Streaming Netflix in China without interruptions is a dream come true for every binge-watcher 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.
Nonetheless, you can watch your preferred streaming platform in China if you go carefully. This guide summarizes the steps to unblock the streaming service in China without hassle.
A quick guide to watching Netflix in China
In a rush and can’t give the entire article a read? No problem. Follow the steps below to enjoy your favorite content:
- Choose a robust VPN. Some service providers, like ExpressVPN (our #1 recommendation here), seamlessly work in China.
- Connect to an appropriate server. For example, if you want to watch USA Netflix content in China, you should connect to a US server.
- Start streaming Netflix. You can use the Netflix app or website to watch your favorite content.
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.
Precisely, 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 license for streaming.
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 other people 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 input a lot more effort to compete with Netflix.
How to watch Netflix China – An easy four-step detailed guide
