Does Surfshark work in China? The answer is yes. This excellent, cheap VPN can bypass the Great Firewall and unblock all content. However, using Surfshark in China may not be as straightforward as you think. Given the country’s firm anti-VPN stance, you must tweak the VPN and adapt it properly.
This Surfshark China guide explains it all. We delve deeper and answer the question of Does Surfshark work in China, as well as guide you through the whole Surfshark VPN China setup that lets you get the most out of it in April 2026.
How to Use Surfshark in China: Surfshark NoBorders Mode China Tutorial
- Subscribe to Surfshark VPN. Ideally, do this before you travel to the Chinese Mainland or in Hong Kong, which isn’t as restrictive.
- Install Surfshark on your device.
- Launch the VPN and enable the NoBorders VPN mode in Settings.
- Toggle ON the Kill Switch to prevent IP leaks and use CleanWeb to block ads, trackers, and malicious sites to stay safe online.
- Connect to any server outside China. Now, you’ll unblock content, enjoy streaming, and use social media and VoIP services without limits.
Does Surfshark Work in China Now?
Yes, Surfshark works in China. It’s one of only a tiny elite group of VPNs that can reliably work there. That’s not to say there haven’t been any hiccups while using Surfshark in China. China is one of the most challenging countries for VPNs due to its strict censorship and constant efforts to block content.
Unlike most other regions, it’s not as simple as downloading a random, well-rated VPN and tapping Connect. Instead, it takes a combination of the right tools, settings, and a bit of troubleshooting to get around the Great Firewall of China. Thankfully, Surfshark is equipped to handle the notorious censorship system.
How to Use Surfshark in China in 2026?
Using Surfshark in China is entirely possible, but as said, it’s not a single button press. But, like many top VPN providers, Surfshark offers a user-friendly interface that helps you set it up without a fuss. Let’s see how to do it in a few simple steps.
1️⃣ Subscribe to a Surfshark Plan
Surfshark is a premium VPN, so you must purchase a subscription. Head on over to the provider’s website and explore the options in the pricing section. Surfshark Starter is the standalone VPN package at $1.99 (the cheapest one), but you can opt for One or One+ if you’re interested in all the extras.
While Surfshark is already reasonably priced, check out our article for Surfshark promotions and coupons to get the best deal. It comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee, so you can check it out risk-free. If you’re not impressed by the service, you can claim a full refund within that window.
2️⃣ Install the Surfshark App
Next, go to the Download tab on the website’s navigation bar. The provider offers native apps for a wide range of devices and operating systems, including Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, and iOS. Download the app for your device and install it.
One thing we really like about Surfshark is its unlimited simultaneous connection allowance. That means you can install (and use) the VPN on your laptop, phone, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Roku—every compatible gadget you’re taking along to China.
3️⃣ Configure Relevant Settings
Open the Surfshark app and log in with your account credentials. Before activating a connection, navigate to VPN Settings to make a few tweaks. First, toggle the kill switch to ensure a connection drop doesn’t expose your VPN usage to snoops or Chinese authorities. Also, make sure to enable NoBorders.
We also suggest enabling CleanWeb. It’s not mandatory to use Surfshark in China, but since it’s free and available in all plans, you can use it to block trackers, malicious sites, and ads when you browse online. It makes Surfshark in China far safer.
4️⃣ Connect to a VPN Server Outside China
Head back to the home screen and connect to a server outside China. You can manually search for a server in the location menu. Alternatively, pick one of the Recommended for you options. Whatever method you prefer, pick a country with no internet restrictions so you don’t experience censorship.
5️⃣ Verify Your Connection and Use Surfshark in China
China is one of those countries where it can be a costly mistake to assume your VPN is connected without double-checking, especially if you want to do something sensitive online. To confirm the connection, use an IP checker tool. Now you can go ahead and use YouTube in China, use VoIP apps, and so on.
Why You Should Use Surfshark in China in 2026
Why should Surfshark be your go-to VPN for China? Let’s consider some of the features that make it a compelling choice for visitors and Chinese residents alike:
- Reliable Unblocking: We wouldn’t have Surfshark ranking in such lists as the best VPN providers for streaming and best VPNs for school if it didn’t excel at unblocking content. Thanks to tools like NoBorders, you can unblock services like WhatsApp and Instagram in China hassle-free.
- Camouflage Mode (No Borders): The Great Firewall’s advanced detection measures are a challenge for VPNs in China. Surfshark’s obfuscated servers transform your VPN traffic to appear like regular traffic, evading detection. Camouflage Mode is the provider’s version of obfuscation.
- Advanced Privacy and Security: As one of the most secure VPNs, Surfshark has many features to safeguard your connection and data. AES 256-bit encryption, a kill switch, DNS leak protection, and Multi-Hop. It doesn’t track or store any data that could link back to you, including your browsing history.
- Fast Speeds: Surfshark is one of the fastest VPNs on the block. Thanks to 10-40 Gbps servers and modern protocols like WireGuard, its searing speeds ensure you never have to put up with stuttering streaming or browsing.
- Extensive Network: Surfshark comes with over 4,500 servers in 100 countries. That level of flexibility is great for unblocking and speed, especially since it’s present in nearby locations, including Japan, India, Taiwan, and Laos.
Check out our in-depth Surfshark review for a comprehensive breakdown of the provider’s impressive features that make it a solid option for use in any country.
Surfshark Not Working in China? Troubleshooting Tips
Granted, Surfshark works in China. However, as mentioned earlier, connection hiccups are almost inevitable. If you ever encounter a situation where your Surfshark refuses to work in China, one of the tips below may be the solution you need.
- Switch Servers: Maybe the Great Firewall has blocked the server you’re connected to. So, try switching to a different one. This easy fix resolves the issue most of the time.
- Switch Protocols: Surfshark offers WireGuard, OpenVPN, and IKEv2 tunneling protocols. They are all modern and reliable options, but they may perform at various levels in China. Select Automatic in the Protocol drawdown menu or manually switch between them to see which works best.
- Check for Updates: If you’re using an older version of Surfshark, that could be the issue. Updates may address connection issues or come with bug fixes, so always follow update prompts when they pop up on the Surfshark app.
- Contact Support: If all else fails, contact Surfshark’s support team for expert assistance. It’s available 24/7 via live chat and responds instantly.
Does Surfshark Work in China: Final Verdict for 2026
So, does Surfshark work in China, after all? You bet it does. While no VPN is completely immune to the challenges posed by the Great Firewall, Surfshark is a pretty reliable option for bypassing censorship and regaining internet freedom in China.
In this article, we covered everything you need to know about using Surfshark VPN in China. Remember, you can snag a nice discount on any Surfshark plan by clicking the link below, with a 30-day money-back guarantee for assurance.
Bypass censorship in China with Surfshark
Surfshark China FAQ
🛠️ Is Surfshark NoBorders mode working in China?
Yes, NoBorders mode works in China and is the only way to reliably use this VPN there. Open Settings and enable it before your connection. It hides your VPN use and makes your VPN traffic look like ordinary HTTPS traffic. This is the most effective way of sidestepping firewall restrictions in all countries.
✅ Does Surfshark VPN work in China?
Yes, Surfshark VPN works in China, but you must set it up correctly. To do this, enable the NoBorders mode, a kill switch, and CleanWeb for additional protection. After that, you're free to connect to any server and enjoy your privacy.
⚖️ Is it legal to use Surfshark in China?
Yes, it's legal to use Surfshark in China, although the VPN sits more in the so-called grey area. In China, you can legally use only government-approved VPNs, and Surfshark isn't one. But the government will not penalize you for using it. In fact, residents are more likely to be penalized than foreigners.