The China Teaching Web

Dear Jean,

I was all excited about using my Wordpress blog once I arrived here in China. Imagine my disappointment when I realized that it was blocked here. Now, I am reduced to sending out weekly emails to my friends and family. I would much prefer to write on my blog which is much easier to use and more fun. What is your advice for bloggers in China?

Regards,

Mike in Western China

Jean Answers Mike’s Question

Dear Mike,

Thank you for your interesting question. Unfortunately, you are exactly right. Wordpress blogs are blocked in China and there is no indication that this will change in the near future. Fortunately, just because Wordpress is blocked in China does not prevent you from using the Wordpress blogging software. The Chinese government only seems to be blocking sites that have the word “Wordpress” in the actual website domain. If you are already familiar with the Wordpress platform (which we think is the best out there) then you should consider buying your own domain name with hosting and installing the Wordpress blogging software on the website. If you don’t have much experience with running a website then this option may seem a little daunting but I can assure you that it is easy once you get the hang of it. A domain name and hosting should cost less than $40 a year and you can download Wordpress for free off the Wordpress.org website. These days, Wordpress is easier than ever to use and it will basically install itself. As long as you are not installing Wordpress into a sub-domain that contains the word “Wordpress” then your blog always be accessible in China.

If you are not interested in going in that direction then you may want to consider choosing another online blogging platform that is not blocked in China. We do not recommend that, however, because you never know when the government might just decide to block the entire domain name for that blogging platform. It is much better to have your own domain name.

Sincerely,

Jean

Ask Jean about China is a weekly feature on TeachAbroadChina.com. We welcome any questions related to living and working in China. Feel free to submit your questions by clicking here. We look forward to hearing from you.