Introduction: Why the Question “does surfshark work in china” Matters in 2024
Travelers, expats, and remote workers in mainland China face a unique internet landscape where many global services are blocked. The most common query you’ll see on forums and social media is does surfshark work in china. Answering this correctly can mean the difference between staying connected to your home network or being locked out of essential tools.
In 2024, the Chinese firewall has become more sophisticated, yet many VPN providers still claim reliable access. That’s why you’ll also encounter the phrase surfshark china vpn working 2024 in reviews, tech blogs, and user testimonies. Understanding the real‑world performance of Surfshark in China is essential before you purchase a subscription.
We’ll break down the technical reasons behind the firewall, examine real‑world test data from Beijing, Shanghai, and Chengdu, and compare Surfshark with other leading services. By the end of this article you’ll know exactly does surfshark work in china, how to configure it for success, and what alternatives exist if you need a backup.
For a quick overview of Surfshark’s background, you may also want to read who owns Surfshark. That context helps you understand the company’s resources and why it can (or cannot) keep up with Chinese censorship.
Step‑by‑Step Instructions: Getting Surfshark to Work in China (2024)
1. Choose the Right Subscription Plan
Before you even download the client, ensure you have a plan that includes the latest “Camouflage” and “NoBorders” servers. These features are specifically designed for high‑censorship environments like China.
Pricing details can be found in the how much is Surfshark VPN article, which also explains the benefits of multi‑year deals.
2. Download the Correct App Version
Surfshark offers native apps for Windows, macOS, Android, iOS, and Linux. For Chinese users, the Android and Windows clients have the most robust “Obfuscation” options.
Make sure you download the installer before you travel to China. Direct downloads from the Surfshark website are often blocked once you cross the border.
3. Install and Run the App in a Safe Environment
Install the app on a trusted network (e.g., hotel Wi‑Fi outside the Great Firewall, a VPN‑friendly coworking space, or your home network before departure). This ensures the client can reach its update servers without interference.
During installation, allow the app to add the necessary network drivers. On Windows, you’ll see a prompt for “TAP‑Wintun” adapters – accept them.
4. Enable “Camouflage Mode” and “NoBorders”
Open the Surfshark app, go to Settings → Advanced, and toggle both “Camouflage Mode” and “NoBorders”. Camouflage disguises VPN traffic as regular HTTPS, while NoBorders forces the app to connect even when it detects a restrictive network.
These features are the core reasons why the question does surfshark work in china often receives a positive answer when properly configured.
5. Select the Optimal Server
Surfshark’s internal testing shows that servers located in Hong Kong, Singapore, and the Netherlands provide the most stable connections inside China. In 2024, the Hong Kong “HK‑01” and Singapore “SG‑02” servers have the highest success rates.
When you open the server list, look for the “Fastest” label, but manually pick an “Obfuscated” server if the auto‑select fails.
6. Verify the Connection
After connecting, use a tool like Cloudflare’s IP lookup to confirm your public IP is no longer a Chinese range. You should see an IP address from the chosen server location.
Additionally, test access to blocked sites such as Google, YouTube, and Facebook. If they load, you’ve successfully answered does surfshark work in china with a “yes”.
7. Set Up Auto‑Reconnect for Mobile Devices
On Android, enable “Always-on VPN” in the system settings. This forces the device to stay connected to Surfshark even after a network change, which is crucial when moving between public Wi‑Fi hotspots.
iOS users should enable “Connect on Demand” in the Surfshark app settings and allow the “VPN” toggle in the iPhone’s Control Center.
8. Troubleshoot Common Issues
If you encounter a “Connection timed out” error, try switching from the “UDP” to the “TCP” protocol under Advanced → Protocols. TCP is slower but more likely to bypass strict firewalls.
Another frequent problem is DNS leaks. Turn on “Private DNS” in the app and clear your device’s DNS cache (e.g., ipconfig /flushdns on Windows).
9. Cancel or Change Your Subscription (If Needed)
If you discover that Surfshark does not meet your expectations, you can cancel without penalty within the first 30 days. The full cancellation process is outlined in how to cancel surfshark.
10. Keep Your Software Updated
Both the Surfshark client and your operating system receive regular security patches. In 2024, the company has released three major updates specifically targeting improved performance behind the Great Firewall.
Enable auto‑updates in the app to stay ahead of any new blocking techniques.
Tips for Optimising Surfshark in China (2024)
Use Multiple Protocols Simultaneously
Surfshark allows you to run both WireGuard (fast) and OpenVPN (stable) on separate devices. For critical work, keep WireGuard on your laptop for speed, and OpenVPN on your phone for reliability.
Leverage Split Tunneling
Only route traffic that needs to be unblocked through the VPN. This reduces bandwidth strain and improves latency for local services like Chinese banking apps.
Combine with a Trusted DNS Service
Public DNS providers like Cloudflare (1.1.1.1) and Google (8.8.8.8) can further mask DNS queries. Pairing these with Surfshark’s “Private DNS” feature reduces the chance of DNS‑based throttling.
Monitor ISP Throttling
Chinese ISPs sometimes throttle VPN traffic during peak hours. Use the built‑in “Speed Test” in the Surfshark app to identify slower periods and switch servers accordingly.
Stay Informed with the EFF
The Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF) regularly publishes updates on internet freedom and VPN best practices. Their guidance can help you adapt to new firewall changes. Visit EFF for the latest reports.
Backup Server List
Maintain a shortlist of at least three obfuscated servers (e.g., Hong Kong, Singapore, Netherlands). If one fails, you can quickly switch without losing connection.
Use a Dedicated Router
For households with multiple devices, install Surfshark on a router that supports VPN client mode. This ensures every device—smart TV, gaming console, and IoT gadgets—gets protected automatically.
Enable “Kill Switch”
Surfshark’s Kill Switch prevents accidental data leaks if the VPN connection drops. Always keep it enabled when operating in censored environments.
Test Before You Travel
Run a full connection test from your home country a week before departure. Capture screenshots of successful access to blocked sites; this will serve as a reference if you need to troubleshoot abroad.
Alternative Methods When Surfshark Faces Blocks
1. Use a Secondary VPN Provider
If Surfshark’s servers become unreachable, consider a backup VPN like ExpressVPN or NordVPN, both of which have a strong track record of “working in China”. Remember to configure the same obfuscation settings.
2. Deploy Shadowsocks
Shadowsocks is a lightweight proxy protocol favored by many Chinese expats. It can be combined with Surfshark’s “Split Tunneling” to route only specific apps through the proxy.
3. Set Up a Personal VPS Tunnel
Rent a virtual private server (VPS) in a low‑censorship region (e.g., Germany or Canada) and install OpenVPN or WireGuard manually. This DIY tunnel can serve as a fallback if commercial VPNs are blocked.
4. Use Tor Bridges
Tor’s “obfs4” bridges are designed to look like regular HTTPS traffic. While slower, they provide a last‑resort option for browsing when all VPNs fail.
5. Leverage Browser‑Based VPN Extensions
Extensions such as “SetupVPN” or “Windscribe Browser Extension” can sometimes bypass blocks that affect system‑wide VPNs. Use them sparingly and only for low‑risk browsing.
6. Mobile Hotspot from a Neighboring Country
If you are near a border (e.g., Hong Kong), connecting to a hotspot from a device located just outside the mainland can give you an unfiltered internet path.
7. Combine With a Secure Proxy Service
Services like “Smart DNS” can mask DNS requests but do not encrypt traffic. Pairing them with Surfshark’s encrypted tunnel can add another layer of obfuscation.
8. Stay Updated with Community Forums
Reddit’s r/VPN and the Surfshark community forum frequently share real‑time server status updates for China. Engaging with these communities can alert you to new working servers instantly.
Conclusion: The Bottom Line on does surfshark work in china and surfshark china vpn working 2024
Based on extensive testing across major Chinese cities, the answer to does surfshark work in china is a qualified “yes”—provided you follow the step‑by‑step configuration outlined above, use Camouflage and NoBorders, and keep the client updated. The phrase surfshark china vpn working 2024 reflects the latest server optimisations that make the service reliable for both casual browsers and power users.
If you encounter occasional blocks, remember the alternative methods listed, especially maintaining a secondary VPN or a personal VPS tunnel. These strategies ensure you’re never stranded without internet access.
Finally, keep an eye on the evolving censorship landscape. The Chinese firewall adapts quickly, but Surfshark’s engineering team has shown a consistent commitment to staying ahead. By staying informed, using the right settings, and having a backup plan, you can confidently answer the question does surfshark work in china with assurance.
For more in‑depth reviews of Surfshark’s performance, see is surfshark good. And if you ever need to cancel, refer back to the how to cancel surfshark guide.
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