How to Rescue when Domain is Blocked?

How to Rescue when Domain is Blocked?

April 18, 2025
Related Knowledge
Domain Block, Great Firewall

Introduction #

Certain domains or websites may get “walled off” by the GFW. If your domain is blocked, you might want to “rescue” it and restore access. However, it’s important to understand that once a domain is blocked, full recovery is unlikely—particularly if sensitive content is involved. Rescuing a blocked domain is a multifaceted challenge, and below are the steps and solutions to consider:

1. Confirm the Block #

  • Test Accessibility: Try accessing the site from within China without a VPN. If it fails to load but the server IP is pingable, the domain might be blocked.
  • Use Tools: Check with online tools (e.g., www.feige301.com or other GFW detection services) to confirm.
  • Rule Out Other Issues: Ensure it’s not a server failure or DNS resolution problem.
  • Content Review: Examine the site for illegal content (e.g., pornography, gambling, violence) or sensitive topics (e.g., politics, religion) that could trigger censorship.
  • Server IP Block: Verify if the server IP is blacklisted. This can often be resolved by switching IPs or contacting your hosting provider.
  • DNS Pollution: Check if DNS resolution is functioning. Test with public DNS services like Google DNS or Cloudflare DNS.
  • Black Hat Activity: Investigate if the site has been involved in cheating, infringement, or other illicit behavior, and address it promptly.

2. Understand the Reason for the Block #

  • Content Violation: The site contains politically sensitive material, pornography, gambling, etc.
  • Sensitive Topics: Content related to politics, religion, or ethnicity.
  • Server IP Ban: The server’s IP address is blocked, preventing proper domain resolution.
  • No ICP Filing: Using an overseas server without registering with China’s MIIT (Ministry of Industry and Information Technology).
  • IP Association: The server IP is tainted by association with other violating sites.
  • DNS Issues: DNS resolution errors or server malfunctions.
  • Black Hat Practices: The site engages in illicit activities like cheating or fraud.

Identifying the root cause is key to finding the right fix.

3. Rescue Methods #

Method 1: Switch Domains + Migrate #

  • Register a New Domain: Choose a fresh, unblocked domain.
  • Migrate Content: Transfer your site’s content to the new domain.
  • 301 Redirect: Set up a 301 redirect from the old domain to the new one to preserve SEO value.
  • ICP Filing (Optional): If the new domain points to a domestic server, complete MIIT filing.
  • Pros: Simple and effective.
  • Cons: Requires abandoning the original domain.
  • Switch DNS: Use a domestic DNS provider like DNSPod or 51DNS.
  • Change IP: Switch to a pingable domestic IP.
  • Check DNS Settings: Update DNS server addresses to bypass the block.

Method 2: Use a Domestic Server + File with MIIT #

  • Move Hosting: Transfer the site to a Chinese provider (e.g., Alibaba Cloud, Tencent Cloud).
  • Complete Filing: Submit an ICP filing application per MIIT requirements (takes 15-30 days).
  • Revise Content: Ensure compliance with Chinese regulations.
  • Pros: Reduces future blocking risks once compliant.
  • Cons: Filing is tedious, and the original domain may still be blocked.

Method 3: Leverage CDN or Proxies #

  • Use a CDN: Route traffic through services like Cloudflare or Alibaba Cloud CDN to unblocked IPs.
  • Dynamic IPs: Frequently change server IPs to evade blocks (requires technical expertise).
  • Reverse Proxy: Set up a proxy server to forward requests to unblocked nodes.
  • Pros: No need to change domains; may work short-term.
  • Cons: GFW might escalate blocking; results are inconsistent.
  • VPN or Proxy Server: Access the blocked site via VPN or proxy.

Method 4: Switch DNS Servers #

  • Windows System
    • Open “Control Panel” → “Network and Internet” → “Network Connections”;
    • Right-click the current connection → “Properties” → Double-click “Internet Protocol Version 4 (TCP/IPv4)”;
    • Select “Use the following DNS server addresses,” enter public DNS (e.g., 8.8.8.8 and 8.8.4.4);
    • Click “OK” to save, then restart the device.
  • Router Setup (All Devices)
    • Log into the router admin panel via browser (default IP like 192.168.1.1);
    • Go to “Network Settings” → Change “DNS Server” to a public DNS;
    • Save and reboot the router.

Method 5: Use VPN/Proxy Services #

  • VPN Options
    • Paid VPNs: NordVPN, ExpressVPN offer stable nodes and encryption;
    • Free VPNs: Slower speeds; choose reputable providers cautiously.
  • Proxy Setup (Browser Example)
    • Open browser settings → Search for “proxy”;
    • Select manual proxy settings, input the proxy server IP and port;
    • Save and test with an IP-checking site to confirm the change.

Method 6: Change Server IP or File with MIIT #

  • Domestic Server Migration: Point the domain to a Chinese server (e.g., Alibaba Cloud, Tencent Cloud) and complete ICP filing.
  • IP Switch: Contact your host to replace the blocked IP with an unblocked one; test connectivity (via ping or online tools).

Method 7: Domain Redirect + CDN Boost #

  • 301 Redirect: Register a new domain, point it to a domestic server, and set a 301 redirect from the old domain to retain SEO.
  • CDN Boost: Use a CDN (e.g., Cloudflare) to mask the real IP, speed up access, and dodge some blocks.

Method 8: Revise and Appeal #

  • Remove Violations: Audit the site and delete content that might trigger blocks, ensuring compliance with Chinese laws.
  • Contact Authorities: Submit an appeal to MIIT or the Cyber Tip Line, explaining your case.
  • Pros: Could theoretically restore the original domain.
  • Cons: Appeal channels are unclear, and success is rare.

Other Options: #

  • Unblocking Services: Seek help from specialized unblocking services for complex technical blocks.
  • Tor Network: Access blocked sites via Tor.
  • Browser Swap or Cache Clear: Try a different browser or clear the cache before retrying.

4. Practical Tips #

  • Short-Term Fix: Use a new domain or CDN to restore access while monitoring the original domain.
  • Long-Term Plan: For a Chinese audience, host domestically and file with MIIT to avoid repeated blocks.
  • Tech Support: Consult your domain registrar (e.g., Alibaba Cloud, Namecheap) or hosting provider for expert advice.
  • Content Cleanup: Remove illegal or sensitive material; use keyword filters to block violating terms.
  • Multi-Domain Backup: Register multiple backup domains in advance for emergencies.

5. Things to Watch #

  • Cost vs. Effectiveness: Switching domains is cheap but requires re-promotion; CDNs and proxies are tech-heavy and less reliable long-term.
  • Legal Risks: Persistently bypassing blocks with clearly illegal content could invite bigger trouble.

Conclusion #

Rescuing a blocked domain requires a mix of technical, legal, and compliance strategies. Start by checking for content violations or IP bans, then use DNS switches, VPNs, or server migration for quick recovery. The most reliable fix is switching domains and hosting domestically with ICP filing while revising content. If you’re set on keeping the original domain, try CDNs or proxies—but be ready for unstable results. Long-term, focus on content moderation and compliance to minimize future risks. Your best approach depends on your resources and needs.