Introduction #

If your domain is blocked by the Great Firewall (GFW), it’s typically because the site or service is being filtered when entering certain regions’ internet. Governments in these areas enforce tight censorship and control over online content. The fix depends on your circumstances and goals. Below are some common solutions and steps:

1. Confirm If Your Domain Is Actually Blocked #

First, make sure the domain is indeed blocked and not down due to another issue (like a server outage). You can check this by:

• Trying to access the site from within the affected region—if it doesn’t load but the server IP pings successfully, it might be blocked.
• Using online tools (e.g., www.feige301.com or other domain-checking services) to test it.
• Accessing it via a VPN or proxy—if it works, the domain is likely being blocked.

2. Figure Out Why It’s Blocked #

Domains typically get blocked for a few reasons:

• The site’s content violates local laws (e.g., sensitive political topics, adult content, gambling, etc.).
• It’s hosted on a foreign server and hasn’t completed required registration or compliance.
• The IP is tied to another site that’s been flagged, causing collateral blocking.
  Understanding the reason can help you pick the right fix.

3. Solutions #

Depending on your situation, here are some options to try:

• Switch to a New Domain
  If the blocked domain can’t be recovered, register a new one and migrate your content. Pointing it to a local server and completing any required registration can often prevent blocking.
• Use a Local Server and Register It
  Host your site on a server within the region (e.g., Alibaba Cloud, Tencent Cloud) and follow local regulations for domain registration. This aligns with local laws and reduces the risk of being blocked.
• Set Up a Redirect (301 Redirect)
  If you don’t want to ditch the original domain, link it to a new one hosted locally and use a 301 redirect. This can help preserve some of the original domain’s SEO value.
• Use a CDN or Proxy Service
  Route traffic through a Content Delivery Network (CDN) or reverse proxy to an unblocked IP. Providers like Cloudflare offer this, though be aware of local CDN regulations.
• Revise Site Content
  If the block is due to non-compliant content, remove or edit the offending material and consider appealing to the relevant authorities (though success is rare).
• Use a Proxy
  Leverage proxy servers (e.g., Socks5 or HTTP proxies) to reroute your requests through different internet exit points, bypassing direct restrictions.
• Virtual Private Network (VPN)
  A VPN creates a secure tunnel for your data. Using a reliable, globally oriented VPN service can let you access blocked sites. Many international VPN providers offer this workaround.
• Use Domain Resolution Services
  Services like Google DNS or OpenDNS can sometimes help bypass certain restrictions.
• Host on an Overseas Server
  For some businesses, hosting servers abroad can sidestep direct content restrictions.
• Switch DNS Servers
  Changing to a DNS server like Google’s 8.8.8.8 or 1.1.1.1 might help you access blocked sites.
• Check Network Settings
  Ensure your network isn’t being disrupted by other devices or firewalls blocking specific domains.
• Contact the Service Provider
  If you can’t reach a specific site, reach out to its provider to ask about solutions for access from your region.
• Use Mirror Sites
  Some blocked sites have mirror versions that might be accessible locally. Search online to find them.
• Wait It Out
  Occasionally, sites get blocked by mistake and may become accessible again over time.

4. Where to Get Help #

• Domain Registrar: Contact your domain provider (e.g., GoDaddy, Namecheap, Alibaba Cloud) to ask about solutions or advice.
• Server Provider: If you’re using a cloud service (e.g., Alibaba Cloud, Tencent Cloud), their tech support can guide you on registration or migration options.
• Tech Forums: Post questions on platforms like V2EX, Zhihu, or similar communities for shared experiences.
• Cybersecurity Services: Some companies (e.g., feige301.com) specialize in solutions for blocked domains—reach out for advice.

5. Appealing the Block #

There’s no clear official channel for appealing a domain block. If it’s a mistake, you could try contacting the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology or cybersecurity authorities, but success is unlikely.

Additional Tips #

The simplest and most effective fix is often to switch to a new domain, host it locally, and ensure compliance with regulations. If you want to keep the original domain, combining redirects or CDN tech might work, but weigh the costs and benefits based on your needs.

Note: Before trying any of these methods, ensure they comply with local laws. Not all options are legal or safe—choose wisely.