How to Implement a 301 Redirect for a Blocked Domain?

How to Implement a 301 Redirect for a Blocked Domain?

March 24, 2025
Related Knowledge
Domain Block, GFW, 301 Redirect

Introduction #

When one of your domains is blocked (i.e., “walled off” and inaccessible), you may want to use a 301 redirect (also known as a 301 permanent redirect) to guide users from the inaccessible domain (the blocked one) to another unblocked domain or server. This improves user experience and helps retain some of your traffic.

Confirming That a Domain Is Blocked #

Before setting up a 301 redirect, rule out other possibilities (such as network issues or DNS resolution problems) to confirm whether the domain is truly blocked. Typically, a blocked domain exhibits the following behavior: it cannot be accessed directly in some regions but remains accessible in others. Verify that your domain is indeed blocked and that this is the reason you wish to proceed with a 301 redirect.

Simple Verification Methods #

  1. Using the Ping Command: Open a command prompt and type ping domainname.com. If the ping fails, the domain might be blocked.
  2. Using the Tracert Command: Enter tracert domainname.com in the command prompt to trace the route. If the route times out or becomes inaccessible at nodes within China but works fine abroad, the domain is likely blocked.
  3. Using a Proxy or VPN: Access the domain through a proxy server or VPN. If it works normally via these methods but not in China without them, the domain is likely blocked.
  4. Switching Networks: Test access using different network environments (e.g., mobile data or a VPN).
  5. Multi-Region Testing: Ask users in other regions to confirm whether they can access the domain.

What Is a 301 Redirect? #

Basic Principle #

A 301 redirect, also referred to as a 301 permanent redirect, is an HTTP status code indicating that a webpage has been permanently moved to a new address. When a user or search engine crawler sends a request to the server, and a 301 redirect is configured, the server returns an HTTP response with a 301 status code in the header, along with the new address. This helps preserve the old domain’s search engine authority and rankings while enhancing user experience.

Main Uses #

  • Domain Replacement: When a website changes domains, a 301 redirect can transfer all traffic and authority from the old domain to the new one, preventing losses in traffic and rankings.
  • Replacing Old Links: When old links become obsolete, a 301 redirect can point them to new, valid links, avoiding user access to dead pages.
  • Handling Duplicate Pages: For duplicate pages on a website, a 301 redirect can consolidate them by redirecting one to another, concentrating authority and avoiding content duplication issues.
  • SEO Optimization: During website redesigns or URL structure changes, a 301 redirect preserves the SEO value (e.g., authority and rankings) of the original pages, preventing losses.

Characteristics #

  • Permanence: A 301 redirect signals a permanent move, and search engines transfer all SEO value (e.g., authority, backlinks) from the old page to the new one.
  • Authority Transfer: Unlike a 302 redirect (temporary), a 301 redirect passes authority and rankings, positively impacting SEO.
  • User Experience: It automatically guides users to the new page, preventing them from landing on inaccessible pages and improving their experience.

Steps to Implement a 301 Redirect #

1. Obtain an Available Replacement Domain #

  • Identify a new, accessible domain to serve as your backup website, new server address, or other legitimate resource.
  • Ensure the target domain (e.g., example.com) is fully operational and accessible from mainland China.
  • If the target domain is also at risk of being blocked, resolve its accessibility issues first (e.g., by switching servers or optimizing content).

2. Select a New Server #

  • Domestic Server: If using a server in China, ICP filing is required; otherwise, it may not function properly.
  • Overseas Server: If using an overseas server, filing isn’t necessary, but access speeds in China may be slower, and network latency could be an issue.

3. Modify DNS Records #

Log in to your original domain registrar’s management dashboard. In the “DNS Settings” or “Domain Resolution” section, delete all existing A and CNAME records for the original domain, then add a new CNAME record:

Host Record: @ (representing the main domain)
Target Address: Target domain (e.g., example.com)
Record Type: CNAME

This will direct all traffic from the original domain to the target domain.

4. Configure the 301 Redirect #

To ensure users are smoothly redirected from the original domain to the target domain, set up a simple 301 redirect rule on the target server. The method depends on your server environment:

Apache Server #

If you’re using an Apache server, add the following code to the .htaccess file:

RewriteEngine On
RewriteRule ^(.*)$ https://newdomain.com/$1 [R=301,L]

Alternatively, add similar code to the main configuration file (typically httpd.conf):

<IfModule mod_rewrite.c>
    RewriteEngine On
    RewriteRule ^(.*)$ http://newdomain.com/$1 [R=301,L]
</IfModule>

Nginx Server #

For an Nginx server, add the following code to the configuration file:

server {
    listen 80;
    server_name olddomain.com www.olddomain.com;

    # 301 Permanent Redirect to the New Domain
    return 301 http://newdomain.com$request_uri;
}

IIS Server #

For an IIS server, use the URL Rewrite module to configure a 301 redirect. Follow these steps:

  1. Open Internet Information Services (IIS) Manager.
  2. Select the website or application pool you want to modify.
  3. Click “URL Rewrite” in the left-hand actions pane.
  4. Click “Add Rule” and configure the following in the popup window:
    • Name: Enter a descriptive name, e.g., “Redirect to New Domain.”
    • Match URL: Select “Matches the entire request line” or “Matches the main resource file path only.”
    • Pattern: ^https?://olddomain\.com/(.*)$
    • Logical Operator: Select “Regular Expression.”
    • Conditions (Optional): Add conditions like HTTP status code checks if needed.
    • Action:
      • Action Type: Select “Rewrite.”
      • URL: Enter https://newdomain.com/$1.
      • Append Query String: Check “Append query string above.”

Virtual Hosting #

If you lack technical access, contact the target server’s administrator to configure the 301 redirect for you.

5. Verify the Redirect #

  • Clear Browser Cache: When testing, clear your browser cache or use incognito mode to ensure accurate results.
  • Test the Blocked Domain: Visit the blocked domain in a browser to confirm it redirects to the new domain.
  • Check SEO Tools: Use tools like Google Search Console to verify that the old domain’s authority and rankings are gradually transferring to the new domain.

Use a tool like curl to check the HTTP status code:

curl -I your-original-domain.com

If it returns 301 Moved Permanently, the redirect is successfully configured.

After completing these steps, test your website or application to ensure the 301 redirect works correctly. If everything is set up properly, congratulations—you’ve successfully redirected the blocked domain to a fully operational target domain. This method resolves user access issues while avoiding unnecessary legal risks.

Important Considerations #

  • Legality: Ensure the new domain and its content comply with local laws and regulations to avoid being blocked again.
  • User Experience: Maintain consistency in the redirect process to prevent user confusion or dissatisfaction.
  • Monitoring and Maintenance: Regularly monitor the redirect’s performance and make adjustments if issues arise.
  • Legal Compliance: Ensure the target domain’s content adheres to local laws, avoiding illegal methods to bypass blocks (e.g., VPNs or proxies).
  • Stability: Ensure the target server and DNS resolution remain stable and reliable during the redirect process to avoid new issues.
  • Data Backup: Before modifying DNS records or server configurations, back up relevant data as a precaution.

Summary #

When a domain is blocked (i.e., “walled off” and inaccessible in certain regions), implementing a 301 redirect offers a practical solution to guide users to an unblocked domain, thereby restoring access and preserving traffic. This article outlines the process in detail, starting with confirming the domain’s blocked status using tools like ping, tracert, or VPN tests to rule out other issues such as network failures. A 301 redirect, or permanent redirect, is an HTTP status code that seamlessly transfers users and search engine authority from the blocked domain to a new, accessible one, enhancing user experience and supporting SEO efforts.

The operational steps include securing a functional replacement domain, selecting an appropriate server (domestic with ICP filing or overseas with potential latency trade-offs), updating DNS records to point to the new domain, and configuring the redirect on the server—whether Apache, Nginx, IIS, or via a hosting provider. Verification ensures the redirect works correctly, with tools like curl confirming the 301 status. Key considerations involve maintaining legal compliance, ensuring stability, and backing up data to mitigate risks.

In essence, a well-executed 301 redirect can effectively address domain blocking by rerouting traffic to a new domain, provided the setup adheres to local regulations and technical best practices, delivering a consistent and reliable user experience.