What Apps Are Banned in China? A List for January 2025

What websites are blocked in China in 2025 (January Update) This is a question that gets asked a lot, particularly among people who are planning to travel or move to China. It helps knowing what to expect, which is why I’d like to give you a comprehensive (and constantly updated) list of blocked websites in China.

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Starting in the late 1990s, Chinese authorities began monitoring and censoring the internet within its borders, enabled by Chinese law. That first decade of internet censorship flew mostly under the radar. The Chinese authorities enforced strict regulations and censorship, reflecting the extensive censorship regime known as the ‘Great Firewall of China.’

Everything changed in 2009.

For a number of different reasons, and due to a number of different incidents, the Chinese government began to feel threatened by the free access to information for its citizens, particularly with western social media platforms.

• I used to have a Blogspot blog in China. <what?>
• Email was sent freely through Gmail in China. <gasp!>
• I even read the Wall Street Journal in China. <the horror!>

Not anymore.

In order to do any of these things, I am now forced to use a VPN (in my experience, NordVPN has been consistently reliable in China as has ExpressVPN).

So as you plan your travels, your move or a business trip to China, it’s good to have an understanding of the blocked websites in China as well as the blocked apps in China.

Below, I’d like to walk you through the list, followed by my personal tips from having survived and done business in China all these years.

Note: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means that at no extra cost to you, I may be compensated if you choose to use the services listed. I only recommend what I personally use and hope this free information has been useful!

List of Blocked Websites and Apps

In this list of blocked websites in China, you’ll see that I’ve categorized each based on the type of website or app.

Hopefully this will make it easier to scan and understand.

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Miscellaneous Blocked Websites

• Porn websites
• VPN websites
• Politically sensitive sites

As you see above, I’ve lumped together porn websites, VPN websites, and any politically sensitive websites (i.e. websites for Tibetan, Uyghur, Falun Gong or human rights organizations).

I don’t feel like it’s necessary to list them all. These sites have been and will remain blocked in China.

It’s much, much harder once you’re inside the country, although it is possible to install a VPN within China.

I recommend both ExpressVPN and NordVPN as highly reliable and effective VPN solutions to China’s censorship.

I’ve used both for many years.

Overview of Internet Censorship in China

The Chinese government has implemented a complex system of internet censorship, known as the Great Firewall of China, to control and monitor online activity within the country. This sophisticated system employs a variety of technical methods, including IP blocking, URL filtering, and keyword filtering, to restrict access to banned websites and block sensitive content.

The enforcement of these internet censorship policies falls under the jurisdiction of the Cyberspace Administration of China (CAC), which regulates online content and ensures compliance with Chinese laws.

The Great Firewall is designed to prevent internet users in mainland China from accessing banned websites, including popular social media platforms, international news sites, and other online content deemed sensitive or threatening to the Chinese government. This extensive system not only restricts access but also monitors online activity, tracking down individuals who attempt to bypass these restrictions or engage in activities considered subversive or threatening to national security.

What Social Media Platforms AREN’T Blocked in China in 2025

There’s a lot of confusion and mis-information when it comes to censorship in China.

Which websites and apps aren’t blocked in China?

Part of this has to do with the fluid nature of China’s internet (this list is always changing, which is why it’s updated every month).

Another reason for the confusion, though, is that some websites (including Wikipedia) continue to share outdated or outright wrong information.

Here’s a quick list of the websites and apps that AREN’T blocked in China – even though you might be told otherwise.

• Netflix/Hulu/Disney+: Technically, streaming sites like Netflix, Hulu and Disney+ are not blocked by China. The websites are accessible, but since the content hasn’t been licensed in China, you’ll still run into a “Sorry, our service hasn’t come to this country yet” message. This is something known as geoblocking content and there are ways to still stream Netflix in China.
• Banking: Thankfully, you don’t need to worry about not being able to log into your bank account online. To date, no western banks have had their websites blocked in China.
• iMessage & FaceTime: Despite a tenuous relationship with China, Apple has been able to maintain and open iMessage platform for all its iPhone users. In theory, this is more secure than using WeChat, but who knows for sure.

How to Access Blocked Websites in China

If you’re not already aware, there are ways to access websites and apps that are blocked in China. It’s a technology known as virtual private networks, or “VPNs” for short.

Pretty much any expat who has lived in China for more than 6 months uses a VPN on a daily basis. I’ve used them for almost 10 years.

In short, virtual private networks work by encrypting your connection to a server in another country (such as the United States). When you access the internet, you see it as if you were in that country that doesn’t have censorship, as opposed to China. This is particularly important for circumventing government censorship and accessing restricted websites and services.

They’re easy to use and contrary to what you might think, they’re not technically illegal for foreign expats or travelers to use.

Using a VPN to Bypass Internet Censorship in China

Using a VPN in China is thankfully very simple. We’ll take ExpressVPN as an example, since that’s the one I have used for many years and recommend.

I simply open the app on my phone, tablet or computer and click the big power button. When it turns green, I have access to all of the blocked websites and apps listed above.

I know I’ve already said it, but I’d like to stress the importance of setting up your VPN before you enter China.

Most VPN websites are blocked in China since the government doesn’t want it’s own citizens to use a VPN. That makes it hard for us as expats or travelers to download and install a VPN from within the country.

Personally, since my business relies on open access to the internet, I have subscriptions to multiple VPNs including ExpressVPN and NordVPN.

You might be surprised that there are literally hundreds of VPN services to choose from, but only a handful of VPNs work well in China

If accessing your email or staying in touch with family is important to you while in China, I recommend spending a few dollars on a VPN service.

Trust me…

…it’s worth it.

Many VPNs still work in China despite what you might have read, and it has the added benefit of encrypting and securing your data.

Impact of Internet Censorship on Society

The impact of internet censorship on society in China is profound. The stringent restrictions on online activity significantly limit the ability of internet users to access information and express themselves freely. The censorship of social media platforms, news sites, and other online content means that citizens often struggle to find accurate and unbiased information, which can have serious implications for democracy and human rights.

Economically, the Chinese government’s internet censorship policies have also taken a toll. The blocking of essential Google services, including Google Maps, hampers businesses’ ability to access crucial information and tools, potentially stifling economic development. Entrepreneurs and innovators face additional challenges as the censorship limits their access to information and resources, thereby curbing innovation and creativity.

Moreover, these censorship policies raise significant national security concerns. By blocking websites and online content, the government restricts citizens’ access to information on sensitive topics such as human rights and democracy, which can have far-reaching consequences for national security. The suppression of free expression can also lead to social unrest and instability, as citizens are unable to voice their concerns and grievances openly.

In conclusion, the Chinese government’s internet censorship policies have a substantial impact on society. The restrictions on online activity limit the ability of internet users to access information and express themselves freely, posing serious challenges to democracy and human rights. Additionally, the economic and national security implications of these policies highlight the broader consequences of internet censorship in China.

Final Thoughts | Blocked Websites in China 2025

There’s no indication that the Chinese government will cease their censorship of the internet any time soon. In fact, all signs point to the fact that this list of blocked websites in China will continue to grow as I update it each month. The Chinese government’s stringent internet censorship policies lead to the blocking of messaging apps and search engines that do not comply with its regulations, such as Google, which is blocked due to these government regulations.

New websites and apps will get axed by China’s Ministry of Information as they become popular (that’s basically what happened to Twitch). The parent company of these apps often faces significant regulatory challenges, impacting their operational status within China.

By using a VPN like ExpressVPN or NordVPN, you’ll get access to all the productivity apps, social media, news, and streaming sites that you’re used to using.