, so you can browse the internet without delays or interruptions.
- Server locations – You need a VPN that gives you unrestricted internet access. So make sure the VPN has servers in countries where Facebook is not blocked. The best regions include Hong Kong and Macau.
- Encryption – Strong encryption is essential for a VPN service. Chinese authorities are notorious for surveillance. A VPN with robust encryption is the only way to keep the government out of your online activities, like accessing Facebook inside China.
- Obfuscation: Obfuscation is how a VPN hides that you’re using a VPN to access restricted content in Facebook blocked regions. This feature is necessary if you need a VPN client to access Facebook in China, where beating the government’s surveillance is important. No one can see what you’re up to if you have a great firewall shielding you.
- Money-back guarantee – Choose a VPN service that offers a money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free to access blocked sites.
Pros
- VPNs are secure
- They can unblock Facebook in China
- There are many options to choose from
- They support obfuscation
- They're compatible with mobile devices
- They can be used to unblock other censored sites, and streaming platforms
Cons
- Some, like ExpressVPN, are costly
Use an IP Proxy
Another easy way for unblocking Facebook in China besides using VPN clients is to use an IP proxy.
An IP proxy will allow internet users to access blocked websites by routing their traffic through another server.
It basically fools websites into thinking you’re located somewhere other than China.
This is helpful when you’re trying to get around government censorship or if a certain website is blocked on your network.
When choosing an IP proxy for accessing Facebook in China, consider the following:
- Make sure the proxy is reliable and has a good connection speed.
- Ensure the proxy is located in a country where Facebook is not blocked. For example, Hong Kong or any nearby area bordering the Chinese home country.
- The price plan. Premium and free proxies don’t work the same way. The free ones are limited in many ways and may not work as you need them to.
To use an IP proxy for Facebook, follow these steps:
- Sign up for an account.
- Configure your browser to use the proxy server. This process will vary depending on the browser you use. But, generally, you’ll enter the proxy server’s address and port into your browser settings or use a proxy extension.
- Once your browser is configured, you can open Facebook and log in as usual. The proxy will route your traffic through the server, allowing you to bypass any censorship or restrictions.
Keep in mind that using a proxy is not the most secure option, as your traffic is routed through another server.
If security is a concern, consider using a VPN instead.
However, if you’re simply trying to unblock Facebook in China, an IP proxy can be a helpful and easy solution.
That said, IP Proxies store cache data, which can be dangerous in the wrong hands.
This also means they’re not as secure as VPNs.
Another issue is that most IP Proxies that unblock Facebook in China aren’t compatible with most networks.
Lastly, they’re not as flexible as VPNs.
A majority of premium proxies don’t allow simultaneous connections or sharing.
This can make multi-use hard for heavy users who want to access several restricted content at the same time.
Pro
- They can unblock Facebook in China
- Great performance that doesn't affect speed
- They offer great anonymity
Cons
- They store user data sometimes
- The security isn’t as strong as VPNs
- Incompatibility issues with most networks
- IP proxies aren’t flexible
Use Tor
Tor is a software that allows people to browse the internet anonymously.
It does this by routing traffic through a number of different servers around the world.
This makes it difficult for the Chinese government to track someone’s activity.
It’s more secure than Google Chrome, Firefox, or Internet Explorer.
Tor can be used to unblock Facebook in China.
To do this, follow these steps:
- Connect to the Tor network by clicking on the onion icon in the top left corner of the Tor browser window.
- Navigate to Facebook.
- Log in to Facebook as usual and enjoy.
However, there are some drawbacks to using Tor to unblock websites in China.
First, it’s slow.
This is because traffic is routed through multiple servers worldwide, which takes longer than a direct connection.
Second, it isn’t 100% anonymous.
While it’s difficult for websites or governments to track someone’s activity, it isn’t impossible.
Finally, Tor is partially blocked in China.
This means it’s a game of hit or miss when unblocking Facebook with Tor.
You may have to use other methods.
Pro
- They can unblock Facebook in China
- It’s free
- It’s easy to use
Cons
- Tor is partially blocked in China
- Anonymity is not 100% guaranteed
- It slows down connection speeds
Top 3 VPNs for Unblocking Facebook in China
Having established that VPNs are the most reliable tools for unblocking Facebook in China, it’s time to look at the best ones.
There are many VPNs on the market, but not all are suitable for unblocking Facebook in China.
In this blog post, we’ll recommend three of the best VPNs for the job.
ExpressVPN
When it comes to unblocking Facebook in China, ExpressVPN is one of the best options.
This is because ExpressVPN has a number of features that make it ideal for the task.
- ExpressVPN has countless servers in a number of different countries, including Hong Kong. This is just across the border from mainland China. You can connect to a server in Hong Kong and access Facebook as if you were actually there.
- ExpressVPN uses strong encryption to protect your data and ensure your privacy is always safeguarded. This is important, as the Chinese government is known for its aggressive online censorship and surveillance.
- With ExpressVPN, your data is safe. You can access all the websites and services you want without fear of being monitored or blocked.
- ExpressVPN has automatic obfuscation on every server with any protocol. You simply launch the VPN and start using Facebook.
- ExpressVPN is easy to use and supported on a wide range of devices. This means you can easily unblock Facebook on your computer, phone, or tablet using a VPN app.
Therefore, if you’re looking for a reliable and effective way to get around China’s online censorship, ExpressVPN is the best option.
Make use of these amazing discounts to save more.
Surfshark
Unblocking Facebook in China is a challenge, but Surfshark makes it easy.
It’s one of the cheapest VPNs around, making it ideal if all you want is to unblock Facebook.
Some other features worth your attention include:
- Surfshark has servers worldwide, including in China, so you can always connect to a server that’s closest to you. This ensures fast and reliable connections.
- Surfshark uses robust encryption protocols to keep your data safe and secure.
- Surfshark is easy to use, even for beginners. You can easily connect to the VPN and start browsing the web anonymously.
- It’s compatible with all devices, including Android and iOS phones and tablets. You can download it from the App Store and Google Play.
- Surfshark has an obfuscation feature (NoBorders Mode) that automatically connects when you’re in restricted locations like China.
- Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can try it risk-free.
If you’re looking for a reliable and easy-to-use VPN to unblock Facebook in China, Surfshark is a perfect choice.
Try it today using these amazing discounts and see how easy it is to access your favorite websites and apps while in China.
NordVPN
NordVPN is another excellent choice for unblocking Facebook in China.
It’s not as expensive as ExpressVPN and is best known for its outstanding security features.
Some of the notable features that make it a good alternative for unblocking Facebook in China include:
- It offers military-grade encryption to keep your data safe from snooping eyes.
- It has an extensive network of servers located worldwide, including in Hong Kong and Taiwan. With NordVPN, you can connect to a server in another country and access social media sites without hassle.
- NordVPN’s user-friendly apps make it easy to use, even for beginners.
- It has obfuscated servers that conceal that you’re using a VPN to access Facebook.
- NordVPN is a high-speed VPN, so you won’t have to worry about your connection being too slow.
NordVPN is an excellent option if you value your security and privacy.
It may be a little costlier than Surfshark, but you can offset that by getting it with these fantastic discounts.
FAQ
Is the Use of VPNs Illegal in China?
China has a ban on VPNs not cleared for use by the government.
For a VPN to be allowed to operate in China, the government has to be given backdoor access, which renders the VPN useless.
However, this rule targets corporations and companies rather than individuals, so you can still use a VPN to access Facebook.
Does Facebook Allow VPNs?
Facebook doesn’t block VPNs in any way.
So you can use VPNs to unblock Facebook in places like China, where social media sites are usually restricted.
Can an Expat Use Facebook in China via a VPN?
There aren’t restrictions on the use of VPNs by individuals in China, and this includes foreigners.
However, reports of Chinese citizens getting punished for using foreign social media platforms are common.
Luckily, there have been no instances where expats were subjected to the same treatment.
Therefore, if you plan to visit China, you can still access Facebook and other websites using a VPN without repercussions.
What Happens When You’re Caught Using a VPN for Facebook in China?
Companies and corporations are the only entities subject to punitive measures if they use VPNs not allowed by the government.
The same doesn’t strictly apply to individual use.
However, it’s not uncommon for people, especially Chinese users, to be punished with fines and prison sentences when they’re caught.
Foreign social media sites are banned in China and there’s a price to pay when caught.
Conclusion
China has a restricted space for most foreign companies, and this extends to most social media platforms.
However, you can still access these in China by taking advantage of the options we have outlined in this piece.
For more information on the use of VPNs, then feel free to check out our website and get your hands on great VPN discounts.
