Routing and acceleration
Optimize cross-border routing and caching to improve reachability and page load stability for Mainland China users.
Over the Great Firewall
Help users in Mainland China access international services more reliably
International websites and apps can become slow or inaccessible in Mainland China due to network controls and cross-border routing. This page outlines what is commonly affected and the practical approaches teams use to improve accessibility and performance.
What does “Over the Great Firewall” mean?
“Over the Great Firewall” refers to delivering international web and app services to users in Mainland China with acceptable access and performance. In practice, it means understanding which services are blocked or throttled, then choosing a compliant network approach (routing, acceleration, or localized hosting) so users can load pages, authenticate, and stream content reliably.
What is commonly affected
The impact varies by time and network. Typical categories include:
- Search & contentGoogle, some international content networks
- Messaging & collaborationWhatsApp, Telegram (availability can vary)
- Social platformsFacebook, X (Twitter), Instagram (availability can vary)
- Video platformsYouTube and other overseas video services
- Email & productivitySome Gmail/Google services depending on access path
- News & mediaBBC and some international media sites
Approaches teams use
There is no single “best” method. The right approach depends on your content type, compliance constraints, and target users.
Localized hosting
Host parts of the service closer to users to reduce cross-border dependency and improve performance where feasible.
Platform and content strategy
Use alternative platforms or delivery methods for content that is frequently blocked, and design flows that degrade gracefully.
Access control and reliability testing
Validate login, checkout, and streaming paths under real-world China networks, and monitor performance continuously.
Related pages
FAQ
Does this mean using a VPN?
Not necessarily. Most business solutions focus on routing, acceleration, and delivery design that improves accessibility and performance for target users, based on your compliance requirements.
Will this guarantee 100% availability in China?
No solution can guarantee 100% availability at all times. The goal is to reduce failure rates and improve user experience through a practical architecture and continuous monitoring.
What information do you need to evaluate our situation?
We typically look at your current hosting locations, critical user flows (login, checkout, media), target regions/cities, and your compliance constraints to propose an approach.
Where can I ask for help?
Use the enquiry page to share your requirements and we will recommend the next steps based on your service type and audience.
