In the year 2026, even the most dependable VPN can unexpectedly encounter issues in China. This does NOT imply that the service is malfunctioning—often, it simply indicates that: your server, IP address, or protocol has been temporarily restricted by the Great Firewall (GFW).
Here are five unmistakable indicators that your VPN is experiencing blocks, along with effective solutions to regain access promptly.
Indicator 1: Stuck on “Connecting…” for over 20 seconds
In this scenario, it typically indicates:
- The server's IP has been blocked;
- The protocol has been identified;
- The connection port is undergoing filtering.
Solution:
- Change to another region (Japan, Korea, Singapore);
- Alter the protocol (TLS, WS, TCP/443);
- Restart the application.
Indicator 2: Successfully connected, yet foreign sites won’t load
This denotes DNS tampering or route blockage.
- Google fails to load;
- YouTube is unresponsive;
- ChatGPT is inaccessible;
- Local websites function properly.
Solution:
- Activate built-in DNS (DoH/DoT);
- Turn off ISP DNS;
- Utilize SmartDNS mode;
Indicator 3: Slow performance between 8–11 PM only
This suggests the network is overloaded AND the firewall imposes stricter controls during peak times.
Solution:
- Change nodes prior to peak hours;
- Employ low-latency routes in Asia;
- Activate obfuscation.
Indicator 4: Works on 4G/5G but fails on WiFi
Public and hotel WiFi often restrict encrypted protocols.
Solution:
- Use your mobile hotspot;
- Enable WebSocket/TLS mode;
- Steer clear of public networks.
Indicator 5: A previously reliable server suddenly stops functioning
GFW regularly updates its block lists. It’s commonplace for certain IPs to be suddenly restricted.
Solution:
- Switch to backup nodes;
- Experiment with different protocols;
- Restart your connection.
Additional Indicator: Significant packet loss
Symptoms include:
- Webpages load in over 10 seconds;
- Images display incompletely;
- Videos freeze at very low resolutions.
Solution:
- Utilize load-balancing routes;
- Select Asia nodes;
- Enable smart routing.
Ways to minimize the risk of being blocked
- Implement obfuscation;
- Rotate servers regularly;
- Frequently update the server list;
- Steer clear of free tools;
- Avoid leaving inactive connections open for extended periods.
Final Thoughts
If your VPN ceases to function in China, it usually indicates that the IP or protocol has been momentarily blocked. With the appropriate methods, regaining access can be expedited. For consistent performance, Cheap VPN List provides robust obfuscation and routing optimized for China.
