Is Netflix Available in China? How to Watch (2025)

No. Netflix is blocked in China and has never operated there.

When you open Netflix in China, it won't load. The servers are blocked by the Great Firewall. But there are ways around this.

Why Netflix Is Blocked

Netflix has never been available in China for several reasons:

Government censorship: China controls all media content. Netflix's library doesn't comply with Chinese content regulations.

Local competition: Chinese streaming platforms (iQiyi, Youku, Tencent Video) are protected from foreign competition.

Licensing: Netflix would need to partner with Chinese companies and submit to content review—not worth the restrictions.

Technical: The Great Firewall blocks Netflix servers entirely.

How to Watch Netflix in China

Option 1: VPN (Most Common)

A VPN routes your connection through servers outside China, bypassing the block.

Steps:

1. Subscribe to a VPN that works in China
2. Install apps on all devices before arriving
3. Connect to a server outside China (US, Japan, Singapore)
4. Open Netflix normally

VPNs that work for Netflix in China:

• ExpressVPN (most reliable)
• Astrill
• NordVPN (sometimes works)

See our VPN guide.

Important:

• Download VPN before entering China (can't download inside)
• Speed will be slower than normal
• May need to try multiple servers
• Not 100% reliable—some days better than others

Option 2: Download Before You Go

Netflix allows offline downloads. Best strategy:

1. Before leaving home, download content
2. Movies, series, whatever you want
3. Watch offline without needing VPN
4. No buffering, no connection issues

Download limits:

• Depends on your Netflix plan
• Some content has limited downloads
• Downloads expire (usually 7-30 days after download, 48 hours after starting)

Recommended: Download a few movies and a full series as backup.

Option 3: Hong Kong/Macau SIM Roaming

If using a Hong Kong SIM card while roaming in mainland China:

• Some HK SIMs bypass the firewall
• Netflix may work without VPN
• Depends on carrier and plan
• Data can be expensive

Streaming Alternatives in China

Chinese Streaming Platforms

These work without VPN:

iQiyi (爱奇艺)

• China's largest streaming service
• Chinese content, some international
• App available in English
• Free tier with ads, premium subscription

Youku (优酷)

• Similar to iQiyi
• Mix of content
• Chinese interface

Tencent Video (腾讯视频)

• WeChat integration
• Large library
• Some English content

Bilibili

• Anime, user content
• Popular with younger audience
• Some English content

What Content Is Available?

Chinese platforms have:

• Chinese TV dramas
• Chinese movies
• Some Hollywood movies (licensed)
• Anime (Bilibili especially)
• Variety shows

They don't have:

• Most Netflix originals
• Current US TV shows
• Many Western movies

Other International Services in China

Service	Status
Netflix	❌ Blocked
YouTube	❌ Blocked
Amazon Prime Video	❌ Blocked
Disney+	❌ Blocked
HBO Max	❌ Blocked
Hulu	❌ Blocked
Spotify	❌ Blocked
Apple TV+	⚠️ Limited (some content)

All require VPN to access.

Watching on Hotel TVs

International hotels:

• May have CNN, BBC (sometimes)
• Rarely have Netflix built-in
• Some have in-room entertainment systems

HDMI solution:

• Bring laptop
• Connect to hotel TV via HDMI
• Use VPN + Netflix
• Works if hotel WiFi is decent

Download Checklist Before Your Trip

From Netflix:

• 2-3 movies you've been meaning to watch
• Full season of a series
• Some documentary/lighter content
• Content for any kids traveling

From other sources:

• Podcasts (Spotify won't work)
• Music (Spotify won't work)
• Audiobooks
• E-books

VPN prep:

• VPN installed on all devices
• Premium plan paid (free VPNs don't work in China)
• Multiple server locations saved
• Tested before departure

Practical Entertainment Tips

Accept Some Digital Detox

You might watch less content in China because:

• You'll be busy with activities
• VPN speeds make streaming frustrating
• Jet lag affects viewing habits
• You're there to see China, not Netflix

Cache Everything

• Google Maps offline areas (need VPN to download first)
• Music playlists offline
• Podcast episodes
• Reading material

Chinese Content Worth Watching

If you're curious about Chinese content:

• The Wandering Earth — Chinese sci-fi blockbuster
• Detective Chinatown — Popular comedy series
• Day and Night — Acclaimed drama
• The Untamed — Hugely popular series

Available on Chinese platforms, interesting cultural experience.

Summary

• Netflix is completely blocked in China
• Use VPN to access (install before arrival)
• Download content offline as backup
• Chinese streaming platforms work but have different content
• Plan entertainment before your trip

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Need help staying connected in China? The China Survival Kit includes VPN recommendations, offline content guides, and digital preparation checklists.