How to Get a Chinese IP Address From Anywhere in 2025

The easiest and most secure way to get a Chinese IP address is with a VPN. Unfortunately, most VPNs struggle to provide secure IP addresses for China. Physical servers in mainland China are subject to data retention and laws, so few VPNs offer this service. In addition, traffic that flows through The Great Firewall (GFW) is monitored, which risks your privacy.

Which VPNs can give you a China IP address? A premium VPN with servers in Hong Kong and Macau can give you a Chinese IP address without compromising your security. These strategic server locations aren’t covered by the GFW, nor are they subject to the strict internet laws and monitoring of mainland China, so they’re safer to use. This means you can go online safely and without risking your connection being snooped upon.

We tested over 40 VPNs, and ExpressVPN is my top choice for getting a secure Chinese IP address. Its optimized servers in Hong Kong and Macau provide great speeds that allow you to securely access your favorite content from anywhere. You can try ExpressVPN with no financial risk since it offers 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 Chinese IP Address in 2025

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 Chinese IP Address With a VPN — 2025 Guide

VPNs with servers in Hong Kong and Macau allow you to get a private and secure Chinese IP address. Here’s how to set up a VPN, using our top-rated service as an example.

1. Get a VPN

Choose a VPN with secure servers in Hong Kong and/or Macau. These will provide a Chinese IP address that’s free from the connection monitoring and restrictions of mainland China. Alternatively, some VPNs offer virtual servers for China that are physically located in a nearby country, like Singapore.

ExpressVPN leads the pack with its reliable network of servers in these regions, plus automatic obfuscation that helps maintain stable connections. The Lightway protocol provides additional protection while minimizing speed loss.

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

2. Connect to a Server in China

Select a server in Hong Kong or Macau for optimal performance. These locations offer the best balance of speed and reliability for securely accessing Chinese platforms, and they’re not subject to the restrictions of the GFW.

Macau is an option if that location is closer to you

3. Configure Your VPN Settings

Adjust your VPN settings to maximize connection stability with your China IP. Even though Hong Kong and Macau are outside of the GFW and its data monitoring, I recommend enabling the kill switch to prevent data leaks if your VPN disconnects.

Most VPNs also allow the app to decide which protocol is the best option based on your network conditions — this option is usually listed as Automatic. Some platforms might detect VPN traffic, so enabling obfuscation helps maintain secure access.

I recommend clicking the Protocol tab and selecting Automatic

4. Go Online Securely

You can now go online safely with your new secure Chinese IP address. Our recommended VPNs all work smoothly with popular streaming platforms like iQIYI and Youku, and you'll be able to see regional search results and services. Remember to keep your VPN connected while browsing to maintain privacy and prevent connection drops.

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 Getting a Chinese IP Address in 2025

VPNs with servers in Hong Kong and Macau provide secure China IPs without compromising your privacy. These VPNs offer strong encryption and optimized protocols to maintain stable connections. All of these VPNs also work well with a variety of Chinese websites and streaming services, letting you watch your favorite shows and movies securely from anywhere.

1. ExpressVPN — Reliable Hong Kong Servers With Advanced Obfuscation

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Tested March 2025

Available on:

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Try ExpressVPN >

www.expressvpn.com

ExpressVPN's Lightway protocol offers optimum speeds on its secure Hong Kong and Macau servers. During our tests, this protocol’s efficient code design resulted in only a 12% speed reduction. Each server uses Perfect Forward Secrecy to generate new encryption keys every time you connect, enhancing security.

We found these servers worked seamlessly with a variety of Chinese sites, too. We had no problems browsing sites like Taobao and Weibo, and the pages loaded quickly. Plus, thanks to ExpressVPN’s automatic obfuscation, we could stream iQIYI securely and in HD, even on restrictive networks.

Its monthly plan is pricier than some competitors. However, ExpressVPN offers significant discounts of up to 61% on longer plans. You can try it with no financial risk since it has a 30-day money-back guarantee. I tested the refund process myself via 24/7 live chat and received my money back within a few days.

2. CyberGhost — Beginner-Friendly VPN to Easily Get a China IP

Available on:

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Try CyberGhost VPN >

www.cyberghostvpn.com

CyberGhost has virtual servers for mainland China. Although they’re physically located in Singapore, they can give you a secure and private China IP. CyberGhost is also very easy to set up and use. It only took us 2 minutes to install and connect to the China location. Its speeds over distance are slower than ExpressVPN, but it was still fast enough to stream securely and without quality drops.

The only downside is that it doesn’t work reliably within mainland China. However, it still performs admirably in other Chinese territories, like Hong Kong and Macau. CyberGhost’s long-term plans start at $2.19/month with a 45-day money-back guarantee. If you’re new to the world of VPNs, that gives you plenty of time to test its features. I tested the guarantee, and it was just as easy to get a refund as with ExpressVPN.

3. Private Internet Access (PIA) — Customizable Security for China IP Addresses

Available on:

Windows Mac Android iOS

Chrome Router Smart TV More

Try Private Internet Access >

www.privateinternetaccess.com

PIA lets you adjust encryption levels to optimize performance while you’re connected to your China IP. During testing, we found the perfect balance using WireGuard protocol with AES-128 encryption, maintaining security while minimizing speed loss. The Advanced Kill Switch blocks your internet access until you launch the VPN, and there's a regular kill switch as well.

The extensive customization options might overwhelm VPN beginners, as it’s more complex than CyberGhost or ExpressVPN. However, PIA's default settings work effectively without adjustments, and you can connect unlimited devices simultaneously. Test PIA yourself for free with the 30-day money-back guarantee.

Our Methodology for Testing VPNs for Getting China IP Addresses

During our tests, we prioritized VPNs with reliable servers that could provide a private China IP address. We tested services with physical servers in Hong Kong and Macau (outside the GFW), as well as those with virtual servers for China. We evaluated each VPN's ability to maintain stable connections and security. Speed tests were conducted across multiple times of day to assess performance consistency.

Our team continuously tests and updates VPN performance data to provide accurate, current information. Visit our methodology page for a detailed breakdown of our comprehensive testing process. Feel free to use this as the basis for your own tests.

Alternative Methods to Get a China IP Address

Can I get a China IP address without a VPN? Yes, proxies are a popular backup option to VPNs — according to ENVmedia, proxy usage in China is above 30%². Here’s a quick look at some VPN alternatives.

• Proxy servers. These provide basic IP address changes but offer minimal security with no encryption. Free proxies often have slow speeds and unreliable connections, while paid proxies typically charge based on data usage. For more information, take a look at our guide to the best proxies.
• Virtual private servers (VPS). Renting a server in Hong Kong or Macau provides a dedicated IP address. However, it won’t typically encrypt your data like a VPN, so you may have to manually configure an OpenVPN connection.
• Tor browser with China exit nodes. This is a free option that routes traffic through multiple nodes for anonymity. However, connections are typically slow and unstable, making it impractical for streaming or regular browsing. It can also cause suspicion with your ISP since Tor can be used to access the dark web.

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.

What Are the 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.
• 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. Even the best VPNs struggle to work in the country, so you should exercise caution and use a service with a kill switch to protect your privacy from connection drops.

FAQs on Getting a Chinese IP Address

Is it legal to use a VPN to get a China IP address?

The legality of VPN usage varies by jurisdiction and context. While VPNs themselves are legal in most countries, China maintains strict regulations around VPN services. Using VPNs in ways that violate local laws or terms of service can result in penalties. It's important to verify the regulations in both your location and China before proceeding.

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

You can verify your IP location using online IP-checking tools. Compare your IP address before and after connecting to a China server. The tool should display your new location as the selected region. Just ensure you have a reliable VPN with servers in Hong Kong or Macau or one with virtual servers for China.

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

Most free VPNs and proxy services struggle to provide reliable Chinese IP addresses. Many simply don’t offer physical or virtual servers for China, as it takes a lot of resources to keep them working despite the Great Firewall. Additionally, VPNs with small server networks or lacking obfuscation technology typically fail to maintain stable connections. It’s better to use a VPN that’s known to provide secure Chinese IPs via reliable servers.

Can a VPN let me watch Chinese TV like iQIYI?

Premium VPNs with Hong Kong servers can securely access Chinese streaming platforms from anywhere. However, your connection stability and streaming quality will depend on a lot of factors, including server hardware quality and the number of users on the same connection.

Can I use a free VPN to get a China IP address?

Free VPNs are not recommended for getting Chinese IP addresses. They typically lack the necessary features to provide reliable and secure connections. Most free services have limited server options, slow speeds, and potential security risks. Premium VPNs with money-back guarantees offer a range of servers in, or for, China, providing better speeds and reliability.

To summarize, these are the best VPNs for getting a Chinese IP...

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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References

1. https://www.bonafideresearch.com/product/6407493804/china-virtual-private-network-market/
2. https://env.media/proxies-beyond-internet-privacy/