In 2026, the Great Firewall (GFW) of China is continuously adapting, causing many international VPN services to be either unreliable or completely inaccessible. Users often encounter situations where a service functions well one day but is restricted the next. Thus, the critical inquiry is: “Which VPN can still be accessed in China at this moment?”
This document compiles actual testing outcomes from various locations in China (Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu) via all primary ISPs. It only features services that maintained stability during peak times.
Assessment Criteria
- Success rate of connections;
- Consistency throughout the day;
- Effectiveness of obfuscation;
- Capability to bypass DPI;
- Node durability;
- Streaming access ability;
- Speed metrics;
- Fallback protocol options.
Categories of VPN That Remain Functional in China
1. Sophisticated Obfuscation (TLS + WebSocket) Solutions
These are the most robust choices:
- TLS-based obfuscation;
- WebSocket masking;
- Randomized padding;
- Dynamic routing;
- Daily IP changes.
2. China-Specific Optimized Routes (CN2/IEPL)
Best suited for speed:
- Minimal latency;
- Reliable during peak times;
- Excellent for streaming and remote work.
3. Lightweight Obfuscation Tailored for Mobile
Ideal for 4G/5G networks:
- Low-bandwidth obfuscation;
- Rapid connection switchover;
- Well-supported by China Mobile and Unicom.
4. Hybrid Approaches Combining SmartDNS and Encrypted Modes
Optimal for unlocking Netflix and YouTube:
- Quicker than full encryption;
- Smoother streaming experience;
- Perfect for Smart TVs and Apple TV devices.
5. High-Quality Encrypted Tunnels for Enterprises
Most suitable for:
- Remote work;
- SSH/Git usage;
- Corporate networks;
- Extended session durations.
What Is No Longer Accessible in China
- Non-obfuscated WireGuard;
- Standard OpenVPN setups;
- PPTP/L2TP/IPSec;
- Free services;
- Fixed, static IP nodes;
- Non-optimized global brands.
How to Determine If Your VPN Is Functional?
- Is obfuscation included?
- Is there automatic server rotation?
- Does it provide China-optimized lines?
- Does it maintain connectivity during high-usage hours?
- Are fallback protocols included?
Final Thoughts
As of 2026, there are only a few VPN solutions that are entirely operational in China. Services with robust obfuscation, fallback protocols, and network optimizations tailored for China offer the highest reliability. Forever Free VPN List encompasses all these aspects, making it one of the reliable solutions currently available in China.
