Luckily, we have the answer to your problem: a VPN! But be wary, as not all VPNs can bypass the Great Firewall of China efficiently or effectively, so you’ll need to know which ones actually work in the country. Read on to find out just how to easy it is to access your Instagram while in China.
How to Access Instagram in China
Chinese iTunes and Google Play stores have been ordered by the government to remove VPNs that don’t adhere to local laws and guidelines. As a result, you need to download your VPN app directly from the VPNs site. You’ll also need to enable “apps from unknown sources” so that you can complete the installation. Once inside the country, this is your only chance of gaining access to the Instagram app, and to be honest with you, it isn’t a reliable one. If you are just visiting China, either as a tourist, student, or expat, you simply need to install your chosen VPN app before you enter China. This way, you won’t have any issues with the first step to gaining access to your favourite social media app. Once you have downloaded and installed your VPN, this is what you need to do:
Best VPNs to Access Instagram in China
These top 5 VPNs allow you to easily update your Instagram while in China, but keep in mind that you need to install the VPN of your choice to your device BEFORE you go to the country or you will encounter endless trouble because they’ve removed VPNs from the Chinese iTunes and Google Play stores.
1ExpressVPN
DNS leak protection Automatic kill switch and split tunneling Apps for iOS and Android Stringent zero logs policy Up to 5 simultaneous connections 30 day money back guarantee
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2PrivateVPN
Strict no logs policy Robust encryption Kill switch and DNS leak protection Up to 6 simultaneous connections Apps for iOS and Android 30 day money back guarantee
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3IPVanish VPN
Unlimited server switches Robust zero logging policy More than 1000 servers in 60+ countries Up to 5 simultaneous devices Apps for iOS and Android 7 day money back guarantee
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4VyprVPN
Strict zero logs policy Unlimited bandwidth Up to 5 simultaneous connections Over 700 servers in 70+ countries Free 3 day trial Apps for iOS and Android
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Tips for Using Instagram in China
There are many frustrating things about using the internet in China, so here are a few tips to keep in mind when downloading and using a VPN for Instagram.
Download the VPN before arriving in China
Many people only realize the censorship issue exists when they have already arrived in China, and by then there is very little you can do. China censors the internet as well as social media sites and VPN sites. So, think ahead and download your VPN before arriving.
Practice patience
Using the internet, like with Instagram, in China can be frustrating as it is slower than what you will be used to. This is all part of the experience, so be patient and allow your VPN to do its thing at the fastest pace it can.
Final Thoughts
They are all excellent at bypassing the restrictions put in place by the Great Firewall of China, while also offering robust security and privacy features that ensure you will not get into any trouble when posting pictures and videos to your Instagram. Remember to download, install, and setup a VPN on your device before you go to China. All it takes is some creativity and a bit of patience, and you can easily share your Chinese experiences.
