Blocked Updated 17 Oct 2026 About 5 minutes
How to unblock Tumblr in China
China has blocked Tumblr since May 2016. A VPN sends your connection through another country so the block no longer applies. This guide uses ExpressVPN.
Short answer
Use ExpressVPN with its protocol set to Automatic, connect to Japan, then open Tumblr.
We picked ExpressVPN for China because it can disguise VPN traffic with automatic obfuscation.
Why Tumblr doesn't work in China
Tumblr has been blocked in China since May 2016.
Best VPN for China is ExpressVPN, 80 out of 100. Second is NordVPN, 75 out of 100. Third is Proton VPN, 72 out of 100. ExpressVPN is the best choice for China because it had the highest getting through censorship score.
Is a VPN legal in China? Legal with restrictions. Only government-approved VPNs are legal. Enforcement against individual tourists is rare, but VPN traffic is actively detected and slowed, especially around political anniversaries.
Step by step with ExpressVPN
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Get the VPN before you need it
Sign up for ExpressVPN and download the app while you still have an open connection, ideally before you arrive in China. VPN websites and app-store listings are often blocked there.
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Install and sign in
Install ExpressVPN on the phone or computer where you use Tumblr, then sign in.
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Switch on its stealth mode
Open Settings, then Protocol, and keep it on Automatic. ExpressVPN obfuscates every server, and Automatic lets it switch protocols when one gets blocked.
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Connect to a nearby server
Connect to a server in Japan, South Korea or Taiwan. Tumblr works normally in these countries, and nearby servers are faster.
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Open Tumblr and refresh your feed
If the app still says it can't connect, force-close it and open it again, or clear its cache.
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Leave the VPN on
Keep ExpressVPN connected while you use Tumblr. If you disconnect, the block applies again.
Tip: Use the app rather than the website if the site keeps redirecting to a block page.
Try ExpressVPNIf it still doesn't work
- Try a different server country: Japan, South Korea or Taiwan.
- Restart your phone after a failed attempt. Some blocks cache your earlier connection.
- Update the VPN app. Providers update their stealth protocols when blocks change.
- Switch between Wi-Fi and mobile data. Some networks block far more than others.
Or try another VPN
NordVPN Unreliable
Open Settings, go to Connection, then VPN protocol, and choose NordWhisper. If your device doesn't offer NordWhisper, choose OpenVPN (TCP) and connect to a server under Specialty servers, then Obfuscated servers.
Try NordVPNProton VPN Unreliable
Open Settings, then Protocol, and choose Stealth. Also switch on Alternative routing so the app can reach Proton even if its usual servers are blocked.
Try Proton VPNWhat people in China are reporting
Not enough reports yet for ExpressVPN in China this fortnight.
Questions people ask
Does Tumblr work in China without a VPN?
No. Tumblr is blocked in China, so it won't load without a VPN or proxy.
Is it legal to use a VPN for Tumblr in China?
Legal with restrictions. Only government-approved VPNs are legal. Enforcement against individual tourists is rare, but VPN traffic is actively detected and slowed, especially around political anniversaries. This is general information, not legal advice.
Can I use a free VPN to unblock Tumblr in China?
Usually not. Most free VPNs have no way to disguise their traffic, so China's filters spot them quickly, and many free apps sell browsing data. Proton VPN's free plan is a safe free option, but its free servers are limited and busy.
Why does Tumblr still not work with the VPN on?
Try a different server country: Japan, South Korea or Taiwan. Restart your phone after a failed attempt. Some blocks cache your earlier connection. Update the VPN app. Providers update their stealth protocols when blocks change.
We earn a commission if you buy a VPN through our links. It never changes what we report as blocked. How we pick