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Does Surfshark Work in China?

Surfshark worked in China in 2026 tests with some effort, often through a manual WireGuard setup. Price, setup and what to try when it fails.

Checked Oct 8, 2026 5 sources

Key facts

Built for restrictive networksNoBorders mode, Camouflage mode (with OpenVPN), Manual WireGuard setup
AppsiPhone, iPad, Android, Mac, Windows, Linux, Fire TV, Apple TV, Routers
Devices at onceUnlimited
Refunds30-day money-back guarantee
Price from $2.49/month on a 24-month plan, intro price ($67.23 for the first 27 months) Checked Oct 8, 2026 · source
Install in China?Set it up on every device before you travel. If Surfshark's main site won't load, its China guide links alternative sites.

Set up before you fly

  1. Subscribe and install Surfshark before you travel.
  2. Check NoBorders mode is on. It switches on automatically when Surfshark detects restrictions.
  3. Save Surfshark's manual WireGuard guide in case the app can't connect in China.
  1. Subscribe and install Surfshark before you travel.
  2. Check NoBorders mode is on under Settings, VPN settings, Advanced.
  3. Save Surfshark's manual WireGuard guide as a backup.
  1. Install the Mac app and sign in before you travel.
  2. Use OpenVPN if you want Camouflage mode, which hides that you're using a VPN.
  1. Install the Windows app and sign in before you travel.
  2. Use OpenVPN if you want Camouflage mode, which hides that you're using a VPN.

If it stops working

  1. Set up a manual WireGuard connection. Surfshark's China guide recommends this when the app can't connect.
  2. Switch to OpenVPN to use Camouflage mode.
  3. Swap networks: Wi-Fi to mobile data, or the other way.
  4. Check the status board to see if others report problems.

Pros and cons

Pros

  • Unlimited devices
  • 30-day money-back guarantee
  • NoBorders mode switches on automatically

Cons

  • Often needs a manual WireGuard setup in China
  • Needed more fiddling than Astrill in a 2026 test
  • Renewal price isn't shown upfront

Alternatives

Astrill
Works Works in 2026 hands-on use · from $12.50/mo
ExpressVPN
Unreliable 2026 reports disagree · from $2.99/mo
NordVPN
Unreliable Apps blocked; manual setup needed · from $3.49/mo

FAQ

Does Surfshark work in China?

Often, with some effort. A 2026 hands-on test got it working for browsing and messaging, and Surfshark recommends a manual WireGuard connection when its app can't connect.

Can I get my money back if it doesn't work?

Yes. Surfshark offers a 30-day money-back guarantee.

What happens after the intro price?

The intro price covers the first 27 months. Surfshark says the plan then renews at the applicable renewal price but doesn't show it on the pricing page.

Add your report

Did Surfshark connect for you in mainland China?

Sources

  1. Pricing (Surfshark), accessed Oct 8, 2026
  2. Connecting from China (Surfshark support), October 2026
  3. VPN in China (Surfshark blog), May 2026
  4. Best VPN for China, hands-on (Unusual Nomad, affiliate links), October 2026
  5. Surfshark in China (VPN Passport, affiliate links), August 2026