Introduction #

Generally, if a domain is blocked by the Great Firewall (GFW) due to sensitive content or non-compliant operations, the unblocking process can take anywhere from a few months to several years, and in some cases, the domain may remain permanently blocked. There are instances where ceasing domain resolution and leaving it idle for an extended period (e.g., over a year) may result in the block being lifted automatically, though this is not guaranteed. Alternatively, if a domain is blocked because its server IP is blacklisted, changing the IP or redirecting the domain to a compliant domestic server with proper ICP filing may restore access within weeks to months.

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.

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: