How to watch Netflix in China
Lee
Lee is an avid 80's action fan classing 300, Predator and Terminator among his favourites. When he's not binging movies he can be found keeping fit, attending Comic Con and wearing Star Wars socks of all things.
China is known for its heavy censorship of the internet.
For the many citizens and expats living there, it is incredibly frustrating having such stringent restrictions on what you can and can’t access.
One of the main sites that can’t be accessed is Netflix leaving the billions of people residing in China missing out on everything it has to offer.
In this article, we will be showing you how to unblock restricted sites (specifically Netflix) and access other regions content with the click of a button so that you can beat the censorship.
Sounds great, doesn’t it? So let’s get started.
What you need to watch Netflix in China
If you have spent much time in China, you will know that most Western services are blocked. Unfortunately for you, Netflix isn’t the exception to the rule.
But fear not, we have the solution to your problem.
To gain access to Netflix and many other restricted sites, you will need to use a VPN app.
If you’ve been in China for some time, you’ll already have heard of these. If you’re new, then they’re about to become your best friend.
The VPN that you choose will have to satisfy two needs, one of which is ensuring that it isn’t blocked by Chinese internet and the other; you will have to make sure that it works with Netflix.
Not every VPN will satisfy both of these, so you will have to select your VPN carefully.
Which VPNs work in China with Netflix?
Our number one choice and your best option for a VPN would be ExpressVPN.
Our tests have shown that ExpressVPN has the fastest speeds for use in China, so streaming 4K video content shouldn’t be a problem for you, giving you access to everything that Netflix has to offer while keeping your data safe and secure.
However, 4K is the holy grail of quality and depending on where you are in China, aiming for 1080p might be a more realistic target.
Not only are they fast for streaming video, but they offer a 30 day money back guarantee.
But if you want to shop around, there are other options such as Surfshark or VPN.ac.
However, both of these can be hit and miss when it comes to working with Netflix and also connectivity speed in China, meaning you could be left with a painfully slow connection which you’ll struggle to stream high definition video content.
The choice is yours.
30-day money back guarantee
Step-by-step to get viewing
To set up a VPN and unlock Netflix wherever you are in China, follow these quick steps.
- Visit ExpressVPN’s website.
- Click the button that says “Get ExpressVPN” or “Get the #1 Rated VPN”.
- Select a payment plan that suits your needs.
- Choose a payment method and enter your details.
- Click “Join Now”.
- Download the ExpressVPN app to your chosen device.
- Log in using your username and password.
- Select what region you want to connect to (E.g. United States).
- Click Connect.
Unblock Netflix in China using ExpressVPN
Accessing Netflix
Now that the VPN is hiding your IP Address and you are connected through the United States or whatever country you selected, Netflix will think that you are residing in the USA.
Now do the following:
- Log in to Netflix using your Netflix account details (via the app or Netflix Website)
- Enjoy having access to the US Netflix library (or another country).
30-day money back guarantee
What Netflix regions work?
When it comes to what Netflix regions work when using a VPN, it is all dependant on your choice of VPN provider.
When you use our recommended choice ExpressVPN, you will be able to access regional content from most regions such as the US, Canada, UK, France, Germany, Japan and Hong Kong to name a few.
You’ll have unrestricted access to Netflix exclusives such as the mind-bending TV series ‘Black Mirror’ which is currently available in the UK, US, Japan regions and many others.
Or maybe you want to watch the ever so popular ‘Stranger Things’, the hilarious hit TV show ‘The Office’ or even the eye-opening ‘Narcos’ series.
And when it comes to movies, you truly are spoilt for choices.
The US Netflix Library contains around 4000 movies, some of which are exclusive only to Netflix such as ‘Bird Box’ starring Sandra Bullock.
All are available with fastest connections so you should be able to stream in 4K High Definition without a problem.
Although as you’ll already know, nothing is a certainty with Chinese internet so you may have to settle for lower quality.
Is using a VPN in China foolproof?
As with anything in life, nothing is foolproof and using a VPN in China is no exception to the rule.
Mainly because VPNs often get blocked in China, and there is no way to tell what one will be next.
So deciding to take a long term package could leave you out of pocket and back on the market looking for another VPN service to use.
In China’s case, when using a VPN, we recommend that you buy subscriptions in 1-month packages to avoid any such problems.
Although taking a yearly package can be a lot more cost-effective.
Also, most services offer a money back guarantee, which will come in handy if the service goes down or is no longer working in China.
This is one of the reasons why we recommend ExpressVPN as it has a 30 day money back guarantee.
In Summary
If you are wanting to access Netflix while residing in China, you will need a VPN to do so.
When selecting a VPN provider, you will want to take two things into consideration.
Firstly, ensure that the VPN is not blocked in China, and secondly, you will want to make sure that the VPN works with Netflix.
Not all VPNs satisfy both of those needs, so be aware of this.
Our recommended VPN of choice is ExpressVPN as it currently isn’t blocked in China and it works with most Netflix regions, including the US, UK, Canada, Germany, France, Japan and Hong Kong.
Now, what are you going to start watching first?
