Jacob Ant
Netflix is a popular OTT streaming service that allows you to easily watch TV shows and movies in over 190 countries. However, there are still certain major countries where Netflix is not yet available, and one of them is China.
The streaming giant has not yet launched its service in China due to various reasons like licensing and censorship issues. The company continues working to enter the sizable Chinese market, but for now, it remains unavailable there.
So, how can you watch all the popular content Netflix has to offer in China? That’s what we are here for today. Read this blog and follow the easy guide to watch Netflix in China.
How to watch Netflix from China in 2023?
Netflix is a popular streaming platform available to watch in nearly 200 countries. Its number of subscribers is increasing day by day around the world.
However, due to certain complications like content licensing issues and various other business factors, Chinese people have been left deprived of the plethora of content Netflix has to offer.
But where there is a problem, there is also a solution. Follow the simple 5-step guide below, and access Netflix from China without any issues:
1- Get ExpressVPN to access Netflix. (12+3 months free with a 30-day money-back guarantee)
2- Download and install the VPN application, then sign in.
3- Connect to an American server. (We recommend New Jersey-3, Washington DC, and New York servers for the best performance of ExpressVPN.)
4- Visit the official Netflix website or use the Netflix app on your device.
5- Sign in and Enjoy watching Netflix from China.
Why do you need a VPN to watch Netflix in China?
China is among the few unfortunate regions where Netflix still hasn’t been able to launch its service. There are a number of reasons behind this, first of all, there are already several popular local video streaming platforms in China that are backed by major tech companies, including Youku under Alibaba’s umbrella and Qiyi, which originated from Baidu.
Secondly, the prices of their local streaming services are comparatively much lower than how much Netflix costs worldwide. For example, Youku’s monthly subscription is just slightly above $5 or $59 annually, which is significantly less than Netflix’s $10/month rate in the US.
The biggest roadblock to Netflix’s launch in China is the country’s strict media rules that are even tougher on foreign companies like Netflix. Recently, China’s authorities have tightened their grip even more on streaming platforms, leading to the removal of numerous shows. However, popular Korean dramas like Descendants of the Sun and Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-Joo remained largely untouched.
This is why using a VPN to watch Netflix is essential in China. Thanks to the IP-changing services of VPNs, you can virtually relocate yourself anywhere else. By connecting to a server from a country where Netflix is available, you’ll be able to access Netflix from China without worrying about any geo-restrictions.
How to get a Netflix account from China?
As you know, Netflix is unavailable in China, which ultimately means you won’t be able to get a Netflix account if you are residing in China. Netflix only accepts payments from the regions where it is accessible.
However, there are various alternative payment strategies for those in China wishing to access Netflix content. Here, we outline a couple of convenient payment options you can try to get a Netflix account from China:
1- Get Netflix with Gift Cards
You can pay for Netflix with online gift cards. Follow these steps to use a gift card to make payments for Netflix in China:
1- Buy a Netflix gift card from netflix.com/gift-cards
2- The card code will be sent to your email once the payment is successful.
3- Connect to an American server using ExpressVPN.
4- Visit netflix.com/redeem to redeem your Netflix gift card.
5- Enter the code and click the ‘Redeem’ option.
6- After reaching the confirmation screen, you can start watching Netflix from China.
2- PayPal
PayPal also works if you want to subscribe to Netflix. If you want to access Netflix from China using PayPal as your payment method, you need to follow these steps:
1- Install the ExpressVPN app and connect to an American server.
2- Log in to PayPal as your chosen method of payment.
3- Make a new profile on PayPal with a random but authentic US address.
4- Put money into your brand-new PayPal account.
5- Open Netflix and Enjoy any shows or movies from China.
3- StatesPay
To use StatesPay as another method to make payments for Netflix in China. Although this step is mostly used to purchase American services outside the US, you can also use this digital payment system to pay for Netflix in China. Check out the easy steps below:
1- Download and install ExpressVPN on your streaming device.
2- Connect to an American server.
3- Visit StatesPay and create an account.
4- Turn on your virtual StatesPay Card.
5- Add money to your new StatesPay wallet.
6- Go to Netflix and select StatesPay as your payment method.
7- Enjoy Netflix from China.
Best VPNs to watch Netflix from China
Not being able to access Netflix is not the only dilemma Chinese streamers face. The next biggest confusion they face is deciding which VPN to use for accessing Netflix in China. There are loads of VPN services available online to access geo-restricted websites and platforms like Netflix.
However, making a sound decision while choosing a VPN is important. We have run extensive trials on various VPNs and have shortlisted 3 best VPNs that can unblock Netflix. Check them out below:
1- ExpressVPN – Best VPN to watch Netflix
Total Servers: 3500 | Countries: 94 | Trustpilot Rating: 4.7 | Simultaneous Connections: 5
ExpressVPN is our most recommended choice for streaming Netflix in China without any interruptions. Its Lightway protocol powers ultra-fast 10 Gbps servers, ensuring smooth performance. You can tap into any Netflix regional library using any of ExpressVPN’s 3000+ servers in 90+ countries.
Did we mention its seamless compatibility across various devices and operating systems? Whether it’s Linux, Mac, Windows, Android, iPhone, or even a Firestick TV device, ExpressVPN covers you on all fronts.
ExpressVPN’s speed is also praiseworthy; it yielded nearly 96Mbps download and about 84Mbps upload speeds on our 100Mbps connection when we used it to access American Netflix from Finland. This ensures that ExpressVPN can provide a buffer-free streaming experience of Netflix content in HD or UHD from anywhere in the world.
Worried about security complications? Don’t be. Your data safety is guaranteed with ExpressVPN’s TrustedServer technology, enhancing overall security. The fun hasn’t ended yet; you can connect up to five devices simultaneously with a single ExpressVPN account.
With a generous 30-day money-back guarantee, all these features come at a reasonable monthly cost of $6.67/month. So, don’t hesitate and enjoy uninterrupted binge-sessions of Netflix in China with ExpressVPN.
Top ExpressVPN servers to access Netflix from China
Netflix is not available to watch in China. So, why not consider accessing the most popular regional library of Netflix to watch TV shows and movies? Yes, you guessed it right, we’re going to suggest some of ExpressVPN’s best American servers to access the American Netflix library in China:
- USA – New Jersey-1
- USA – New Jersey-3
- USA – Washington DC
- USA – New York
- 5 Simultaneous Connections
- No-Logs Policy
- 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
- Split Tunneling, Internet Kill Switch, MediaStream DNS
- 3000+ Servers in 90+ Countries
- No Free Trial Available
2- NordVPN – The Best Alternate to ExpressVPN
Total Servers: 5893 | Countries: 60 | Trustpilot Rating: 4.5 | Simultaneous Connections: 6
If you plan to watch Netflix in China without interruptions, NordVPN is a great option. Their expansive server network ensures hassle-free access to geo-blocked services like Netflix, Peacock, BBC iPlayer, etc.
It has over 5500 servers across 60 nations, including more than 2000 in the US alone, which provided us with seamless access to Hulu in China as well, so we can vouch for NordVPN’s geo-unlocking capabilities.
In terms of performance, NordVPN impressively delivered us a download speed of 93Mbps and an upload speed of 81Mbps when we tried this service to access the American Netflix library from Taiwan. With NordVPN, you can also connect up to six devices at once. This means you can enjoy watching Netflix in China on various devices, such as your PC, mobile, tablet, and more, all at the same time.
NordVPN doesn’t compromise the security of its customers. It employs robust AES-256-bit encryption on all its servers and includes essential features like an Internet Kill Switch and Split Tunneling.
Wondering how much it costs? NordVPN’s two-year plan is priced at only $3.79/month. Furthermore, NordVPN is offering an amazing deal where you are getting 3 extra months for free with the 24-month plan. Isn’t it exciting? Get your hands on this amazing deal today!
Top NordVPN servers to access Netflix from China
Looking for server recommendations? We’ve got you covered. Below is a list of servers we personally tested to access American Netflix in Austria. It worked perfectly, and that is why we recommend it to all Chinese streamers:
- #5391
- #5521
- #8082
- #5387
- #5404
- 6 Simultaneous Connections
- Audited by PwC Switzerland
- 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
- 5000+ Servers in 60+ Countries
- Specialty Servers, Dark Web Monitor
- Downtime issues on some servers
3- Surfshark – The Most Affordable Alternate
Total Servers: 3200+ | Countries: 100 | Trustpilot Rating: 4.3 | Simultaneous Connections: Unlimited
Surfshark has more than 3000 high-speed 10 Gbps servers spread across 100 global locations. Uniquely, each of these servers operates solely on RAM, ensuring that no data remains on your hardware. This is similar to ExpressVPN’s TrustedServer technology, which is one of the reasons this VPN caught our attention.
However, what truly distinguishes Surfshark from the rest of the VPNs online is its CleanWeb feature. It not only keeps bothersome ads and cookie notifications at bay but also warns users about websites that are compromised with viruses.
Additionally, Surfshark’s dual-factor authentication mechanism enhances user privacy, protecting against possible online threats. Regardless of whether you use a Windows, Android, iOS, or Linux device, Surfshark works seamlessly with all. With its capability to connect a limitless number of devices simultaneously, you can effortlessly watch Netflix from China on any device in your home at once without any glitches. But that’s not all.
The real icing on the cake is the cost-effective 2-year subscription plan of Surfshark, priced at a mere $2.39/month. Not only does this offer allow a whopping 84% discount, but they’re also throwing in a 30-day money-back guarantee and 24/7 customer support.
So why wait? Dive right into the seamless streaming experience of Netflix in China with Surfshark immediately without risks. We tested this service by accessing American Netflix from Germany, and the results were truly promising.
Top Surfshark servers to access Netflix from China
Our team of experts wanted to put Surfshark on further trials, so they experimented with accessing American Netflix from Belgium.
Surprisingly, the four American servers below delivered the fastest streaming performance with stable download and upload speeds of 85Mbps and 77Mbps respectively:
- United States – Los Angeles
- United States – Miami
- United States – Boston
- United States – Detroit
- Unlimited Simultaneous Connections
- No-Logs Policy Audited by Cure53
- 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee
- 3200+ Servers in 100 Countries
- CleanWeb 2.0
- No Split Tunneling on iOS
Can I use a Free VPN to watch Netflix from China?
Accessing Netflix from China with a free VPN might be possible for some individuals, but speaking from personal experience, you should steer clear of this approach.
Free VPNs might seem like a convenient way to access geo-blocked websites and platforms like Netflix, but we can assure you they are not. They lack the necessary security features like AES 256-bit encryption, which is the minimum threshold of a good VPN service.
Without this feature, you’ll be left out in the open, vulnerable to online threats like hackers, and you’ll also be at risk of being detected by your ISP, government, and even Netflix. You should keep in mind that if Netflix detects your use of a VPN, which it most probably will if you’re using a free VPN, you’ll be facing a Netflix proxy error and will be blocked from accessing any title on Netflix.
After facing this proxy error and numerous other issues like slow streaming speeds and frequent disconnections, we have concluded that premium VPNs are the only convenient option if you want to access geo-blocked platforms like Netflix from China or anywhere else.
Netflix Price
The pricing plans of Netflix vary in every country. As we know, Netflix isn’t available in China, so the basic approach we must take is to buy Netflix from the US. We will use a premium VPN service like ExpressVPN to subscribe to Netflix from China.
However, before entering the purchasing phase, we must take a look at the price plans of Netflix in the US to get a better idea of how much we’ll have to pay to watch Netflix in China.
Check out all the subscription plans of Netflix US below:
- Netflix US
Standard with ads: $6.99/month (¥51.40/month)
Standard: $15.49/month (¥113.89/month)
Premium: $19.99/month (¥146.98/month)
Note: In the United States, the Basic plan is not accessible to new subscribers or the ones returning after canceling or changing their plans. If you’re already using the Basic plan of Netflix, then you can continue with it unless you switch plans or cancel your subscription.
FAQs
1- Is Netflix available in China?
Unfortunately, Netflix is not accessible in China due to regional constraints. But there’s an easy workaround. You can use a VPN to change your IP address to a region where Netflix is available and watch it from anywhere.
With the help of a VPN service, you can not only unblock Netflix in China but also change your Netflix region to access various Netflix libraries.
2- Can I watch American Netflix in China?
Of course you can! By relying on a VPN service to unblock Netflix, you can access American Netflix from anywhere outside the US, including China. All you need to do for that is connect to an American server from the list of countries in your subscribed VPN. ExpressVPN has 20+ American servers that are optimized for accessing geo-restricted US services from anywhere in the world.
3- Will Netflix come to China?
As of writing this blog, we don’t believe Netflix will be coming to China anytime soon. Even the co-CEO and head of content at Netflix, Ted Sarandos, mentioned they haven’t made significant efforts to penetrate the Chinese market in recent years, and it doesn’t seem probable in the near future either.
4- Is it legal to use a VPN to watch Netflix in China?
No, technically only using state-approved VPNs is legal in China. Most of the secure and trustworthy VPNs aren’t officially approved. To access Netflix in China, you’d need one of the most advanced VPNs that cannot be detected easily such as ExpressVPN, NordVPN, and Surfshark.
As long as you aren’t committing any illegal activities through a VPN, you’re probably safe watching Netflix in China. However, keep in mind, that if Netflix identifies you’re using a VPN, you’ll be blocked from watching not only Netflix Originals but each and every content that is available on Netflix due to geo-licensing rules.
5- What is the Chinese alternative to Netflix?
iQiyi is often considered the Chinese equivalent of Netflix, providing a range of movies, TV shows, anime, and additional content. However, to access the actual Netflix in China, a VPN is necessary since iQiyi only offers Chinese content. It is also worth noting that there was once a collaboration between Netflix and iQiyi to stream Netflix Originals in China, but this alliance has since been dissolved.
What can you watch on Netflix in China with a VPN?
Chinese streaming enthusiasts haven’t been able to enjoy Netflix content. However, VPN services have surfaced as the ultimate solution that will allow you to access the best streaming platform in the world, Netflix, from China.
But what will you watch on Netflix in China once you get access to it? Check out the list of recommendations below to watch on Netflix in China with a VPN:
- Hairspray
- Back to the Future
- Falling for Figaro
- Troy
- Code Geass
- A.I.C.O Incarnation
- Underworld
- Gladiator
- Sword Art Online
- F9: The Fast Saga
- Gravity
- Full House
- The Disastrous Life of Saiki K
- Forever My Girl
Wrap Up
You are just one step away from accessing the plethora of content on Netflix in China. This blog guided you from getting a Netflix account in China to watching your favorite shows and movies by using the magical tool called VPN. So, without any further delays, sign up for a VPN service to unblock Netflix in China.
We recommend using ExpressVPN to watch Netflix from China because it is able to provide us with a seamless streaming experience of American Netflix in Brazil, and we’d like to share that experience with all of the eager streamers out there.
