How to Get a Chinese IP Address From Anywhere in 2024

It's not an easy task to find a service that will give you a Chinese IP address. Aside from the IP, you need to make sure that your online privacy will also be protected with it. And during my research, I found that only VPNs can provide both of these things, but not all VPNs.

A VPN is a simple app that can mask your current IP address behind one from China, making it look like you’re in the country. It also encrypts your traffic, rendering it unreadable to third parties. What's best, there are multiple other features that protect your data with this new IP address.

Out of all the VPNs the team and I tested, ExpressVPN is the best for getting China IP addresses. It has multiple high-speed servers in Hong Kong and keeps your data safe with robust privacy and security features. Plus, you can test it out with no financial risk since it’s backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee. Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

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Short on Time? Here Are the Best VPNs for Getting a China IP Address in 2024

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

How to Get a China IP Address With a VPN

Some Chinese websites and apps, like banking apps, use your IP address to check your location. If you don’t have a Chinese IP address, they may restrict or completely block your access. They often do this to prevent fraud or to protect their licensing agreements.

A VPN is the most reliable method to get a China IP address. It does this by redirecting all your internet traffic through its servers in China to make it look like you’re browsing from within the country. This way, you can browse, stream, use your banking apps, and more without getting blocked. Here’s how to use one.

1. Get a VPN

My top recommendation for China is ExpressVPN. Not only does it have secure servers in Hong Kong and Macau that can give you a local IP address, but it also uses automatic obfuscation that can help you bypass network restrictions.

Simply choose your favorite VPN service, head to its website, and sign up for an account.

If you're not satisfied, you can claim a refund

2. Connect to a Server for China

Depending on your VPN, you have two choices for getting a Chinese IP.

The first is to connect to a server in Hong Kong or Macau. While these locations are within China, they’re not part of the mainland, so they’re not covered by the Great Firewall. This means that select VPNs can still provide physical servers here, allowing you to get a local IP address.

Or, you can use a virtual server for China. These servers can provide a China IP, but they aren’t physically located in the country, so they don’t have to follow its restrictions. Plus, they may actually be located closer to you, providing better speeds.

Macau is an option if that location is closer to you

3. Start Browsing Securely

With your VPN connected, you can now safely access plenty of Chinese content from anywhere. During my tests from the UK, I was able to browse Weibo and play Perfect World with my friends with no connection issues.

Plus, all top VPNs safeguard your privacy with a strict no-logs policy, meaning that none of your online activity is logged or stored.

Hong Kong is technically part of China, but it’s not within the Great Firewall

Editor's Note: Transparency is one of our core values at vpnMentor, so you should know we are in the same ownership group as ExpressVPN. However, this does not affect our review process.

Best VPNs for China IP Addresses in 2024

The VPNs on this list offer fast speeds, robust security, and reliable servers in China (Hong Kong or Macau) or virtual connections for the country. This means you can enjoy using your new IP address without risking snoops or hackers.

1. ExpressVPN — Rotating China IPs to Reliably and Securely Access Chinese Services

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Tested November 2024

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

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Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN regularly rotates its China (via Hong Kong) IP addresses to reduce the risk of sites detecting VPN usage due to many requests from one address. This also helps to protect your privacy, as it makes it harder for your activity to be traced back to you. With that, it is possible to securely access Tencent Video, iQIYI, and more.

We tested multiple protocols, but ExpressVPN’s proprietary Lightway gave us the best speeds. It was designed for fast, lightweight connections, even over long distances, and it regularly comes out ahead of both CyberGhost and PIA in our speed tests. Plus, because it doesn’t contain all the bloat that other VPN protocols have, it’s far more efficient for your battery life.

My only issue with ExpressVPN is that it’s pricier than other VPNs — its lowest price is $4.99/month. However, it often runs promotions, and you can even get a few months free on long-term plans. You can also test ExpressVPN with no financial risk because every plan is backed by a 30-day money-back guarantee.

2. CyberGhost — Beginner-Friendly Apps to Easily Connect and Start Using Your China IP Address

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

CyberGhost has a clean and intuitive dashboard that makes it easy to get a China IP address. When testing, it took me barely 5 minutes to download, install, and connect to the China server. Unlike ExpressVPN, it offers optimized servers for streaming, gaming, and torrenting, and these are easy to find in the app’s menu as they’re grouped together.

My only concern with CyberGhost is that its monthly plan only offers a 14-day money-back guarantee. This doesn’t give you much time to make sure it works for you, particularly if you’re going on an extended vacation. However, longer plans offer an extended 45-day money-back guarantee and cost less per month.

3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Customizable Settings For Better Speed or Security On Your China IP

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try Private Internet Access >

www.privateinternetaccess.com

PIA is highly customizable, letting you optimize either speed or security on a China IP. For example, you can choose between AES 256-bit or 128-bit encryption if you’re using the OpenVPN protocol. When testing, 128-bit encryption gave me slightly better speeds — but 256-bit encryption wasn’t too slow either.

While I appreciate that PIA offers a high level of customization, I found it more complex to use compared to ExpressVPN and CyberGhost. That said, the apps come already configured, so you don’t need to change anything if you don’t want to. Plus, you can try it for free for 30 days and get your money back if you’re not satisfied.

Our Methodology for Testing VPNs for China IP Addresses

When evaluating VPNs for their ability to provide China IP addresses, we focused on whether they have servers in China, including Hong Kong and Macau, or virtual ones. We also examined each VPN's security features to ensure they meet high standards for encryption and data protection. This ensures that you never have to worry about your data being shared with third parties.

For a detailed understanding of our testing process, we encourage you to visit our methodology page. There, our international team of experts explains how we assess each VPN to ensure it meets the necessary standards for safe and effective use in China.

Why Don’t VPNs Have Servers in Mainland China?

China heavily restricts VPNs and frequently shuts down unauthorized physical servers within the mainland. As a result, many VPNs use virtual Chinese servers. These servers provide Chinese IP addresses but are physically located outside of China. This way, you can securely access your Chinese accounts from anywhere without being subjected to Chinese jurisdiction and legal constraints.

Some VPN providers also favor locations like Hong Kong and Macau, which operate under the “one country, two systems” principle. This framework has historically allowed these regions to have more relaxed internet regulations compared to mainland China, making them attractive locations for VPN servers.

Plus, because Hong Kong and Macau are physically close to mainland China, they’re a great choice if you’re looking to get a secure China IP address from within the country. That’s because your data doesn’t have as far to travel, so you’ll be able to browse without interruptions or stream with no buffering. You’ll get a lower latency connection, which is ideal if you’re a fan of games like Perfect World, Genshin Impact, or Honkai Star Rail.

Potential Risks of Using a VPN for China IP Addresses

Using a VPN to obtain a China IP address can come with several risks, especially if you’re using one while in China. This is primarily due to the strict internet regulations and surveillance practices in the country. Here are some potential risks to consider:

• Legal issues. VPN use in China is heavily restricted, so you need to be cautious if you’re planning on using one there. While not explicitly illegal for individuals, using an unauthorized VPN could potentially lead to fines or other penalties. Even though there are no publicly documented cases of tourists being penalized for using an unauthorized VPN, you should only use these services within the bounds of the law.
• Government surveillance. China's internet is heavily monitored, which is something to keep in mind if you’re using a physical server from the mainland or using a VPN in general. This can potentially lead to increased scrutiny of your online activities.
• Data security. Some VPNs, especially those approved by the Chinese government, may be required to log user data and share it with authorities on request. This compromises your privacy and privacy.
  Service reliability. VPNs often face connectivity issues in China due to the Great Firewall's efforts to block VPN traffic. This can result in frequent disconnections and reduced internet speeds, impacting the VPN's usability.

Can I Use a Free VPN to Get a China IP Address?

There are undoubtedly many free VPNs that offer Chinese IP addresses. However, in my time testing dozens of free VPNs, I haven’t found any reliable options that offer secure physical or virtual servers for China.

Instead, I’ve come across many free “VPNs” for China that are poorly disguised scams or malware. Some even sell user data to advertisers, so you’d be risking your privacy either way. Even if you did find one that worked, free VPNs will limit your speed and bandwidth, and may only offer weak levels of encryption, so they’re not the safest choice.

Instead, you’re far better off choosing a premium VPN that provides secure China IP addresses. These usually offer robust money-back guarantees, so you can try them out and get a refund if you’re not satisfied with the service.

Alternative Methods to Get a China IP Address

These are some methods to get a new Chinese IP that we’ve found to work in the past. However, it’s worth noting that they’re not necessarily as reliable or secure as a VPN, so please exercise caution when trying them.

1. Proxy Servers

Like VPNs, proxy servers route your internet traffic through a server in a specific country, such as China. This changes your visible IP address to one from the proxy server's location, making it seem like you are browsing from China.

However, remember that while proxies can mask your IP address, they don’t encrypt your data, which means your data may still be vulnerable to interception. They can also reduce your speeds significantly due to overcrowding, which is usually the case with free proxy servers.

You can also choose to bypass the proxy server when using intranet addresses

2. Use the Tor Browser with China Exit Nodes

Using the Tor Browser with China exit nodes involves configuring the browser to route your internet traffic through a network of volunteer-operated servers, making it appear as if you are browsing from China.

While it’s extremely unlikely to find Tor exit nodes operating within China, there is a way to maximize your chances. Go into your Tor Browser file directory and edit the “torrc” file, adding “ExitNodes {CN} StrictNodes 1” at the bottom to specify you want to use exit nodes in China.

However, this is not a reliable method. Plus, the Tor network is notoriously slow, so you won’t be able to stream Chinese content in HD from anywhere — you’ll be lucky if you can stream in standard definition.

You don't need to understand how this works to specify exit nodes

3. Rent a Virtual Private Server (VPS) in China

Leasing a virtual server hosted in a Chinese data center can also give you a China IP address. Providers like Alibaba Cloud, Tencent Cloud, and Huawei Cloud offer reliable VPS services in China. You can run various operating systems and applications on it, similar to a dedicated server, but at a lower cost.

The downside is that it won't necessarily offer things like encryption or other security features necessary to protect you online. You could configure an OpenVPN tunnel or other features, but you’d have to do this manually, which isn’t ideal if you’re looking for a quick solution. Using a VPN is easier and far more secure.

FAQs on How to Get a China IP Address With a VPN

Is it legal to use a China IP address?

Yes, it's legal to use a Chinese IP address in most countries. However, the way you get this IP address might be illegal in some regions. For example, although a VPN is the most reliable way to get a Chinese IP address, countries like Russia and China have restrictions or bans on VPN use.

Is there any other way to get a China IP address?

There are several ways to obtain a China IP address, including using a proxy server, the Tor network, or renting a virtual private server in China. However, the most reliable method is using a VPN. Not only does a VPN provide you with a Chinese IP address, but it also encrypts your data and protects your privacy online.

This is crucial for securely accessing your accounts from a country with strict internet regulations. While other methods may work, a VPN offers the best balance of functionality and protection for users seeking a China IP address.

How do I test if my IP address has been changed to China?

You can use a location scanning tool to check your IP address. First, connect to a server for China, then open an IP lookup website, like vpnMentor’s IP checker. You have successfully obtained a China IP address if your location shows as China. If you’re already in China, then you should check if the IP address on the test is your usual one or the one from the VPN.

Which VPNs can't give me a China IP address?

Any VPN provider without servers in China (whether virtual or physical) will be unable to give you a China IP address. Only a few premium VPNs can give you a China IP address reliably.

China heavily restricts VPNs, so it regularly shuts down physical servers in the mainland that haven’t been approved by the government. For this reason, you’ll typically find that reputable VPNs only offer China IP addresses via virtual servers or physical servers in Hong Kong or Macau.

Can a VPN let me watch Chinese TV?

Yes, a VPN can give you a China IP address so you can securely watch Chinese TV from anywhere. Just make sure you choose one that’s fast and doesn’t slow your speeds too much so you can watch in the best possible quality.

To summarize, these are the best VPNs to get a China IP address from anywhere…

Editor's Note: We value our relationship with our readers, and we strive to earn your trust through transparency and integrity. We are in the same ownership group as some of the industry-leading products reviewed on this site: Intego, Cyberghost, ExpressVPN, and Private Internet Access. However, this does not affect our review process, as we adhere to a strict testing methodology.

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