How to Watch Netflix in China in 2024 (Quick Guide)

Streaming Netflix in China without interruptions is a dream come true for every streaming enthusiast traveling to that region.

That’s because the conflicting practices of Netflix services and China’s authorities have made it difficult for avid streamers to stay connected to their favorite media.

This guide summarizes the steps to unblock streaming services in China without hassle.

How to unblock Netflix in China – Quick guide

Why can’t I watch Netflix from China?

Legally, you can’t find anything against Netflix services in China. Yet, you can’t continuously stream what you want whenever you travel to China. It doesn’t happen because of any regional restrictions by Chinese authorities. Instead, the main reason here is content licensing.

Netflix has permitted certain countries to stream its content. The service has entered into various licensing agreements with those nations. (That’s how you can easily access Netflix in most countries and watch all media permitted for streaming there – what you consider the Netflix media libraries for those countries.)

Unfortunately, China isn’t listed among the regions where Netflix holds a streaming license.

In simple words, the service isn’t blocked there. Nor is the website. Yet, you can’t stream anything because of no license for the content.

So, it’s an indirect ban, for which Chinese users need not worry because they have their alternative streaming platform, “iQIYI” – the Chinese version of Netflix.

However, this is quite frustrating for travelers, tourists, and others in that region. Despite being a valid subscriber to Netflix, you’ll remain disconnected from the platform for all your days in China.

Nonetheless, you can eliminate this frustration if you follow this guide to bypass Netflix geo-restrictions in China.

Netflix vs. iQiyi

iQiyi is a Chinese streaming platform serving Netflix freaks in China. It is one of the largest streaming services of today, boasting around 500 million active users a month.

In China, iQiyi serves as a Netflix alternative for content consumers. However, while free (its biggest plus), the platform is riddled with ads and offers limited content to users. These downsides make iQiyi a poor substitute for the streaming giant Netflix, which serves customers a colossal content library without ads.

Comparing Netflix vs. iQiyi clearly shows the former as the winner. Especially considering the revenues of the two platforms during the past year, where iQiyi suffered a loss, and Netflix’s revenues skyrocketed, Netflix takes the lead. Of course, iQiyi serves as fresh air for content consumers in China, but it still has to exert much more effort to compete with Netflix.

How to watch Netflix China – An easy four-step detailed guide

Now that you know you can continue to watch your Netflix movies and shows even in Mainland China, the question is, how exactly can you do that?

The answer is simple: by using a VPN.

We previously shared a detailed guide to unblocking Netflix anywhere, which will help you stream easily.

Yet, to make things easy, here’s a quick review of all the steps required to access Netflix without geo-restrictions.

1. Subscribe to a robust VPN service

Though the market is flooded with countless VPNs, not all are robust enough to bypass the Great Firewall of China.

Many VPNs, otherwise claiming premium quality, are not working in China. And they also admit it openly. (Good for them.)

So, before you subscribe to any VPN randomly, be sure about two things;

#1. That it works in China

#2. That it unblocks Netflix without showing errors (at least, not frequently).

You can cross-check these things by going through the VPN customer reviews.

Whereas, if you’re running short on time, you can find a few good China VPNs later in this guide.

2. Download and install the VPN on your device

Once you subscribe to a VPN, download the VPN client for your device. It’ll only take a few minutes, and you’ll have the setup file you can install.

Doing so neither requires you to be tech-savvy nor needs input from you. Instead, all you should do is enter your account credentials when prompted.

3. Configure the VPN

After signing in, you need to connect to the correct VPN server.

Ideally, connect to a server that offers fast speed, has less load, exhibits low latency, and corresponds with the Netflix library you need to stream.

For example, if you want to watch US Netflix in China, connect to a fast-speed USA server.

Also, you may need to turn on additional features (if available) to make your VPN run in China, such as stealth browsing. If you can’t find such options, you may contact the VPN support team to help you.

4. Start streaming Netflix – but don’t lose patience

Once your connection is established, check for possible IP leaks. When you’re all set, head to the Netflix website or app and start streaming.

Ideally, consider streaming via the Netflix website, as bypassing geo-restrictions with the app is tricky.

While you should technically get access to your favorite media after all this effort, you might still face errors, such as proxy errors. As is evident, you can’t easily use a VPN in China – that is the case with Netflix, too. So, you may have to switch the servers a few times before eventually landing at the right one.

Best VPNs to watch Netflix in China

As you know, VPNs are a great resource for bypassing regional and content limitations worldwide.

However, using a VPN in China isn’t easy because of the repressive practices of the authorities. Yet, since VPNs are not precisely illegal in China, some services still work there effectively.

So, you must subscribe to one such VPN that has a profitable operation in China. Also, you should ensure that whichever service you choose supports unblocking Netflix. (As you might already know, most VPNs and proxies only show annoying Netflix proxy errors to you and nothing else.)

After selecting the right provider, you can stream Netflix how you like.

If you’re wondering where to find such a service, check out this list of the best VPNs for China. Most of these VPNs work with Netflix as well. Thus, you can go through the guides and choose one that best meets your browsing requirements.

Yet, if you want to quickly know the most resilient VPNs that unblock Netflix even in China, here are some recommendations based on our thorough research and tests.

1. NordVPN

A resilient VPN offering optimized servers, a gigantic network of over 5K servers, and obfuscation feature to evade VPN detection – just perfect to unblock Netflix in countries like China.

Visit NordVPN

6,800+ servers in over 110 countries

Supports P2P sharing

AES-256-bit encryption

Zero-logs policy

Built-in ad-blocker

Kill switch feature

Allows up to 10 simultaneous devices

30 days money-back guarantee

Pros

• Unblocks Netflix and many other streaming sites
• Excellent speed
• Reliable customer support

Cons

• Double VPN slows the servers

The next recommendation for you to use as your primary VPN in China is NordVPN.

These guys have survived years of harsh anti-VPN policies without impacting the VPN performance. That’s how they have set up a network of over 6,800 servers in 113 countries globally.

While you may notice a relatively lesser choice of VPN with this service, you get a more significant number of servers for the exact location instead. This colossal choice makes the VPN robust enough to bypass all VPN-banning attempts by services like Netflix.

For example, NordVPN offers more than 1970 servers in 16 different cities within the USA. That means if one of the VPN servers gets blocked, you can continue to stream since the VPN will quickly replace it with another active server.

Plus, NordVPN employs server obfuscation technology for users in repressive regions. It makes the VPN data packets similar to regular traffic, thus avoiding all authorities who attempt to detect the VPN.

These two excellent features make NordVPN the best to stream your favorite Netflix library anywhere.

Want to test it yourself? Subscribe now and get your hands on this VPN by availing yourself of their no-risk 30-day money-back guarantee.

2. ExpressVPN

With a massive server network spread across 90+ countries, strict no-logs policy, and stealth browsing technology, it’s an excellent VPN for streaming Netflix in regions like China effortlessly.

Visit ExpressVPN

3,000+ servers in 107 countries

AES-256-bit encryption

DNS/IPv6 leak protection

P2P servers

Network-lock feature

TrustedServer technology

Split tunneling

Tor compatibility

Allows up to 8 connections simultaneously

30-day money back guarantee

Pros

• Easy to install and use
• It does not limit bandwidth and speeds
• Unblocks Facebook

Cons

• Slightly costly

Our first recommendation for watching Netflix anywhere without interruptions is ExpressVPN. It’s because these guys have resiliently fought for the freedom of the internet over the years. Despite the extensive crackdown against VPNs by countries like China, ExpressVPN definitely serves privacy-savvy users.

Also, this VPN service has endured attempts by services like Netflix to detect and block VPNs and proxies. That’s why, when using ExpressVPN, you observe minor errors during streaming.

Of course, with a network of 3000+ servers spread across 107 countries, you should expect this VPN to exhibit robust performance.

Besides, it also employs server obfuscation technology that makes your internet traffic similar to the regular data packets. That’s how it bypasses all VPN checks by the government and the Netflix service. Hence, what you get is a smooth streaming experience.

You can try this VPN now to assess its feasibility. Also, don’t worry about the money. ExpressVPN offers a no-risk 30-day money-back guarantee. So, if you don’t like their service, contact their support for a refund.

3. Surfshark

A new kid on the block with excellent speed and unblocking abilities. You can stream your favorite Netflix show even in China using the VPN’s Camouflage Mode and NoBorders Mode smartly.

Visit Surfshark

3,200+ servers in 100+ countries

AES-256-bit encryption

P2P servers

MultiHop mode

DNS/IPv6 leak protection

Automatic kill switch

Zero-logs policy

Camouflage Mode

Allows unlimited simultaneous devices

30-day money-back guarantee

Pros

• Unlimited connections
• Support anonymous payments
• 24/7 live chat

Cons

• Some slow servers

Another VPN that has now joined the list of our favorite VPNs is Surfshark.

Within a few years, this service provider has significantly improved its service. Today, it has established a massive network of over 3,200 servers in 100+ countries. That gives you a vast number of server locations to connect.

Besides, the service provider also offers loads of premium features to the users, such as CleanWeb (malware and ad blocker), Camouflage Mode (stealth browsing), MultiHop (double VPN feature), and the NoBorders Mode (browsing mode typically aimed at using the internet in repressive regions like China). 

Indeed, with all these features, you can imagine the level of privacy you get when using Surfshark. And, of course, you can expect this VPN to unblock this streaming giant in China.

Yet, if you’re skeptical about its claims, test this VPN for a month. If it fails to impress you, contact its 24/7 available support team to request a refund. Thanks to their 30-day risk-free money-back guarantee, your money remains safe with Surfshark.

Methodology of choosing the best VPNs for Netflix in China

Given the number of VPNs today, choosing the best Netflix VPN in China can be challenging. All the VPNs in this article have undergone rigorous testing to ensure the best security, privacy, and streaming features. For testing, we considered the following factors.

• A zero-logs policy: The best VPN should not store your data. This means they cannot sell it to third parties or even hand it over to authorities during investigations. We also recommend VPNs with an independently audited logs policy.
• Extensive server network around the globe: A large server network gives you many options because Netflix is blocked in some countries. You can also unlock various Netflix libraries depending on countries and regions.
• Robust encryption: The key function of a VPN is to give you privacy and security when browsing. The level of security depends on the encryption algorithm a VPN provider uses. We recommend VPNs that offer the AES-256 encryption algorithm because it is unbreakable. Poor encryption leaves your data vulnerable to interception during transmission.
• Speed: Streaming quality Netflix videos from China requires fast connection speeds. A slow connection loads poor-quality videos with constant buffering and freezing. Therefore, you should choose a VPN with fast connection speeds, like NordVPN.
• Customer support: A VPN’s customer support team should be readily available and reachable 24/7, especially when you are in a heavily censored country like China. We recommend VPNs with 24/7 live chat, email, or ticketing support.

Can you access the streaming platform in China with a free VPN?

Yes, watching Netflix with a free VPN is possible, but they are unreliable. Most free VPNs have data, servers, and feature limitations. Also, they cannot load and maintain quality video streams, which can be frustrating.

Generally, we do not recommend free VPNs because of their potential risks. Some free VPNs collect and sell your personal information to third parties, while others lack secure encryption and leak your real IP address when making requests.

To avoid any privacy or security breaches associated with free VPNs, subscribe to a premium VPN like NordVPN. You can also take advantage of the 30-day money-back guarantee of a premium VPN and use it for 30 days for free.

Using SmartDNS – an alternate option to tackle Netflix’s China strategy

Aside from VPNs, another viable option to stream your favorite movies and shows in China is using SmartDNS.

Although, it isn’t an alternative to a VPN since it doesn’t hide your IP address. Nor does it encrypt your data.

But that’s not what you want when browsing from China. Instead, you need something to help you bypass geo-restrictions without getting caught by the Chinese authorities for using a VPN.

A SmartDNS does help you with that as it reroutes your DNS traffic through its own DNS servers. Thus, Netflix detects a location different from the existing one – China.

Another benefit of using SmartDNS is that you experience speedy connectivity as the traffic flows regularly without encryption.

However, a SmartDNS can’t help you access other restricted services like Facebook, Google, Gmail, or YouTube. That’s where a VPN gets an edge over SmartDNS.

Best Chinese dramas on Netflix

Now that you have accessed the Chinese Netflix library, here are a few dramas you should add to your watch list.

• A Love So Beautiful
• Day and Night
• Eternal Love
• Love O2O
• Nirvana in Fire
• The Rise of Phoenixes

Best Chinese movies on Netflix

• Animal World
• A Beautiful Life
• Sword of Destiny
• Cities of Last Things
• Double World
• Drunken Master
• The Ying Yang Master: Dream of Eternity
• The Wandering Earth
• Us and Them
• Kingdom: Ashin of the North

Can’t access Netflix with a VPN in China: Troubleshooting tips

If you are having trouble accessing the streaming giant in China, don’t panic. It’s probably something you can solve with a few tweaks. Sometimes, even the best VPNs have connection issues. Let’s look at the most common Netflix connection issues and how they can be fixed.

• You have some locally stored browser data giving out your location. Consider clearing your browser’s cache and cookies.
• The VPN may be leaking your real IP address. Use an up-to-date VPN client. 
• The VPN server you are using is in a Netflix-blocked country. Check whether the VPN server you are connected to is located in a country where Netflix is licensed. 
• You may be using a weak VPN incapable of bypassing firewalls and geo-blocks. Change the VPN and use a more reliable provider, like NordVPN.

If the connection problems persist, contact your customer support team and ask for assistance.

FAQs