what sites are banned in china

The Great Firewall of China blocks many popular Western websites, making them hard or impossible to access without a VPN. But which websites are still accessible, and which are currently blocked?

Below is a list of the most popular sites and whether or not they’re accessible in China. Keep in mind this list can change, but we’ll keep it updated to provide the latest information.

Before looking at the blocked sites, let’s start with the major platforms:

Google
Almost all Google services are blocked in China, including Gmail and basic Google Search. Without a VPN, you’ll need to leave Google behind and rely on Bing or Yahoo as your primary browser. Or, dive into the Chinese equivalent, Baidu, for a local experience.
That said, some Google services, like Google Translate and Google Maps, remain accessible in China. However, this may change, so it’s worth checking or asking locals for the latest updates.
It’s advisable to download Baidu Maps for easier navigation in China, or try Maps.Me for an offline option.

Facebook
Like many social media sites, Facebook is blocked in China. Instead, Chinese users rely on WeChat (Wēixìn), widely regarded as China’s WhatsApp but with added features like a social “wall” and the ability to perform nearly any task within the app.
For visitors or new residents, WeChat is essential for socializing and managing daily tasks.

YouTube
There’s no direct English-language alternative to YouTube in China, and the local equivalents, like Youku, iQiyi, and Tencent Video, are all in Chinese. If you’re not fluent, these platforms may be challenging to navigate.

Instagram
China has various social media options, though none quite match Instagram. The video market is booming in China, and entertainment is centered more on short videos and livestreaming. Popular apps here include Douyin and Kuaishou, which offer similar short-video and interactive experiences.

TikTok
If you’re thinking, “But isn’t TikTok from China?”—here’s what you need to know. TikTok is indeed owned by Chinese tech giant ByteDance, but TikTok as seen outside China differs from what’s available within the country.
In China, the app is called Douyin. Its interface is almost identical to TikTok’s, but Douyin users must register with a Chinese ID or phone number, and content restrictions are stricter.
In short, if you want access to the familiar version of TikTok, a VPN is required.

Twitter
Weibo, China’s answer to Twitter, functions similarly by limiting characters for users to share their thoughts and ideas. Weibo posts are generally more personal, rather than focused on political or current events.
Although Twitter recently raised its character limit to allow longer posts, Weibo hasn’t followed suit. For those looking to practice Chinese, Weibo is an excellent option.

WhatsApp
WhatsApp has been banned in China for several years now, with locals relying instead on WeChat—a feature-rich app that offers much more than basic messaging. Users can shop, call taxis, rent bikes, and more, all within the app.

A Note on Chinese Censorship

The Great Firewall (GFW) is often referred to as China’s “Digital Great Wall” by the West, encompassing all aspects of national cybersecurity in China. The purpose of the GFW is to control internet access within China, allowing only content that aligns with strict government policies. This control is enforced through site blocking, keyword filtering, and monitoring of internet user activity.

Since 1949, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has maintained a one-party socialist system, holding significant authority over China’s political, economic, and social structures. The CCP restricts its citizens’ freedoms of speech, assembly, and association, maintaining strict control over political power.

To achieve this, the CCP limits the spread of any information that contradicts its policies, ideology, or authority. This is why the government censors websites that criticize the state or promote ideas about democracy, human rights, or independence movements.

This is enabled by an intricate monitoring system. The technical methods used to control internet content include IP blocking, URL filtering, man-in-the-middle attacks (MITM), DNS filtering, and packet filtering.

China’s internet police, comprising hundreds of thousands of personnel, constantly monitor online expressions and publications to suppress opinions that might be unfavorable to authorities and to delete any content deemed harmful to the state. Those who criticize the regime, associate with overseas groups, sign petitions, or speak out on sensitive topics may face prosecution or even imprisonment.

Some sites are occasionally blocked, then unblocked, such as the BBC, which was banned and then made accessible again. It’s difficult to predict which site might be blocked next.

Below is a comprehensive and up-to-date list of blocked websites in China as of 2024：

It’s important to note that in China, all internet-related services—including phone communications and various apps—are subject to government monitoring, especially when it comes to discussions about Chinese politics or comments involving major leaders.