How To Safely Access Facebook in China in 2025

China's Great Firewall blocks Facebook and many other popular social media platforms. This leaves millions of visitors, expats, and locals unable to use the platform to connect with friends, family, or for business. The government has also continued to strengthen its censorship.

Can tourists use Facebook in China? Facebook has been officially blocked in mainland China since July 2009, following the Ürümqi riots (Investopedia, 2021)¹. Despite this, Statista estimates over 5 million Facebook users in China². A VPN with obfuscation and robust security makes it possible to access Facebook from anywhere and keep online activity private. That said, most don’t work in China at all.

How To Use Facebook in China: Step-by-Step Guide

A VPN is the most reliable method to use Facebook in China, as it offers access to servers in countries where Facebook isn’t blocked. When you connect to a VPN server, it changes your IP and replaces it with one from a location of your choice.

In 2023, the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC) shut down 127,878 social media accounts³. This includes over 66,600 “self-media accounts” — users that have over 500,000 followers. So not only is a VPN with strong encryption and many IP addresses necessary to access social media reliably, but also to keep your activity private on sites like Facebook. Here's how a VPN can safely access Facebook in China:

1. Get a VPN

Choose a VPN known to work reliably in China. Look for features like automatic obfuscation (ability to mask VPN traffic) and a vast server network.

2. Download the VPN App to Your Device

Install the VPN app before you arrive in China. The Google Play Store and some VPN websites are blocked in China, making it challenging to download once you're there.

Alternatively, some VPNs offer mirror sites so that it’s possible to download the VPN from within the country. Otherwise, someone outside the country can email the installation file.

3. Configure Security Settings (Optional)

Many of the best VPNs for China offer specific settings for restrictive networks. To maintain a stable and secure connection in China, activate stealth or obfuscation settings in your VPN. These features mask your VPN traffic to resemble regular internet use, which helps avoid detection and blocks.

Also, remember to turn on the kill switch and IP/DNS/WebRTC leak protection to prevent accidental data exposure.

4. Connect to a Server

Select a server location close to China for better speeds. Good options include Hong Kong, Japan, or Singapore. Use a server in any other location to secure your Facebook connection and access it as if you’re in that country. Connect to the VPN before opening any browser or app to confirm all your traffic is protected.

5. Use Facebook Safely

Open Facebook in your browser or launch the app. Since the Facebook app isn’t available in China, you need to download it before entering the country. Remember to keep your VPN connected whenever you're using Facebook. If you experience connection issues, try switching to a different server or protocol.

Alternative Methods to Access Facebook in China

While a VPN is the most reliable method to safely access Facebook in China, there are other options available. Each comes with its own set of advantages and potential drawbacks:

Tor Browser

This free, open-source software routes your internet traffic through a network of volunteer-operated servers, making it difficult to trace your online activities. It offers a high level of anonymity and is free to use. However, it can be very slow and is occasionally blocked in China. It can also cause suspicion since it can be used to access the dark web.

Here’s how to use the Tor Browser in China:

1. Download the Tor Browser from the official site before arriving in China.
2. Install and open Tor, then go to "Settings" > "Tor" > "Bridges."
3. Request a bridge or use the “Snowflake” pluggable transport.
4. Connect and browse Facebook’s .onion site: facebookcorewwwi.onion for added privacy.

Proxy Servers

Proxies such as Shadowsocks and Ultrasurf act as intermediaries between your device and the internet. Some are free and can be faster than Tor. However, they are less secure than VPNs, and many are blocked in China. Plus, they generally offer limited server locations. Also, you typically need to configure proxies on an app-by-app basis, so they don’t provide device-wide protection.

Here’s how to set up a proxy to use Facebook in China:

1. Install a proxy client on your device or sign up for the service and log in to the web dashboard.
2. Get the proxy server details (IP, username, password, etc.).
3. Import the server configuration into your browser.
4. Connect and start browsing — the Facebook website will route through the proxy.

Mobile SIM With International Roaming

Travelers can use an international eSIM or physical SIM card with roaming enabled to access restricted sites like Facebook. Since data is routed through the home carrier’s network rather than a Chinese ISP, it works with international sites.

This method is convenient but may be unreliable in certain regions, has high roaming costs, and will stop working on local WiFi. Without the encryption and IP masking of a VPN, your identity and activity will also be exposed to snoops or surveillance.

Here’s how to use a mobile eSIM to access Facebook in China:

1. Purchase an international eSIM with global roaming (e.g., Holiday, Saily, or Airalo).
2. Activate it and test Facebook access before entering China.
3. Once in China, avoid connecting to local WiFi — stay on mobile data only.
4. Open Facebook or Messenger as usual. You can connect other devices to your mobile hotspot.

How To Stay Safe While Using Facebook in China

It’s important to use extra precautions to protect your privacy and avoid legal repercussions when using Facebook in China. Here are some essential tips to stay safe:

• Use a reliable VPN. To prevent data exposure while you access Facebook, VPNs mask your IP address and provide strong encryption. It should also have a proven track record of functioning in China.
• Enable additional security features. Activate two-factor authentication on your Facebook account for an extra layer of protection.
• Be cautious with public WiFi. Avoid logging into Facebook on public networks without a VPN, as these can be easily monitored and hacked.
• Keep your activity private. Adjust your Facebook privacy settings to limit who can see your posts and personal information.
• Avoid sensitive topics. Be mindful of what you post or share, especially regarding politically sensitive subjects in China. Insensitive posts are usually what get Chinese citizens in trouble for using Facebook in the country.
• Use secure messaging. Consider using end-to-end encrypted messaging apps that work with your VPN for private conversations.
• Stay updated. Keep your VPN app and devices updated to ensure you have the latest security patches and features.
• Use obfuscation. Many premium VPNs offer methods for masking VPN use, which can help bypass tough network blocks.

FAQs on Using Facebook in China

Is it legal to use a VPN to access Facebook in China?

Using a VPN to access Facebook in China exists in a legal gray area. That’s why knowing how to stay safe while using Facebook in China is essential. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) primarily relies on technological methods to enforce website restrictions in China.

While there are no reports of locals or tourists being arrested solely for accessing restricted sites, there have been cases where individuals were detained for expressing dissenting opinions on social media. For example, on August 14, 2022, Free Tibet reported that a Tibetan teacher was arrested after posting critical comments about the COVID-19 lockdown in Lhasa⁴. Also, a Uyghur student was sentenced to 13 years in prison for using a VPN to obtain “illegal information” (Radio Free Asia, 2023)⁵. As a visitor or expat, you’re subject to local laws, so it's crucial to stay informed about current regulations.

Will a free VPN allow access to Facebook in China?

Free VPNs are generally ineffective for accessing Facebook in China. For reliable and secure access to Facebook in China, a premium VPN with a proven track record of working in the country is the best bet. The Great Firewall's sophisticated detection systems easily identify and block most free VPN services. These VPNs typically lack the advanced features needed to work within the country.

Moreover, free VPNs often have limited server options, slow speeds, and data caps, making them impractical for regular use. There are also significant privacy concerns, as some free VPNs have been caught logging and selling user data.

Can I access Facebook in Hong Kong, Taiwan, or Macau without restrictions?

Accessing Facebook in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Macau is currently unrestricted. Both territories have separate internet infrastructure from mainland China, allowing open access to sites blocked by the Great Firewall. This means you can use Facebook and other social media platforms freely in these regions under the current "one country, two systems."

However, it's important to note that the political landscape is evolving, especially in Hong Kong. While there haven't been changes to internet access yet, some observers express concern about potential future restrictions. You should stay alert to any regulatory changes affecting social media use and use a VPN to safeguard against surveillance.

What social media can I use in China?

In China, you can use locally owned social media platforms like WeChat, Weibo, Douyin (Chinese TikTok), and QQ. These apps are widely used and fully accessible within the country, but they are heavily monitored and subject to censorship. Even when using Chinese sites, a high-quality VPN can help protect your privacy and secure your internet connection, especially on public WiFi.

China's internet restrictions block most major Western social media platforms. In addition to Facebook, sites like X, Instagram, YouTube, and WhatsApp are inaccessible. This comprehensive approach to censorship is part of the "Great Firewall" system.

References

1. https://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/042915/why-facebook-banned-china.asp/
2. https://www.statista.com/statistics/553712/facebook-penetration-in-china/
3. https://freedomhouse.org/country/china/freedom-net/2024/
4. https://freetibet.org/latest/tibetan-missing-a-month-after-arrest-for-lhasa-lockdown-posts/
5. https://www.rfa.org/english/news/uyghur/student-sentenced-06082023154805.html/