Internet & Connectivity · common
Why is my VPN suddenly slow or disconnected in China?
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Quick Answer
Symptom: Your VPN worked for the first 3 days and now it disconnects every 10 minutes, or pages load at dial-up speeds.
Cause: Chinese ISPs detect and throttle VPN protocols (especially OpenVPN and WireGuard) during peak hours. Astrill's StealthVPN and LetsVPN's proprietary protocols survive longest.
Solution: Switch to a different server/location (Hong Kong, Japan, US West usually fastest from China). Change protocol to "Stealth" or "Obfuscated" mode in your VPN app. If your VPN is dead for 24+ hours, use a backup — most travelers carry 2 paid VPN subscriptions.
What you see
Your VPN worked for the first 3 days and now it disconnects every 10 minutes, or pages load at dial-up speeds.
Why it happens
Chinese ISPs detect and throttle VPN protocols (especially OpenVPN and WireGuard) during peak hours. Astrill's StealthVPN and LetsVPN's proprietary protocols survive longest.
How to fix
Switch to a different server/location (Hong Kong, Japan, US West usually fastest from China). Change protocol to "Stealth" or "Obfuscated" mode in your VPN app. If your VPN is dead for 24+ hours, use a backup — most travelers carry 2 paid VPN subscriptions.
Read next
These guides cover the related functionality in full.
VPN for China
Astrill, LetsVPN, and NordVPN are the most reliable VPNs in China in 2026; install before arrival because the App Store blocks downloads inside China.
SIM & eSIM
Tourist eSIMs from Airalo, Holafly, and Nomad give 7–30 days of China data for $5–$30 without passport registration at a Chinese store.
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